This is the part of Silmarillion that you guys need to know for the next chapter.  It also contains slight spoilers—not like Silmarillion is a book that I would care about being spoiled—so if you don't want to read, you don't have to.  I would recommend it, though. 

Disclaimer:

Selections from pages 109 – 111 in paperback version of The Silmarillion; second edition, by J. R. R. Tolkien and edited by Christopher Tolkien.

I don't own anything in these following paragraphs.  I do not own Maedhros, Morgoth, Middle-earth, Angband, Hithlum, the Noldor, Beleriand, Fëanor, Thangorodrim, Valinor, Melkor, Fingon, Orcs, Elves, Finwë, Manwë, Taniquetil, Thorondor, Mithrim, or any of the following writing in italics. 

"Maedhros was ambushed, and all his company were slain; but he himself was taken alive by the command of Morgoth, and brought to Angband. 

Then the brothers of Maedhros drew back, and fortified a great camp in Hithlum; but Morgoth held Maedhros as hostage, and sent word that he would not release him unless the Noldor would forsake their war, returning into the West, or else departing far Beleriand into the South of the world.  But the sons of Fëanor knew that Morgoth would betray them, and would not release Maedhros, whatsoever they might do; and they were constrained also by their oath, and might not for any cause forsake the war against their Enemy.  Therefore Morgoth took Maedhros and hung him from the face of a precipice up on Thangorodrim, and he was caught to the rock by the wrist of his right hand in a band of steel.

…

Long before, in the bliss of Valinor, before Melkor was unchained, or lies came between them, Fingon had been close in friendship with Maedhros; and though he knew not yet that Maedhros had not forgotten him at the burning of the ships, the thought of their ancient friendship stung his heart.  Therefore he dared a deed which is justly renowned among the feats of the princes of the Noldor: alone, and without the counsel of any, he set forth in search of Maedhros; and aided by the very darkness that Morgoth had made he came unseen into the fastness of his foes.  High upon the shoulders of Thangorodrim he climbed, and looked in despair upon the desolation of the land; but no passage or crevice could he find through which he might come with Morgoth's stronghold.  Then in defiance of the Orcs, who cowered still in the dark vaults beneath the earth, he took his harp and sang a son of Valinor that the Noldor made of old, before strife was born among the sons of Finwë; and his voce rang in the mournful hollows that had never heard before aught save cries of fear and woe.

Thus Fingon found what he sought.  For suddenly above him far and faint his song was taken up, and a voice answering called to him.  Maedhros it was that sang amid his torment.  But Fingon climbed to the foot of the precipice where his kinsman hung, and then could go no further; and he wept when he saw the cruel device of Morgoth.  Maedhros therefore, being in anguish without hope, begged Fingon to shoot him with his bow; and Fingon strung an arrow, and bent his bow.  And seeing no better hope he cried to Manwë, saying: 'O King to whom all birds are dear, speed now this feathered shaft, and recall some pity for the Noldor in their need!'

His prayer was answered swiftly.  For Manwë to whom all birds are dear, and to whom they bring news upon Taniquetil from Middle-earth, had sent forth the race of the Eagles, commanding them to dwell in the crags of the North, and to keep watch upon Morgoth; for Manwë still had pity for the exiled Elves.  And the Eagles brought new of much that passed in those days to the sad ears of Manwë.  Now, even as Fingon bent his bow, there flew down from the high airs Thorondor, King of Eagles, mightiest of all birds that have ever been, whose outstretched wings spanned thirty fathoms; and staying Fingon's hand he took him up, and bore him to the face of the rock where Maedhros hung.  But Fingon could not release the hell-wrought bond upon his wrist, nor sever it, nor draw it from the stone.  Again therefore in his pain Maedhros begged that he would slay him; but Fingon cut off his hand above the wrist, and Thorondor bore them back to Mithrim. 

There Maedhros in time was healed; for the fire of life was hot within him, and his strength was of the ancient world, such as those possessed who were nurtured in Valinor.  His body recovered from his torment and became hale, but the shadow of his pain was in his heart; and he lived to wield his sword with his left hand more deadly than his right had been."

I know it's a very detailed disclaimer, but this is all taken directly from The Silmarillion and I wanted to be very precise.  Hope you all enjoyed—in my opinion—one of the best pieces of writing that Tolkien ever created!  Now go read chapter 14…:-D