Thorondor

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In J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe Thorondor was the greatest of the Eagles of Manwë.

Thorondor (Quenya, Sorontar, both of which mean King of Eagles) was sent by Manwë, King of the Valar, to watch over the Noldor after they arrived in Beleriand. Of the race of the Great Eagles, he is described to have a wingspan of thirty fathoms, or 180 feet (54.86 meters).

The Eldar first encountered him when he helped Fingon rescue Maedhros from imprisonment from Thangorodrim. After that, Thorondor and the rest of the Eagles settled in the Crissaegrim. When Gondolin was built, Thorondor became the ever vigilant guardian of the city. He rescued Fingolfin's body from defilement after Morgoth killed him, giving the Dark Lord a scar on his face. He and two other Eagles rescued Beren and Lúthien when Angband was aroused. When Gondolin fell, Thorondor rescued the survivors.

During the War of Wrath, Thorondor and Eärendil led the Eagles in battle with the Dragons, and may have fought with Ancalagon the Black. In Tolkien's writings, Thorondor is not mentioned after the War of Wrath. It is believed he returned to Valinor, although his descendants remained behind. These included Gwaihir (wind-lord), Lord of Eagles during the War of the Ring and his brother Landroval (wide-winged).