The History Of Gondolin | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

Is Gondolin the greatest elven city ever? Which is the greater realm - Gondolin or Numenor?

[@fr0st9786]

I would say Numenor! Since they were human with shorter lifespans, but achieved so much! Furthermore, they had the Meneltarma and Manwe's eagles! That's gotta count for something right?

[@bash_maxwell]

Gondolin takes it for those gates. Where does the info on the Gates come from? I've never heard those details before. Thanks.

[@talesoftheeldar8688]

I realy like Barad Eithel

[@crastinativeapollo1231]

Since Numenor is an entire island it definitely has achieved more but in terms of cities, Gondololin is is far greater than Armenelos.

[@185Keith]

Gondolin, is pretty cool. But I've always preferred Menegroth and the Falathrim citys of Brithombar and Eglarest.

[@marcognudi664]

Silmarillion deserves it's own decade long TV series

[@post-leftluddite]

Yes, done in a gritty, realistic way by the right director, I know I'll be burned at the awake, but I've never been a fan if Jackson's films or style

[@mho...]

would definetly be a worthy tale to tell! but *IF* its ever done, it must be a done-deal (like babylon5) to have the guarantee, to make it all into pictures & not being crippled by (usa-only)ratings or stupid writers strikes!

[@jasoncolleran2178]

hopefully amazon can do it so it might be as good as the rings of power

[@lukebullen705]

​@@jasoncolleran2178love the sarcasm

[@RavenHart-sx8xs]

Rings of power is your answer. The show is amazing 🤩

[@deathbeforedishonor1931]

The fall of Gondolin could be such a good movie if done correctly. An epic action tragedy. If Tolkien’s first age rights ever get sold here’s hoping whoever acquires them does these epic stories justice. Such potential just waiting to be tapped into. Maybe one day 👌🏼

[@valentinkambushev4968]

I honestly want it to be animated or, at the very least, to be mostly practical effects and almost no CGI.

[@deathbeforedishonor1931]

⁠@@valentinkambushev4968animated for sure could be done right and would still be highly enjoyable. That’s definitely the Safest option. If a live action movie ever did come to pass I’m in agreement that practical effects is the way to go. Only CGI that would honestly be needed would for morgoth’s dragons and balrogs that participate in the destruction of the city.

[@VikingCarter]

​@@deathbeforedishonor1931eh... the eagles might need it as well.

[@blakehawkes9597]

I’d love a slight undercurrent of fall of troy inspo

[@Vikingr4Jesus5919]

​@@blakehawkes9597Fall of Troy?

[@NUCLEARYAN]

Really, the First Age the most epic age, with the Elves, still young and strong, Morgoth and his battles against the Elves, the many stories, of Hurin, Turin, Tuor, Beren, and Feanor, Fingolfin, Fingon, Turgon, Finrod, Thengel, it is so great. When i first read the Silmarillion, i couldn't keep wondering, how Middle Earth in LOTR was only a little wisper of the Elder Days, and kept wondering if only The Silmarillion could be adapted in a perfect movie, though impossible, just imagine it

[@daarom3472]

it could be possible but would require extremely careful production by a small group of committed people with unlimited resources and no commercial person to answer to.

[@NUCLEARYAN]

@@daarom3472 with the technology nowadays, we can wait maybe a dozen year and it might be adapted very well. I just hope they stick to the book, though all the movie adaptations don't, even if the lotr movie was a masterpiece, its not even close to the book. i wish they wont make it into something disgusting like the rings of power

[@myriadmediamusings]

I always felt that the Hobbit and LOTR tales were great of course, but the moment I found out about all the stuff in the Silmarillion, to me it feels like the further back we go, the more passion and enjoyment for this universe I have. Its a shame that the Silmarillion has to be such a difficult read because the tales and stories are so epic on a whole new level.

[@istari0]

@@NUCLEARYAN Therein lies the problem. The technology will arrive. Finding people who will respect and honor Tolkien's work seems very unlikely these days.

[@DarkROSkull013]

True. My personal favorite is High King Fingolfin vs Morgoth in single combat.

[@aureliusausgustinus1332]

I've always loved Gondolin and its history. It was the hidden shield of white that kept Morgoth at bay.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

But no shield is unbreakable.

