princemaglors:

The history of Middle Earth — 2/4 Elves

Ecthelion was an Elf lord of the house of the Fountain of Gondolin during the First Age. He had the most beautiful voice and the greatest musical talent with the flute of all the people of his city.

He led a part of the forces of Gondolin during the Battle of Unnumbered Tears and later played a great role in the fall of the hidden city. During the battle over Gondolin, Ecthelion killed 3 Balrogs but his left arm was wounded. Thus he walked to the great Fountain of the King and drank from it, regaining his strength. Whilst the army of Gondolin began to retreat he stood alone against Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs and slayed him though he lost his life during the duel.

Trivia: It is said that Thorin Oakenshield’s great sword Orcrist once belonged to Ecthelion. Orcrist was infact mate to Glamdring, sword of the King of Gondolin, which later served Gandalf to slay a Balrog in Moria. The two swords would have then both been used to kill a Balrog.