The War of the Great Jewels (S."Yrthrim Silmarillion") also known as the Wars of Beleriand, was a cataclysmic conflict that defined the First Age of Middle-earth. Fought between the forces of Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, and the Free Peoples of Arda, it was a struggle for dominion over the land and for possession of the three Silmarils, the radiant jewels forged by Fëanor and imbued with the light of the Two Trees of Valinor. This series of wars spanned centuries, devastating the once-beautiful lands of Beleriand. Many battles were fought and many lives were lost in this crusade against Morgoth, but in the end the Enemy inevitably prevailed, and it would be the host of the Valar combined with what free peoples were left in Beleriand that would overthrow Morgoth and his forces in the apocalyptic War of Wrath, which ended the First Age.
Battles during the War of the Jewels:[]
Prelude[]
Early Battles[]
- Dagor Minui (“The First Battle”)
- Dagor-nuin-Giliath (“The Second Battle”)
- Battle of the Lammoth
- Battle of the Moon
Pax Noldorica[]
- Dagor Aglareb (“The Third Battle”)
- Siege of Angband
- Battle of Palisor
- Invasion of Hithlum
- Battle of the Gelion-Ascar Stockade
Breaking of the Siege[]
- Dagor Bragollach (“The Fourth Battle”)
- The Fatal Challenge
- Battle at Aglond Pass
- Fall of Tol Sirion
- Massacre at Tarn Aeluin
- Battle at Hithlum
- Assault on Doriath
- Fall of Tol-in-Gaurhoth
- Quest for the Silmaril
The Downfall of Beleriand[]
- Nirnaeth Arnoediad (“The Fifth Battle”)
- Fall of the Falas
- Sack of Bar-en-Danwedh
- Fall of Nargothrond
- Battle at Cabed-en-Aras
- Battle of the Thousand Caves
- Battle of Sarn Athrad
- Second Kinslaying at Doriath
- Fall of Gondolin
- Third Kinslaying at Havens of Sirion
War of Wrath[]
- Battle of Eglarest
- Battle at the River Sirion
- The Strategic Retreat of Valinor
- Rallying of the Valinorian Host
- Final Assault of Angband
Legacy[]
The War of the Great Jewels is remembered as one of the most devastating conflicts in the history of Arda. It embodied the dual themes of heroism and tragedy, with acts of unparalleled bravery shadowed by the curse of the Oath of Fëanor and the greed of Morgoth. Its legacy endured in the songs and tales of later ages, a cautionary reminder of the dangers of pride, vengeance, and unchecked power.