Barad Eithel, the "Tower of the Well", was built by Fingolfin at the beginning of the wars against Morgoth. It was situated on the borders of Ard-galen, and watched over both Mithrim and Dor-lómin.

At the start of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Fingon was within Barad Eithel. Gelmir son of Guilin was put to death outside the tower to enrage the defenders, and then when Gwindor came forth to assail Angband, the Nirnaeth Arnoediad truly began.