The Dagor Bragollach

The Dagor Bragollach

Author: Alex Holmgren July 31, 2026 Duration: 15:36

On a winter's night, Morgoth sent out rivers of flame from Thangorodrim, and the Mountains of Iron spewed fires and deadly fumes. The flames consumed the plain of Ard-galen, which was renamed Anfauglith. Many Elves perished as they tried to escape the fire, and the confusion caused by the flame and smoke hindered the defenders that watched Angband. Then Morgoth sent forth his armies, led by Glaurung, first of the Urulóki. Behind Glaurung came Balrogs and multitudes of Orcs, and they slaughtered anyone they came across. After a year of fighting, when Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor, saw what he believed to be the utter ruin of the Noldor, he rode in anger across the dust of Anfauglith and challenged Morgoth to single combat. At the doors of Angband itself they fought a great duel. Fingolfin's sword, Ringil, wounded Morgoth seven times. Yet he was felled by Morgoth's hammer, Grond, and crushed by Morgoth's mighty foot. Fingolfin's body was saved by Thorondor King of Eagles and brought into the mountaintops north of Gondolin. There Turgon his son built a cairn over his body.


Join Alex Holmgren for A Leisurely Stroll Through Middle-Earth, a series designed for those who love to dwell in the rich details of Tolkien's world rather than rush through it. Think of it as a companionable walk with a fellow enthusiast, where the pace is slow enough to appreciate the scenery. Each episode immerses you in the text, treating chapters like an audio play to savor the language and atmosphere. Along the way, Alex pauses to discuss the themes, characters, and lingering questions that arise, turning a solitary read into a shared conversation. The podcast also keeps an ear on the wider world of Middle-earth, touching on relevant news and adaptations, ensuring the discussion feels connected to both the timeless books and our current moment. It’s a welcoming space for both seasoned scholars and first-time visitors to the Shire, built on the idea that the greatest stories reveal more with every return. This isn't a lecture or a recap, but an invitation to experience the legendarium with fresh eyes and a curious mind, one deliberate step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

A Leisurely Stroll Through Middle-Earth
Podcast Episodes
Narn i Hîn Húrin- Túrin Turambar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:07
After the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Húrin- a great man of the Edain- was captured by Morgoth and was greatly pressed for information. Húrin was brought before Morgoth, for he had learnt from his spies that Húrin was friends wi…
Beren and Luthien: Love Beyond Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:14
So there may have been peace and joy in Doriath, but Carcharoth was discovered, and a hunting party composed of Thingol, Beren, Beleg Cúthalion, Mablung, and Huan was sent to slay the beast. During the hunt, Thingol was…
Beren and Luthien: Quest for the Silmaril [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:22
The Quest for the Silmaril was the pursuit of Beren Erchamion for a Silmaril from the Iron Crown of Morgoth during the First Age. This was the price set upon Beren by Thingol, King of Doriath, for his daughter Lúthien's…
War in the North explained part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:06
Spoiler warning for gameplay!!!!! Rejoin our save point as we discuss the later half of War in the North- and the defeat of the dreaded Agandaûr!
The War in the North explained part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
In light of its shadow release, I am explaining War in the North- a game that initially released in November 2011 which was just released this last week! Join us as I explain the first part of the game! Spoilers will ens…
An Expected Interview: Jacob Anderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:02
Join my buddy Jacob and myself as we talk Lord of the Rings, how it has effected us as men and the important life lessons from it. Also here is a link to Rhubarb and Lavender whom we mention in this episode!
Return to Middle-Earth & the Seige of Angband [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
Fëanor and his followers returned to Middle-earth in Y.T. 1497, landing in Lammoth. There they burnt the ships at a place known now as Losgar. The host went up the Firth of Drengist and passed through where it pierced th…
Sacking of Alqualondë [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:48
When Fëanor rebelled against the will of the Valar, he went to the shores of Aman, seeking for a way to reach Middle-earth. He demanded the use of the Telerin ships, however, the Teleri refused...and great evil was done…