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'''Of Beren and Lúthien''' is the nineteenth chapter of the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'' section within ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.
'''Of Beren and Lúthien''' is the nineteenth chapter of the ''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'' section within ''[[The Silmarillion]]''. It tells of the love between the Elf-maiden [[Lúthien]] and the mortal [[Beren]], and their [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] considered the tale to be the kernel of his [[legendarium]].<ref>{{L|165}}</ref>


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
[[File:Ted Nasmith - At Tarn Aeluin.jpg|thumb|left|''At Tarn Aeluin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
[[File:Ted Nasmith - At Tarn Aeluin.jpg|thumb|left|''At Tarn Aeluin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
[[Barahir]] and his band of [[Barahir's Outlaw Band|outlaws]] were defending [[Dorthonion]] where [[Melkor|Morgoth]] had pursued them during the [[Dagor Bragollach]]. The outlaws withdrew to [[Tarn Aeluin]], where they were hidden from Morgoth. However, among them was [[Gorlim]] the Unhappy, who [[Sauron]] tricked into betraying the location of Barahir's hideout.


Also among the outlaws was [[Beren]], son of Barahir, who was far away on an errand when Sauron sent out an Orc-pack to kill his companions. In a dream, the wraith of Gorlim told Beren of his treachery, and of Barahir's danger. Beren woke, and returned swiftly to the hideout, to find Barahir and his companions slain. Beren raised a mound above his father and swore upon it an oath of vengeance. He then set off in pursuit of the Orc-pack. When he came upon it, he found the captain of the Orcs boasting, and holding aloft the hand of Barahir, which he had cut off. Beren slew the captain and took Barahir's hand, which was still wearing the [[Ring of Barahir]].
Following the [[Dagor Bragollach]], [[Barahir]] and his companions continued to defend their land, [[Dorthonion]]. It was to [[Tarn Aeluin]], a lake in the east of that country, that they made their abode. Morgoth could not discover it, and he ordered [[Sauron]] to eliminate them. Through Sauron's devices, a member of the group named [[Gorlim]] was deceived into revealing the retreat of Barahir, and the company was slain by Sauron's [[Orcs]]. All perished, except [[Beren]], son of Barahir, who was away on a perilous errand at the time. Coming to Beren in a dream, a wraith of Gorlim told him all and urged him to return in haste. Alas, he came too late and found his kin slain. He buried his father, and slew the band of orcs responsible, reclaiming from them the [[Ring of Barahir|Ring of Felagund]].


For four years, Beren journeyed in and near Dorthonion and earned renown with his desperate deeds. After a while he journeyed to [[Doriath]] seeking refuge. He came to the [[Forest of Neldoreth]] and there he met [[Lúthien]], whom he named [[Tinúviel]], "''nightingale''". They fell in love, and often they met in secret in the woods. But [[Daeron]], who also loved Lúthien, spied on them and reported their doings to [[Thingol]]. Thingol became angry, and ordered Beren to be brought to him in [[Menegroth]]. Thingol eventually agreed to allow Beren to wed Lúthien if Beren would bring him a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]], a task he deemed impossible. Beren agreed and set out on the [[Quest for the Silmaril|quest for a Silmaril]].
Thus Beren roamed Dorthonion, slaughtering many servants of Morgoth, and so a bounty was set upon his head, and Sauron's armies hounded him to such an extent that he was forced to flee Dorthonion. Journeying through the horrors and terrors of Ered Gorgoroth and Nan Dungortheb he came at length, by paths untrodden, to Doriath, where no mortal had yet been before.  


Beren went first to [[Nargothrond]], whose King, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]] had sworn an oath of friendship to the house of Barahir. Beren told the King of his plight and of his quest, and Felagund agreed to go forth to aid him. Felagund spoke before his people, seeking their help, but [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] spoke out harshly against Beren. Ten elves only came to Felagund, and stood by him. They convinced him to give the Crown of Nargothrond to [[Orodreth]], his nephew, while they were gone.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Lúthien.jpg|thumb|right|''Lúthien'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]


