High king of the Noldor in Middle-earth after Fëanor's death, and Maedhros' refusal. He was the son of Finwë, brother of Finarfin, and half brother of Fëanor. His children were Fingon, Aredhel, and Turgon who founded the hidden kingdom of Gondolin.

Fingolfin was reluctant to follow Fëanor to Middle-earth in pursuit of Morgoth. When Fëanor took the Elven Ships of Alqualondë and sailed to Middle-earth, Fingolfin eventually led his people across the Northern wastes and the Helcaraxë (the Grinding Ice).

Following Fëanor's death, Fingolfin's forces kept Morgoth and his armies trapped inside of Angband, during a 400 year seige.

In the year 455 of the First Age, Morgoth's forces came forth in the Battle of Sudden Flame. Fingolfin was so filled with anger over the destruction about him, that he rode to the Gate of Angband and challenged Morgoth himself to combat. Morgoth came forth, and Fingolfin gave him seven great wounds before being slain. His body was recovered however, and buried in the Encircling Mountains.

The Quenya form of Fingolfin is Ñolofinwë, meaning "Wise Finwë". The Sindarin form "Fingolfin" originates from "Finwë-Nolofinwë", as after the death of Finwë, Fingolfin added his father's name as a prefix to his own, showing thus his claim to become the High King of the Noldor.
Encyclopedia entry originally written by Ecthelion