[@tonypapas9854]

Melkor eventually would have surrounded Gondolin and taken over the rest of Beleriand, leaving it to wither and die over the centuries with nothing around it but evil and death. It's being finally discovered is actually the impetus for finally overthrowing Melkor.

[@Lodrik18]

Is it trough? He was afraid of the unknown but they didnt really pose a threat... (They were powerful, killing two Balrogs is a feat nobody else managed but is wasnt anywhere close to enough...)

[@Sportsfilmappreciator]

This. This is why I like your channel. No interviews (those these have been good). No long game reviews. Just good old fashioned stories and explanations of some of our favourite places in the lands of Arda.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

That comes directly from the sorce itself.

[@pentegarn1]

We have a green plane surrounded by mountains like Gondolin here in Virginia called "Burkes Garden". I tell my little cousins there use to be an Elven city there until it was destroyed by dragons and Orcs. ;)

[@orfeas8]

Indication of good parenting 👏🤝

[@RavenHart-sx8xs]

​@@orfeas8She said COUSINS

[@ToxicDemise99]

Keep their imagination alive my friend. Children grow too soon.

[@Sykohsis]

Ted Nasmith creates the best Tolkien art imo. His renditions of places like Gondolin are the most canon out of any other artists. I talked to him before and asked why he didn't do artwork on the LOTR movies. He was apparently offered the job but just had too much going on at the time

[@mondkalb9813]

After reading the LotR I always longed to know more about the lost world Tolkien only hinted at here and there in the LotR. I was blown away when the Silmarillion came out and later the Unfinished Tales. A few years after that the first paintings by Ted Nasmith appeared somewhere (the internet was just about to start at the time). To me, his versions of the lost places of the first and second age seem to capture the essence of what Tolkien described. Absolutely stunning and beautiful!

[@memoxs2601]

I just saw this video today, I was not able to do it last saturday. All the week I was like something was missing and know I know what it was. Great job as always Matt, you have done such a great work as a herald of the work of the Proffesor Tolkien, i found you channel during the pandemic and since then I have watched of your videos and all of them are great, best tolkien channel ever.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️

[@muhammadrafey6296]

@@NerdoftheRingsOne thing I’m confused about is how do the characters of Lotr receive their house name. Why is ecthelion called ecthelion lord of the house of the fountain and glorfindel is called lord of the house of the golden flower? Where do these names come from?

[@arklinmike]

After Jackson released LOTR I could not help but wish there would be a film about Gondolin. One balrog was bad, and one dragon worse, but an army of them, and orcs and wargs would be a spectacular event. Then Christopher answered my other hope and released the Fall of Gondolin as a stand-alone. Great Job covering both the material in "the books" but also many aspects readers of the History of Middle Earth might not be familiar with!👍🧙‍♂🧝‍♂🦅

[@joshfulmer3689]

This is absolutely my favorite story on this channel and favorite city. I live in Colorado so every time I go hiking and I just think about the Kingdom were between these mountains.

[@buechertz]

It's so ironic how close Gondolin geographically was to the fortress of Angband in the north, yet Morgoth never found it by himself.

[@LagunaShirogane]

They were in Morgoth's own backyard but yet couldnt see or find it. Thats nuts but genius as well.

[@JCyd]

If you had listened well to the narration, you’d understand why.

[@TheBobVova]

@@JCyd What exactly?

[@JCyd]

@@TheBobVova that it was Ulmo’s design that none shall ever find the city unless it was Ulmo’s will OR their heart’s desire. So Morgoth not being able to find it while he was near was because the people of Gondolin didn’t want evil in the city until Maeglin nurtured the evil desires of his heart and willingly led Morgoth to the city.

[@TheBobVova]

@@JCyd Thanks, my friend.

[@ethanmietzner5218]

This is great timing. I'm currently reading Tuors Coming to Gondolin in Unfinished Tales. It's cool knowing that this tale is one of the first developed by Tolkien in the early 20th century.

[@Uplandgrooming]

One of the best 1st age stories! Really want it to get a film or tv adaptation.

