Beleg Strongbow

(See also Beleg, King of Arthedain)

Beleg
Sinda
Biographical Information
Other names	Cúthalion, Strongbow
Death	F.A. 490
Physical Description
Gender	Male.
Hair color	Silver.
Eye color	Green.

Beleg Cúthalion was a Sindarin Elf who served in the army of King Elu Thingol of Doriath. He "followed no man" and "could not be restrained" in the Dagor Aglareb, when he alone of Doriath went forth to fight. Together with Mablung, he was one of the great captains of the Sindar, and took part in the Hunting of the Wolf. Beleg carried a black bow named Belthronding, to which his surname referred, and an arrow called Dailir.

Later he became a good friend and brother-in-arms of Túrin Turambar, and thus became ensnared in Túrin's accursed fate. When Túrin left Doriath, Beleg got permission from Thingol to follow him into exile, wielding the black sword Anglachel that Eöl had forged and given to Thingol in tribute. Beleg found Túrin at Amon Rûdh and was tortured by the outlaws until Túrin found and released him. Together with Túrin, Beleg became for a while a captain against Morgoth, and the place where they dwelt became known as Dor-Cúarthol, the "Land of Bow and Helm". When Túrin was captured by Morgoth, Beleg was grievously wounded, yet with the knowledge and strength of an elite Elven warrior he recovered and followed the Orcs. He met the escaped thrall Gwindor in Taur-nu-Fuin, and together they rescued Túrin, but Beleg accidentally cut Túrin with his sword. Túrin awoke and did not recognize Beleg in the darkness, and assumed the shape bent over him with a blade was an Orc who was about to torture him again. In a sudden rage of self defense, Túrin wrested Anglachel from Beleg and killed him.

Etymology

Beleg means 'might' in Sindarin. His epessë Cúthalion means 'Strongbow'.

References

• The Children of Húrin, passim.
• Silmarillion, Of Túrin Turambar
• Unfinished Tales, Narn i Chîn Húrin

See Also

• Images of Beleg.