Utumno was the first fortress of Darkness constructed by Melkor before the First Age, which was situated in the North of Middle Earth. This fortress, also known as Udûn, was built in the Iron Mountains when Melkor was expelled from Arda. This fortress is kept away from the light and hence, made very far from the city of Angband which was completely lit with the famous two lamps, Illuin and Ormal, made by Valar. To build this fortress, the Great Pits of Utumno were dug which went deep inside the Earth and became a place to gather all the evil powers of the World.
The pits were filled with vengeful spirits, evil demons, phantoms, wraiths, and other beautiful things that were converted into dreadful items and were deposited into these pits to preserve them for future use. [1] These evil spirits and demons haunted the entire surroundings and were under the control of Melkor and his servants, namely, Gothmog and Sauron. They were waiting for the right time to utilize these evil powers. From this fortress, Melkor and his servants started interfering in the works of Valar, and soon, they attacked the two famous lamps, Illuin and Ormal, and forced them down. After facing much trouble, Valar decided to move out towards Aman. After Valar left, whoever new arrived in the city was captured by Melkor’s servants and then kept in the Pits. Melkor and his servants trained them and made them orcs, which were used later to fight many other battles.
The pits were filled with vengeful spirits, evil demons, phantoms, wraiths, and other beautiful things that were converted into dreadful items and were deposited into these pits to preserve them for future use. [1] These evil spirits and demons haunted the entire surroundings and were under the control of Melkor and his servants, namely, Gothmog and Sauron. They were waiting for the right time to utilize these evil powers. From this fortress, Melkor and his servants started interfering in the works of Valar, and soon, they attacked the two famous lamps, Illuin and Ormal, and forced them down. After facing much trouble, Valar decided to move out towards Aman. After Valar left, whoever new arrived in the city was captured by Melkor’s servants and then kept in the Pits. Melkor and his servants trained them and made them orcs, which were used later to fight many other battles.
Battle of Power
However, Valar saw all these hideous acts and decided to come out of the West zone to put down Melkor’s powers and save the Elves. Valar started the Battle of the Powers. In this war, Valar attacked and defeated the forces of Melkor and forced them to move out of the fortress. This was the last battle fought in favor of the Elves. In VY 1099, the fortress was destroyed. As Melkor was defeated in the battle, he was captured and imprisoned for about three thousand years. The final fate of the fortress is unknown, its ruins are expected to be lying near the coasts of Forochel in the North or somewhere surrounding that region. Moreover, it is also possible that it fell below the sea and maybe lying in the Icy Bay of Forochel in the Icy Sea. [2]
References
Categories:
Fortresses
Quenya words
