Angainor was the chain used to contain Melkor in the Halls of Mandos.
History
Melkor is chained
Angainor was constructed by the Vala Aulë and held Melkor for three ages. After this time, Melkor was judged and released by the Valar, as they thought that he had been changed. However, Melkor went back to Middle-earth and continued his evil ways under the name Morgoth. After his defeat in the War of Wrath at the end of the First Age, Morgoth (as he was now known) was found cowering in the lowest dungeon of his fortress Angband. He attempted to negotiate for pardon, but was again bound by Angainor, and his iron crown was made into a collar.[1]
The two Silmarils that had been taken by Morgoth for his crown were retaken by Eönwë. Disgusted with Morgoth, the Valar thrust him through the Door of Night beyond the Walls of the World, into the Timeless Void. There he will remain imprisoned until the final battle, Dagor Dagorath, the final judgment of the world.[2]
Etymology
In Quenya, anga means "iron".[3][4]
Other versions of the legendarium
Before becoming Angainor, the chain was known as Angaino, the Oppressor, which was coupled with Vorotemnar the manacles and Ilterindi, the fetters.[5]
References
- ↑ The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter III: "Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
- ↑ The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter XXIV: "Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath"
- ↑ The Silmarillion, Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin names
- ↑ Parma Eldalamberon, Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. 1: The Book of Lost Tales Part One, IV: "The Chaining of Melko"