[@TolkienAnswers]

I think it would work great with Earendil as the main character, the first 3rd of the movie he would be a kid.

[@pscar1]

There was a project, but it was axed years ago.

[@amitpetare]

An animated movie on Fall of Gondolin would be epic

[@brendantrollip1268]

Amazing that this channel has almost 1 million subscribers 👏 - goes to show Tolkien's stories are timeless and will always have an audience interested in the lore

[@sdeeohdoublegee6088]

We need a video on Echthelion! We get all the other bad ass elves, but for some reason this one gets slept on. ECHTHELION!!!

[@Tadicuslegion78]

If I had a nickel every time an Elven King set up his kingdom for disaster by making a very selfish decision. I’d have a lot of nickels.

[@Rellana1]

True that. Ulmo sent a messenger warning him to abandon the city and head to the sea-coast instead,where he could protect them,but Turgon refused to leave.

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

One of your finest video. The nostalgia is back.

[@tonalambiguity3345]

Sometimes I have to remind myself of what life was like before we had easy access to quality content like this.

[@GregJ9]

I'm 31 years old and first read The Hobbit in 5th grade, was impressed with the world JRR Tolkien mentally created with God's blessing to do so. @NerdofTheRings you always deliver great videos love your body of work sir 💯👌🏾you definitely are blessed with the passion for Middle Earth and Tolkien's body of work awesome job sir!! 😁👍🏾. Gondolin video is great, the detail of each gate and their differences between the designs of them is EPIC! All of that for Gondolin's protection, I want all of your videos turned into motion pictures ASAP! been awhile since Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit....Way more adventures to be seen in Middle Earth...💯👌🏾

[@TolkienAnswers]

I just finished reading The Fall of Gondolin book this week, it is one of the best stories of the 1st age.

[@elenitsa86]

Past few days I became obsessed with your channel! So many questions answered and so many gaps filled! Thank you

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

Silmarillion is one of the best books on fantasy. Brilliant video. We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.

[@jaimy_games]

Another beautiful video. I enjoyed it very much and already excited about a whole video about the Fall of Gondolin, knowing so many high ranking creatures on both sides fell during the epic battle.

[@woodworkingphoto8083]

Will forever amaze me that all of this was born out of one man's mind!

[@odinsbeard0141]

I’m watching your channel along side reading the Silmarillion. Honestly. Your channel is outstanding. Truely. It’s added to the experience of reading this very challenging book! Thank you man!

[@fairyboy444]

lol same

[@Flyboy245]

8:55 Read the book about gondolin. The hardest part for me to grasp and visualize was the description of the gates. Very helpful and enlightening to see brought to life, even if only from an interpretation of an artist

[@owurakwabe]

This is my favorite KZbin channel. You rock!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Tolkien did so much groundwork, and it’s constantly blowing my mind!

[@JHChunk]

I’ve learn so much bc of your videos about the world of LOTR…great videos

[@IWS107]

When I read The Fall of Gondolin, I loved the original battle tale. The final battle made the siege of Minis Tirth look like a toy battle. Metal weapons' of war are constructed, reminding one of the Battle of the Somme. The siege of Troy also comes to mind. If you have not read the book, I suggest reading it first before watching the next video.

[@myriadmediamusings]

Best of the 1st age elven realms by a longshot for me. Doriath and Nargathrond were good and all, but Gondolin outclassed them in every way.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

I am still not a fan of their "Don't let anyone out" policy. I get why they did it, but still.

[@thekiatty6953]

​@valentinkambushev4968 yeah it wasn't great, but it was a good shot better than the "hide in the forest and be a dickhead" policy of thingol's

[@bubbaboulware3610]

What are the chances of you releasing one (or several) videos of the tracks you play in the background of your videos. I love the track being played at 14:44 and just before it. A heroic but also ominous sound that I could listen to just during the day. I look forward to all Saturdays at noon. Take care

[@indio4-215]

That's what I'm saying. I especially love the track that plays, for instance, during the very beginning of "The life of Fëanor" video (from 0:00 to 0:24), or the very same track being played at 3:11 to 6:42 of "The Complete Travels of the Ringwraiths (Nazgûl)" video. No doubt it was played on several other videos at the minimum, but those two videos that I listed above are just some examples. If anyone knows the name of that track, do let me know so that I may add it to my playlist.