Felagund changed the companions' appearances into those of Orcs. Thus disguised, the twelve went forth to [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth|Sauron's Isle]]. But Sauron, seeing that they did not stay to report their deeds as was commanded of all passing Orcs, ordered that they be brought to him. There Sauron and Felagund fought a contest of songs of power. Back and forth they struggled, but in the end, Sauron had the victory, and they were stripped of their disguises. He bade them tell him their names and purposes, but they would not. Therefore he caused them to be thrown into his pits to be killed by [[Werewolves|wolves]], one by one, unless one would reveal who they were. Still, none betrayed their secret.
Staggering into the woods of [[Neldoreth]], he chanced upon [[Lúthien]], daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]], dancing in a clearing beside [[Esgalduin]]. He became utterly enchanted by her, and his agony departed him, for Lúthien was the most beautiful of all of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. He called out to her, naming her [[Tinúviel]] and as she looked on him, doom fell upon her, and she loved him. For a brief time, long ago in the woods of Doriath, their joy was the greatest that has been, amongst any of the Children of Ilúvatar.  
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Lúthien Escapes upon Huan (1998).jpg|thumb|left|''Lúthien escapes upon Huan'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
At that time, Lúthien went to Melian for counsel and learned that Beren was imprisoned. She decided that, as no other would now aid Beren, she herself would go to his aid. She went to Daeron for help, but once again he betrayed her purposes to Thingol, and she was imprisoned in a house built high in [[Hírilorn]]'s three trunks in the Forest of Neldoreth. There she used her enchantments to escape Doriath, and she fled towards the Isle in search of Beren. As she left the forest, she was discovered by [[Huan]] the Hound, who was hunting with Curufin, and Celegorm his master. They convinced her to return to Nargothrond with them. However, when they reached Nargothrond, Celegorm imprisoned her. But Huan, who had grown to love Lúthien, came to her and aided in her escape. He permitted her to ride him, and they traveled towards Sauron's Isle to save Beren.


Even as Lúthien rode there, Beren and Finrod were attacked by Sauron's wolves. The wolves had slain all of their companions, and one was coming at last for Beren. But Finrod, with the last of his power, burst his bonds and fought the werewolf, defending Beren. He killed the wolf, but was himself slain, and Beren mourned by his side as Lúthien and Huan arrived at the bridge to Sauron's isle. Sauron sent wolves one by one after them, with the intention of capturing Lúthien, but Huan killed each one swiftly. At last Sauron, taking the form of the great wolf himself, came to fight Huan. There was a terrible fight between the two, but even Sauron could not defeat Huan, and he was forced to surrender his tower to Lúthien. He fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin]] in the form of a vampire. Lúthien freed the captives and sought out Beren, who mourned still by Finrod. They buried Finrod and went free together.
However, [[Daeron]] the minstrel loved Lúthien also, and betrayed them to Thingol, who was wrathful. For Lúthien he set above all things, while of mortal Men he took little heed. And so Thingol demanded to know Beren's business in Doriath. Finding resolve, Beren answered that his fate led him to what he sought not — Lúthien. At this, many thought Beren would be slain. Indeed desiring his death, Thingol set upon him the nigh hopeless task of bringing to him a [[Silmaril]] from the crown of Morgoth. Only then would he allow Beren to receive Lúthien as his bride. Thus began in earnest, the [[Quest of the Silmaril]].


As they reached the borders of Doriath, Celegorm and Curufin rode upon them. Curufin picked up Lúthien as Celegorm made to trample Beren. But Beren leaped at Curufin, catching him by the throat and knocking him off his horse. As Beren throttled Curufin, Celegorm turned his horse and tried again to kill Beren, but Huan betrayed his master and stood between them, and Celegorm's horse would not go near. Lúthien would not allow Beren to kill Curufin, so he released him, taking his [[Angrist|knife]], horse, and other accessories. Curufin mounted Celegorm's horse, but as they rode away, Curufin took Celegorm's bow and shot twice at Lúthien. Huan caught one arrow in his teeth, and Beren jumped before the second, and it struck him in the chest. Huan pursued the brothers, but later returned with an herb of the forest, which Lúthien used to staunch Beren's wound. When Beren was healed, they returned to Doriath.  
Turning towards [[Nargothrond]], Beren sought out the counsel of [[Finrod Felagund]], who, recalling his vow to the kin of Barahir, gathered together a band of his most loyal chieftains. Departing from Angband, Felagund used his craft to disguise the group as a pack of [[orcs]], and so they hoped to pass by [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] unnoticed. But Sauron was suspicious of them, and duelled long in song with Felagund. But alas the victory belonged to Sauron, and stripping them of their disguises, they were made to languish in a deep pit. One-by-one, Sauron sent werewolves to devour the companions in the hope of obtaining their purpose, but all were faithful to their lord. When the wolf came for Beren, Felagund slew it with his bare hands, but in doing so, was mortally wounded. Bidding Beren a final farewell, he died in the darkness of Tol-in-Gaurhoth, the tower he himself had built long ago. Thus ended the fairest and most beloved of the [[Noldor]], Finrod Felagund.  


