1999 Tolkien Fingolfin and Morgoth Poster, The Lays of Beleriand, by John Howe, Middle Earth pre Lord of the Rings, print wall art decor

This poster is from from a 1999 collection of Tolkien posters from John Howe who is one of the leading artists in Tolkien artwork. This scene shows the duel between Fingolfin and Morgoth.
After the Noldor were defeated, Fingolfin rode to Angband, unhindered by any of Morgoth's servants, smote upon the gates of Angband and shouted his challenge for all to hear, mocking Morgoth. Morgoth, though still said to be the "mightiest of all things in this world", was reluctant to face Fingolfin, because despite his might, he alone of the Valar knew fear. But Fingolfin's insults could not be ignored without Morgoth losing face before his captains. As such, he donned black armor, took up a great mace, and emerged from Angband. Fingolfin drew his sword, Ringil, and the duel began.
Many times Morgoth attempted to smite Fingolfin, but the Elven King managed to dodge all of Morgoth's blows, and wounded the Dark Lord seven times. But after a time, Fingolfin grew weary, and Morgoth beat him to the ground three times. Fingolfin rose up and continued to fight each time, but as Mandos had foretold, no power of the Elves could defeat Morgoth, a Vala. Eventually, Fingolfin stumbled backwards into one of the many pits carved by Morgoth's failed strikes, and Morgoth stepped on the Elven King's neck and killed him. However, Fingolfin's last, desperate stroke managed to cut into Morgoth's heel.
Dimensions: 11.8 in x 18.1 in (30 cm x 46 cm)

6. Fingolfin's Challenge to Morgoth - The Lays of Beleriand
In that vast shadow once of yore
Fongolfin stood: his shield he bore
with field of heaven's blue and star
of crystal shining pale afar.
In overmastering wrath and hate
desperate he smote upon that gate
the Gnomish King, there standing lone
while endless fortresses of stone
engulfed the thin clear ringing keen
of silver horn on baldric green.
His hopeless challenge dauntless cried
Fingolfin there: "come open wide,
dark king, your ghastly brazen doors!"

Howe illustrated the Lord of the Rings board game created by Reiner Knizia, and re-illustrated the maps of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion in 1996–2003.

These posters are sent as unframed. They will be sent in a cardboard backed envelope for protection.

See the FAQ section for more information on shipping, tracking and insurance.