War of the Silmarils

The War of the Silmarils was a long bloody and doomed war in the First Age that lasted about 500 years. It contained many deeds of heroism and tragedy by Elves and Men who joined them.

History
It started when Feanor wanted to avenge Morgoth and take back the Silmarils.

During the War Beren and Luthien cut a Silmaril from the Iron Crown. Hurin and his son Turin committed both deeds of valor, but also atrocities because of the curse by Morgoth. The sons of Feanor participated in slaughter against other Elves. Gondolin fell and some of the greatest deeds of heroism occured. Morgoth defeated the Elves but Earendil the Mariner fled Middle-earth and reached Valinor and pleaded to the Valar for mercy.

The Valar ustered their host and started a new war that destroyed Angband and threw Morgoth down. Most Balrogs were slain and Beleriand was destroyed. Morgoth was shackled until his judgmednt in the Last Day, but Sauron survived and hid for years. The Silmarils were lost.