Beren knew Lúthien would be safe there, and one night he departed in secret to continue his quest. As he came to the edge of Taur-nu-Fuin, he sang a song of farewell to Lúthien and to the lights of heaven. But Huan, carrying Lúthien, had followed his trail, and hearing his song Lúthien sang in reply. She had taken the guise of [[Thuringwethil]], a messenger of Morgoth, and Huan had taken the guise of [[Draugluin]], a wolf he had slain in the Pits of Sauron. When they approached Beren they cast off their disguises, and Huan gave them counsel. Then Lúthien put on her disguise again, and Beren was granted the guise of Draugluin.  
In the hour of Beren's capture, a heaviness fell upon the heart of Lúthien and she left Doriath in pursuit of him. Encountering [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]], and [[Huan]], the Hound of the [[Valar]], she was glad, but through treachery, the two brothers took her as prisoner to Nargothrond. But Huan had grown to love her and for the first time spoke, giving her counsel, and helped her to escape. With speed, the two came to Tol-in-Gaurhoth at the hour of Felagund's death, and Sauron smiled. For he knew a great reward would await him for the capture of Lúthien, daughter of the [[Maia]] Melian. So he sent wolves, including [[Draugluin]], father of [[werewolves]], to capture her, but Huan slew them all. Then Sauron came himself—taking the form of a mighty wolf—and fought with Huan, but not even he could defeat the Hound of the Valar. Thus he was forced to yield Tol-in-Gaurhoth to Lúthien, and he fled. Lúthien removed the ill shadow from that Isle, and came to Beren. Together, they buried the body of Felagund and left that place. And Huan returned to his master, Celegorm.


When they reached the [[Gates of Angband]], the guard-wolf [[Carcharoth]] became suspicious, for he had heard that Draugluin was dead. But Lúthien used her power to make him fall into a deep sleep, and they passed him by.
By chance, the two brothers Celegorm and Curufin came upon Beren and Lúthien near to the [[Forest of Brethil]], and sought to take Lúthien by force and kill Beren. But in that hour, Huan forsook the service of Celegorm and came to the aid of Beren, who [[Leap of Beren|leapt]] onto the horse of Curufin, knocking him off. After taking horse and knife [[Angrist]] from Curufin, Beren bade him return, impoverished, to his kin. Being humiliated, Curufin took the bow of Celegorm and fired at Lúthien. Springing to protect her, Beren was hit. Huan pursued the brothers who fled, and upon returning, he brought a herb to Lúthien who, by her craft, healed Beren. Eventually, they returned to Doriath.  


Then Beren and Lúthien came before Morgoth in his nethermost hall. By Morgoth's will Lúthien was stripped of her disguise, but Beren still in wolf-form crept beneath his throne. Lúthien offered to sing for Morgoth, and being entranced by her he allowed this. Suddenly, as she was singing, she vanished from his sight and sang a lovely song that cast a sleeping charm on him and all those near. Morgoth fell from his throne and lay upon the ground. Lúthien woke Beren, and he left behind his disguise and cut a Silmaril from Morgoth's [[Iron Crown|crown]]. Purposing to take a second, he reached with his knife to take it, but the knife broke and he was unable.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Transformed.jpg|thumb|left|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]


Then the hosts of Morgoth stirred. Beren and Lúthien fled, but they were stopped by Carcharoth at the Gate. Beren thrust the Silmaril in Carcharoth's eyes and cursed him. Carcharoth, undaunted by the holy light, bit off Beren's hand and swallowed it whole, along with the Silmaril. As Beren fainted in front of him, Carcharoth was scorched by the Silmaril inside of him, and he ran away howling.
There, Beren left Lúthien in the care of Huan and departed for Angband. Arriving at the borders of Anfauglith, Beren lamented in the belief that this would be his final peril and sung the farewell Song Of Parting. But unsought for, Lúthien appeared upon Huan, and came to him once more. Huan spoke for the second time then, counselling Beren that he could no longer save Lúthien from her fate. And so, taking the guise of Draugluin, and the bat-like messenger-of-Sauron [[Thuringwethil]], together Beren and Lúthien passed through perils untold until they arrived, weary and weather-worn, at the Gates of [[Angband]].


