Lord of the Fountains

A title given to the Elf-lord Ecthelion, chief of the house and people of Gondolin known as the Fountain. The Lord of the Fountains was one of the highest and most noble Elves of Gondolin, and indeed his title suggests a direct connection between his people and the courts of the King, which were famed for their fountains. The people of the Fountain dressed in sparkling armour dressed with crystals, and Ecthelion their lord did likewise, arming himself in silver, wearing a tall silver helm and carrying a sparkling crystal-studded shield.

For at least part of the Gondolin's history, Ecthelion was given the responsibility of guarding the Great Gate, an important position in a city that depended on secrecy for its survival. It was the Lord of the Fountains who chose to admit Tuor to Gondolin, a decision that had far-reaching consequences and led, decades later, to the Voyage of Eärendil and ultimately the overthrow of Morgoth. He played a more direct role in history too, and fought beside Turgon in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. When Morgoth finally discovered Gondolin and launched an attack against it, Ecthelion faced Gothmog Lord of Balrogs in the fountained square beneath the Tower of the King. He slew the Balrog, but was himself slain in that battle, and Gondolin fell to the forces of the Dark Lord.