[@TheDannyDeez]

Man i'd love to see an adaptation of the fall of gondolin on the big screen... would be so epic

[@valentinkambushev4968]

Only if it's animated. In my opinion, animation (western or anime) fits Tolkien much better than life-action.

[@thegungadfly8930]

Agreed. The beautiful White walls, the soldiers in training, the lovely fountains, the perfect farmlands, the magnificent views, all Doomed to a horrific battle with legendary Elves battling so a few might escape.

[@Amiramekki]

@@valentinkambushev4968 Exactly! I think this story in Castlevania style animation would do it justice✨

[@sdeeohdoublegee6088]

Most heart pounding and cinematic battle in the legendarium. This should be a movie or series above all others.

[@jakermaker9697]

The first tale beyond LOTR films that I read and became fascinated and attracted to Tolkien’s literary works that have stayed with me since early teens. Would be the one place in Arda I would visit and then book it before it goes south - and if Turgon doesn’t catch me doing it lol. Great video as always Matt!

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

There are notable similarities between Gondolin and Troy, especially between the more detailed early Lost Tale and the account of the Fall of Troy as told by Virgil in his Aeneid. Both cities have their origins in the God of the Sea, as the walls of Troy were built by Posiedon/Neptune. Both also are doomed because of treachery (one internal, the other external) and while their citizens celebrated a feast. Both Aeneas and Tuor are destined to survive the destruction, managing to kill all enemies while wandering through the battle and seeing the death of their respective kings. Both also secretly lead survivors to escape the city, accompanied by their relatives (while Aeneas carries his father, Tuor carries his son).

[@LagunaShirogane]

And Aeneas, according to a legend, became the father or ancestor to the twin boys Romulus and Remis who would go on to found the mighty city of Rome itself which began the great Roman Republic/Empire. Sounds familiar....

[@myriadmediamusings]

And considering how the Roman Empire and its decline would inspire Gondor/Arnor, and the Numenor story being straight Atlantis in everything but name...

[@LagunaShirogane]

@@myriadmediamusings Considering it is said that Atlantis's high and mighty attitude in defiance of the Greek Gods as a result of their advanced technology and society, it was said that Poseiden sunk the city for their arrogance and impudence Although historically, it believed to have sank as a result of the great volcano Thera erupting which effect many civilizations all across the Mediterranean including Ancient Egypt, which eventually brought about their 2nd Intermediate Period and the Fall of the Mycenaen Empire.

[@ishmaelforester9825]

As Tolkien said, 'Well a man brought up on ordinary history, this is the material out of which he constructs.'

[@ishmaelforester9825]

And probably the Exodus.

[@ilovelamp61]

This gives me chills. Gondolin has a stronger hold on me than all of Middle Earth, for some reason.

[@xjosex753]

FINALLY IVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO COVER THIS STORY!!!!

[@nanoglitch6693]

This was such a good video. I didn't really know anything about Gondolin. The illustrations and narration were awesome!

[@fr0st9786]

I love your videos so much! Thanks for always making my day! Please make a video on the Druedain!

[@Rootcauz]

The artwork of your videos are truly fantastic.

[@leminjapan]

I watched this video three times in a row because it was just so interesting.

[@WhoIsCalli]

One of my favourite stories is this tale. Thanks Matt

[@crastinativeapollo1231]

Great video as usual! Wish you nothing but the best.

[@Mac-gamingforfun]

Hey, really appreciate your work, I love them. Also I love you post those artist page:) They are so talented, thank you all too!

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

Tales of the first age are the best. It always makes me emotional. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Patrick-qed]

Excellent video, as always! Questions though: 1. Isn't that Fingon, not Turgon, at 0:58? 2. Isn't My-glin the pronunciation of Maeglin per the guides in the various appendices?

[@erikbender1967]

I enjoyed this video so much, I may watch it again. Love the indepth videos that you do. Keep up the good work. And we will see ya next time of Nerd of the Rings.

