GONDOLIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Gondolin is a noun that refers to a fictional city and stronghold created by J.R.R. Tolkien in his mythology of Middle-earth. It is primarily known through his book "The Silmarillion." Gondolin was an ancient Elven city founded by the King Turgon in the First Age. It was located in the Hidden Vale of Tumladen, which was surrounded by towering mountains. The city was considered a refuge and sanctuary for the Elves, protecting them from the forces of evil, especially Morgoth, the Dark Lord.
The word "Gondolin" itself has its origins in Tolkien's constructed Elvish language. In Sindarin, one of the Elven languages, "gond" means "(a) rock" or "stone," and "lin" indicates a suffix that implies a place or settlement. Therefore, "Gondolin" can be interpreted as "hidden rock" or "hidden stone."
Gondolin's beauty and grandeur were renowned, with its tall white walls, towers, and fountains. However, due to a betrayal by one of Turgon's allies, the city was ultimately discovered and fell during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Its destruction marked a significant turning point in the history of Middle-earth. The story of Gondolin showcases Tolkien's vivid imagination and his ability to create intricate and detailed settings that have captivated readers for decades.
Etymology of GONDOLIN
The word "Gondolin" is a fictional place name that was created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his legendarium, particularly in his works "The Silmarillion" and "The Book of Lost Tales". Therefore, the etymology of "Gondolin" is not derived from any real-world language but rather constructed by the author.
In Tolkien's constructed Elvish languages, specifically Sindarin, "gond" means "stone" or "rock", while "-lin" is a suffix that denotes a place. Thus, "Gondolin" can be interpreted to mean "rocky place" or "place of stones" in Sindarin.
