Boldog's raid[1] was an assault on Dimbar in Doriath by an Orc-captain sent by Morgoth to take Lúthien to Angband. Guarded by the Girdle of Melian, the Orcs could not pass into the borders of Doriath, so Thingol with his army came out of the forest to fight Boldog's warband. Boldog was slain by Thingol and the Elves destroyed his forces.
Battle[]
During the late First Age, Morgoth sent a host of Orcs led by the Orc-captain Boldog to raid the north-marches of the Kingdom of Doriath. He was commanded by Morgoth to capture Lúthien and bring her to him for an undisclosed reason. Boldog drove his host south over the highlands of Dorthonion and through the enchanted forest of Taur-nu-Fuin, following the Orcs' Road of Haste through the Pass of Anach. Where fell darkness met the mists of the Girdle of Melian, just east of the river Mindeb, the Orc-host reached the border of Doriath. To meet the deadly threat posed by Boldog's host, Thingol mustered his full might with his two great Captains, Beleg and Mablung. He lead the army of Iathrim Elves beyond the north-marches of Doriath. Thingol and Boldog met in single combat in the midst of the battle. Boldog fought him with an iron spear, but was ultimately slain by Thingol wielding Aranrúth,[2] and the Orc-host was utterly defeated with the remnants driven into Taur-nu-Fuin.[3]
Aftermath[]
During the Quest for the Silmaril, Finrod, Beren, Edrahil, and their companions disguised themselves in Orc-form, claiming to Thû to have been a part of Boldog's army and needed to deliver urgent news to Thangorodrim. However, due to Boldog's death, Thû saw through their disguise, revealing to them that Boldog was slain. He also revealed to Beren that Morgoth coveted Lúthien; this greatly upset and angered him.[4]
Boldog's iron spear was later used by Mablung during the Hunting of the Wolf.[2]
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. III: The Lays of Beleriand, III: "The Lay of Leithian", "Unwritten Cantos", pgs 310-313
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The History of Middle-earth, Vol. III: The Lays of Beleriand, III: "The Lay of Leithian: Unwritten Cantos"
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. III: The Lays of Beleriand, III: "The Lay of Leithian: Canto XII (Fingolfin and Morgoth; the meeting with Carcharoth)"
- ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. III: The Lays of Beleriand, III: "The Lay of Leithian: Canto VII (Beren and Felagund before Thû)"