[@ChiaraSiasat]

The story of the Fall of Gondolin is one of my favorite story’s in the entire Legendarium. Just how the city comes to be.. and sadly its downfall. And to think how long it could have withstood had Húrin who was looking for it not given Melkor an inkling of where Gondolin was hidden.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

And if Maeglin wasn't a giant simp. For his first cousin of all people!

[@tonypapas9854]

Hurin wasn't the issue. Eol and Maeglin should never have been allowed into the city. Turgon's sister Aredhel, in fact, started all of the trouble by leaving the city.

[@ChiaraSiasat]

@@tonypapas9854 she may have started it but it was Húrin who had called out Turgon’s name whilst in the mts. After being set free by Morgoth

[@michaelandreipalon359]

As a Halo fan, I interpreted the UNSC Planet Reach as that game series' take on Gondolin: a great haven for a battered race, hidden for long against a great enemy, falls because of some personal carelessness, and yet said fall begins a series of events that'll eventually lead to said beleaguered race winning if not surviving, all while said great enemy collapses into ruin and splinters away into future threats. 5:26 and 13:49: Would like to see a video on the many oaths over the course of Tolkien's Legendarium that came very much true. Also, another video on oaths that surprisingly never came to be. Luthien sure had some very strong tears if it made those healing founts. 13:36: I miss the ancient days where even hordes of Balrogs weren't finished via mutuality. Would have loved to hear the droll journey of those three Gondolin blades retrieved in The Hobbit.

[@benjaminallen3371]

The Fall of Gondolin deserves to be a season of a larger _Silmarillion_ series.🙂

[@letstalktolkien8431]

I'm only 20 seconds into the video, but i sure hope nothing bad happens to this beautiful city heh

[@NUCLEARYAN]

would be a shame huh, if someone betrayed Turgon, and let Morgoth know, would be a Shame

[@Jakblade]

I absolute love this video I re watch all these videos but this one is go-to every time it pops up 🤘 Time to catch up on my history lol

[@babylemonade2868]

Your videos go into great detail and I thank you for the amount of work you put into them. I’d love to know how many hours of research go into making a video like this

[@DanielScasso]

I love your videos mate!!! Very well explained and i can see your knowledge of the books. Thank you for your work good sir

[@kevinbartonico]

Love the hidden Realm Of Gondolin. Its history and heroes ❤ thank you for sharing nerd of the rings😊

[@adamswierszcz5586]

Amazing! Gondolin was almost as beautiful as Hobbiton

[@Tubesmaney]

Well done on this. I'd not studied Gondolin before so thank you!

[@jppernia2228]

I love your Tolkien Explained videos. Hope you can make one about Doriath soon :)

[@Tancraide]

Does anybody happen to know the music in the background at 16:20 ? I have been looking for it for more than two years now. Thanks a million.

[@johnhendrickse9731]

I've been waiting for this for weeks This and a tulkas video

[@richardthomas9497]

"Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin" is my favourite tale from "Unfinished Tales" and the Seven Gates of Gondolin were my favourite passage. Though the artwork is amazing, some of them don't match my perception from the book; I recall the Gate of Wood as portcullis with light shining through at the end of the dark tunnel. The Gate of Stone was less ornate and more austere compared to the later gates. The guards were also simply clad either in dark or greyish cloaks.

[@barrylyndon5552]

That picture of Maeglin and Turgon that you show when you're talking about Maeglin and Morgoth is disturbing af. Makes Morgoth look like this chill old uncle patting young Maeglin on the back haha

[@J316-k9y]

Your narration is peerless.

[@IanHeins]

Nice work dude thanks

[@devinm524]

Video opens with "it was a famous hidden city of the first age" 0:01 me in Ron Burgandy's voice "that doesn't make sense"

[@Maelum_]

I look forward to the Fall of Gondolin vid!

[@valentinkambushev4968]

That's why pride is the worst of the Deadly sins. People (in that case elves) can bring untold ruin to themselves and to others if they let pride cloud their judgment.

[@sotolz1616]

THANK U FOR ALL YOUR CONTENT🙏🏽

[@onjobe480]

Amazing video .. images are on point. A little short though hehe.. maybe some quotes from the silmarillion about ecthelion/glorfindel

[@onjobe480]

Ah just heard the last part of the video. Can't wait!!

