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Menegroth

Menegroth, also called the Thousand Caves, is the subterranean fortress and capital of the elven realm of Doriath in Beleriand during the First Age. Its name derives from Sindarin and refers to the vast network of caves and vaulted halls carved from rock beneath the hills that shelter the realm. The city was created at the behest of King Thingol with the labor of Dwarves from Nogrod and Belegost, who cut the labyrinth of chambers, bridges, and passages that formed its core.

The fortress functioned as the residence and seat of government for Thingol and his queen Melian the

Menegroth is notable in legend for the event of Thingol’s death: he was slain in the halls

Maia,
and
as
the
central
locus
of
diplomacy,
culture,
and
defense
for
Doriath.
Its
architecture
was
renowned
for
stonework,
echoing
halls,
and
the
way
the
caverns
linked
to
the
forest
above
through
hidden
entrances.
Menegroth
served
as
the
political
and
ceremonial
heart
of
the
realm,
where
matters
of
alliance,
marriage,
and
protection
of
the
Silmarils
were
debated
and
pursued.
by
Dwarves
of
Nogrod
during
a
dispute
over
the
Nauglamír
and
the
Silmaril,
an
act
that
precipitated
the
decline
of
Doriath
and
led
Melian
to
depart
Middle-earth,
leaving
the
kingdom
exposed
to
Morgoth’s
forces.
The
story
of
Menegroth
thus
embodies
both
the
splendor
and
the
peril
of
the
Elven
realms
of
the
First
Age.