The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall of Gondolin, compiled by Christopher Tolkien, brings together all of his father’s various versions of one of the “Great Tales” of the Elder Days. This story, which J.R.R. Tolkien considered one of the three most important legends of the First Age of Middle-earth, details the history and destruction of the hidden Elven city of Gondolin.

The book is not a single, continuous narrative but an academic collection, showcasing the evolution of the story over Tolkien’s lifetime. It contains early drafts, poems, and later prose versions, all with detailed commentary from Christopher Tolkien that explains the changes in characters, plot, and even the world’s mythology. This format allows readers to witness the creative process behind the legend, from its origins as a raw, mythic tale to its more refined, complex form.

The narrative itself follows Tuor, a mortal man guided by the Vala Ulmo to find the legendary city of Gondolin. Tuor’s mission is to warn the city’s king, Turgon, that his hidden kingdom will be betrayed and destroyed by the Dark Lord Morgoth. However, Turgon, proud and blinded by the city’s seemingly impenetrable defences, ignores the warning. The story culminates in a magnificent and tragic siege, as Morgoth unleashes his forces – including Balrogs and dragons -upon Gondolin, leading to its catastrophic fall. The tale ends with the escape of Tuor, his wife Idril, and their son Eärendil, who will later play a pivotal role in the salvation of Middle-earth.

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