Fingolfin was the first High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology. He assumed the title after the Noldor reached Middle-earth and Fëanor, the first leader of the exile, was killed.
Fingolfin was a son of Finwë and the half-brother of Fëanor. His relationship with Fëanor was marked by rivalry and mistrust, yet Fingolfin led many followers across the dangerous Helcaraxë, the grinding ice of the far north.
Fingolfin is best known for riding alone to Angband and challenging Morgoth to single combat. He wounded Morgoth several times before being defeated, and Tolkien presents the duel as one of the great heroic episodes of the First Age.
Fingon succeeded Fingolfin as High King of the Noldor. Gil-galad held the title much later, while Fëanor’s earlier leadership occurred before Fingolfin’s reign in Middle-earth.