Dagor Dagorath

Also called The Final Battle, the Dagor Dagorath is an apocalyptic era referred to and distinguished in the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. The details of this End War is described in the second prophecy of Manos. It involves the Valar's ultimate battle against Melkor, who was killed in the end by kin of Men named Turin, using his iron sword. After the battle, Middle-earth was destroyed, but it was later created anew with the Second Music.

The book Silmarillion concludes with the tale of Earendil, the seafarer's journey. However, this is only an edited choice of Christopher Tolkien, son of J.R.R. Tolkien. He replaced his father's first written ending because of inconsistencies among the books. J.R.R. Tolkien originally wrote the ending of the Silmarillion with Mandor's prophecy about the Dagor Dagorath, which was marked as The End. He also wrote a hint at the end of the Akallabêth. It points to this last event in which Ar-Pharazôn and his army of Men invade Aman. But the falling hills captured them and held them in its depths, then cast them to the Caves of the Forgotten up to the time for "Last Battle and Day of Doom." However, it is a significant fact that the publicized book of Silmarillion details no plausible remark of the "End of Days," "Day of Doom," or "Last Battle."

In Tolkien's last writing, it was clarified that they did not bind Melkor but cast him out. They seized Melkor, decapitated him, and executed him. They destroyed his body, which he strongly protected. Then, they chained him with the powerful Angainor chain and threw him off the Door of Night, which extinguished his spirit. However, his will lingered and was known as a malevolent, luring, and shadowy force in the realm.

In the Quenta Silmarillion's manuscript of 1937, Mandos has a second prediction for the Valar in the ending, but this was excluded in Christopher Tolkien's last publication. The specifics of Dagor Dagorath are detailed in this, especially the main root of the dissension. It narrates the prophecy as follows. Mandos prophesied as the Valar judged in their seats in Valinor. It was at the time when whispers of his foresight circulated with the Elves in the west. When forces are waning, and the world is aging, the Black Foe of the World named Morgoth will appear. When the gatekeepers are in slumber, he will return from the Timeless Void and enter Valinor through the Door of the Night. Darkness will overcome all, as the sun turns black, and the moon ceases to shine.

The army of Valinor shall cascade against him in scorching fires, blinding and dreadful. Then the Last Battle will assemble in the plains of Valinor. And on that day, Tulkas shall contend with Morgoth. Eönwë will stand on his right hand, and Túrin Turambar, the son of Hurin, will be strong on his left, arriving from the Doom of Men at the world's end. Turin's black sword will slay Morgoth to his eternal end, which will deliver justice to the children of Hurin and all men who perished. This would turn the earth into ruins, but they will renew it after the battle. Feanor will retrieve the Silmarils from the Earth, Sky, and Sea.

And he would offer them graciously. Yavanna shall revive the Two Trees, and a great light will appear. The mountains in Valinor will lie down, and the light will reach every corner of the world. The light will replenish the youth of the Valar, the Elves will rise, and all who fell shall be alive again. And so the will of Ilúvatar shall be accomplished upon all. But Mandos did not mention the fate of Men. He also did not name any of them except for Turin. And for Turin, being the hero who kills Morgoth, he shall be placed highly with the Valar children.

As written in the prophecy, the last war begins [1] when Morgoth learns how to unlock the Door of Night, and he will darken the Moon and Sun. The Sun and Moon's guardian Earendil descends from the sky and unites with Eonwe (the old name of Fionwe), Manwe, Tulkas, and Turin Turmabar on the fields of Valinor. Then, the army of the Valar wage wars against Merkoth and the Forces of Darkness. Tulkas clashes with Morgoth, but it is Turin who will deliver the fatal blow. Turin's sword was named Gurthang, which means Iron of Death. Gurthang fatally strikes Melkor's heart, killing and destroying him forever. Note that in another version, specifically in the last portion of "The Hiding of Valinor," Eonwe executes the last strike that kills Morgoth, not Turin. Hence, the Hîn Húrin (Sindarin for Children of Hurin) and the fallen are finally avenged. The Silmarils emerge from the Earth, Sky, and Sea, and Feanor captures them. They shatter, releasing their blaze, which Yavanna wields to reawaken the Two Trees. An incredible brilliance arises, and the Pelori mountains transform into plains. The battle concludes, and the Second Music restores Arda to its glory. It brings the Elves back to life, and all powers are returned.

After the battle, the Second Music of Ainur [2] by Elves, Men, and the Ainur will sing a new world into existence. The fate of the former world and races were not revealed. However, the Dwarves believe that when the ultimate battle of the realm is over, they would help Mahal, the Valar, recreate Arda. Despite the prophecy, the Ainur does not know yet of the Second World or the Second Music. But they are certain the Second Music shall exceed the First.

Christopher Tolkien deleted Mando's prophecy from The Silmarillion because of his father's 1958 revision of Valaquenta. In the Valaquenta, Mando's prophecy did not mention if the Marring of Arda would be repaired. Christopher Tolkien adapted this line and included it in the ending of the Quenta Silmarillion. Because of the prophecy's deletion, Christopher interprets that the Dagor Dagorath is also discarded.

The published book of Silmarillion counters the Second Prophecy in many aspects. The second prophecy details that Men's destiny is unknown, and the Valar, as well as the Elves, will be restored in Dagor Dagorath. However, the Silmarillion is clear that Men joins in the singing of the Second Music. It is the fate of the Elves that is uncertain.

After all the prophecies, characters, and events, Eru the Sovereign Creator will always withhold his plan in all so that Morgoth and all the dark forces cannot alter his intentions. Eru even speaks to Melkor directly, declaring that all themes existing find its origin to him, and no one can change the music other than him. And so, whoever seeks to do so will find that the Creator's plan in making things work will always be beyond what they can even imagine. In other words, Middle-earth's conclusion will be according to Eru's plan, no matter what evil comes or events happen.

The apparent inspiration of Dagor Dagorath [3] is the Norse's Ragnarok and the Armageddon [4] of the Holy Bible. In a song by Tom Bombadil, he distinguished this end as the time when the world is mended.

Dagor Dagorath is a Sindarin term meaning "Battle of Battles."

1. ^Last Battle, the end of Arda.
2. ^Second Music of the Ainur.
3. ^The Tale of the Dagor Dagorath.
4. ^What Is the Battle of Armageddon?