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

The entrance gates were all awesome 😎.

[@marciofelipejustino2563]

My favorite tale of tolkien

[@Hallows4]

Looking forward to the breakdown of the 12 houses. Done some editing on their Tolkien Gateway articles.

[@gargoyles9999]

Morgoth: where could that city be?! Sauron: have you checked that small circle on the map that we haven’t explored yet?

[@Vesphuong]

we need a TV series on this! and the adventures of the blue wizards

[@christopherfelipe60]

This is one of my favorite stories in The Silmarillion

[@patrickconnor5854]

Today's date is 3 July 24 and I read of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin from The Silmarillion tonight. The Silmarillion is a very hard book to read and leaves room for a lot of interpretation. I love your videos and I was hoping to find an explanation of this chapter tonight. You confirmed what I read and so much more like how Maeglin's father said he would die (so cool you added that in the video because I had forgotten that part). What I hope you can explain is when it mentions of Tuor and Voronwe are headed northward, they see "a tall Man, clad in black, and bearing a black sword..." Who is this man??? Because from what I can tell, he's not mentioned again in the chapter unless I'm missing something? Is he a spy of Morgoth? I would love it if you or someone else could explain. Thanks so much for awesome content!

[@michaelandreipalon359]

That tall man is Turin Turambar.

[@Legjed4]

Amazing work, thanks a lot!

[@MichaelDahlkvist]

Ive been waiting for this one

[@karmichel]

I can't wait to see your videos about the geography of Valinor 😉

[@Flyboy245]

I think I remember hearing somewhere that Glamdring was the sword of the king of gondolin, and that Elrond technically could’ve claimed it when he identified it (it might’ve even been from one of yours videos). I hadn’t read the story of gondolin at the time, so it was mostly just names, and words on a page, as I was unable to make an associative connection. Actually knowing the connection now, I have the wherewithal to ask: do we know how it was that a sword from a king of the first age, who died in a fountain half a continent away, ended up in a random troll hoard several millennia later?

[@Flyboy245]

@@Brunel1859 well we know bilbo carried the ring with him from the misty mountains into the shire. And it’s history before that

[@emilyelizabethbuchanan998]

The runes were on the sword and told its name and owner. Elrond just read it.

[@emilyelizabethbuchanan998]

The runes were on the sword and told its name and owner. Elrond just read it.

[@caos1925]

there is no war in Gondolin - 12:25

[@randomhead670]

This just makes Bilbo, Thorin, and Gandalfs' swords all the more cooler

[@stephenandersen4625]

I love this stuff. Is that Russel “The Professor” Johnson?

[@4Bobay]

I would have preferred to stay in the halls of Mount Taras in Nevrast, hanging out with Osse and the Falathrim Elves of Brithombar and Eglarest.

[@talesoftheeldar8688]

In the video you talked about Finrod but you showed an artwork depicting Fingon

[@itsatrap1017]

Where’s the source of the Eithel Ninui? I don’t remember it from the “Of Beren and Lúthien” chapter.

[@achelpohl]

Amazing video!

[@DerekLippold]

Oh man looking forward to that deep dive. So, that means that Ulmo knew what was going to happen and it was unavoidable - like, the Fall of Gondolin was preordained?

[@lukasbocker6740]

Anyone else who wants to see the Fall of Gondolin as a TV series? I definitely want to see Rog and house of the hammer of wrath carving through Morgoths forces in a suicide mission.

[@alexkats30]

Any idea about what happens to Balrogs or similar Maiar beings, when they are killed?

[@tuvia4082]

Great video, thank you very much.

[@SOGTrueBeliever]

Thanks for the video 🙂

[@TheCobweb26]

Just wanted to randomly comment, thanks for the Eol video. He is inspiring

[@BichinAround]

Awesome video ❤

[@Reveers]

Gondolin is one of my favourite subjects.

[@benwilcockson504]

KZbin: There’s a new ‘Nerd of the Rings’ video Me:Shut the hell up and play the clip already! How many times have we been through this!?

[@Sillinesscanada]

Happy too see this.❤❤

[@VincenzoSicily]

Did you make a video of the fall?

[@dwazigfruit]

The music is supreme