The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Gondolin was completed in I 116 and fell to Melkor I 510
Location
The sixth of the Seven Gates guarding the Orfalch Echor that led through the Encircling Mountains to Gondolin
Origins
Constructed by Turgon's people as part of the defences of Gondolin
Race
Divisions
Culture
Settlements
Guarded the way to Gondolin
Important peaks
Guarded the road leading through Echoriath, the Encircling Mountains of Gondolin
Passes
The gate lay within the Orfalch Echor
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 16 October 2024
  • Updates planned: 1

The Seven Gates of Gondolin

The Golden Gate, sixth of the Seven Gates of Gondolin stood near the end of the Orfalch, close to the point where its road issued onto the plains of Tumladen and ran onward to Gondolin itself.

The Fifth and Sixth Gates were together dedicated to the Two Trees of Valinor. The Fifth, the Gate of Silver, was associated with the White Tree Telperion, but the Sixth, the Golden Gate, was devoted to Laurelin the Golden Tree. On the marble wall that held the gate stood a pyramid, and on that pyramid was a likeness of the Tree Laurelin, hung with topaz fruit dangling from golden chains.

The golden theme was carried through to the gate itself, and to its guard. The gate was decorated with golden discs representing the Sun, the last fruit of Laurelin, and the archers who guarded the last of the six ancient gates wore gilded armour, with golden plumes rising from their helmets.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 16 October 2024
  • Updates planned: 1

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