[[Thorondor]] King of the Eagles swooped down and lifted the two high in the air, bringing them to the borders of Doriath, where Huan met them and aided Lúthien in the healing of Beren. When Beren was recovered he and Lúthien returned to Thingol. Thingol asked for the Silmaril, but Beren told him his story, and Thingol relented. They then began the hunting of Carcharoth, who was attacking Doriath in his agony.
To their dismay, guarding the entrance to Angband was a creature of whom no news had previously reached the ears of the Noldor: the great wolf [[Carcharoth]]. He was suspicious of them, for news of the demise of Draugluin had reached Angband, and approached them with menace. But by some power of Lúthien, she commanded the wolf to slumber, and into unconsciousness he fell. Then Beren and Lúthien crossed the threshold of Angband, descended down the subterranean chambers, and together wrought the greatest deed that has ever been dared, by Elves or by Men, in the history of [[Arda]]. For they arrived in the throne-room of Morgoth — a court filled with horrors untold, where [[Balrogs]] patrolled. Lúthien's disguise was robbed of her by the will of Morgoth, and, standing before his gaze, she began to sing for him a song of such outstanding power and beauty, that he was put into dreams of the [[Void]], and he slammed into the ground, unconscious. All his court slumbered. Then removing his wolf-hame, Beren cut, with Angrist, a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth. It occurred to him then to bring out of Angband not one, but all three Silmarils. But such was not his fate, for Angrist snapped, and a fragment smote the cheek of Morgoth. He groaned. All the legions of Angband stirred in their sleep.


Thingol, Beren, and Huan went to [[Esgalduin]] on the hunt with [[Beleg]] and [[Mablung]]. Suddenly they were aware that Huan was no longer with them. He had gone ahead to search, but Carcharoth avoided him and leaped at Thingol. Beren stood in front of Thingol, defending him with a spear, but Carcharoth felled him and bit his breast. Huan sprang out and fought with and killed Carcharoth. But he himself was mortally wounded, and speaking for last time, Huan bade Beren farewell. Mablung took the Silmaril from Carcharoth's belly and gave it to the wounded Beren, rousing him. Thus, Beren achieved the quest for the Silmaril, handing it to Thingol and winning Lúthien. They carried Beren towards Menegroth, where Lúthien met them, but as Beren looked upon her his spirit left him. Beren strayed to the [[Halls of Mandos|Halls]] of [[Mandos]] in that time, and Lúthien came there also, stricken with grief. She sang a song of great sorrow before Mandos, and he was moved to pity, such as has never happened since and had never happened before. Beren and Lúthien were allowed to return to [[Middle-earth]] for a time as mortals, and this they chose.
Then fear and terror unknown fell upon Beren and Lúthien, and realising their imminent peril, they fled. But alas, at the surface, they found Carcharoth conscious and wrathful. Beren held the Silmaril high; Carcharoth hesitated, and for a moment was afraid. But his spirit flew into a rage, and he bit off the right hand of Beren, consuming the Silmaril. It seared his innards, and he fled south, howling in a fit of madness.
 
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Beren and Lúthien are Flown to Safety.jpg|thumb|right|''Beren and Lúthien are Flown to Safety'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
 
The fangs of Carcharoth were laced with venom, and death approached Beren. So the [[Quest of the Silmaril]] would have ended in despair, but unlooked for, [[Thorondor]] came with his [[Eagles]] to the aid of Beren and Lúthien, even while droves issued forth from the Gates of Angband, and bore the two away from the reach of Morgoth. South they flew, passing above the hidden city of [[Gondolin]], shining like a jewel in the sun. Yet Lúthien wept, for she feared the death of Beren. The Eagles left them at the borders of Doriath, in the same glade where Beren had left Lúthien and departed on the Quest. Huan came to Lúthien and again, and the two of them tended to him. There he lay, in dreams of anguish, until, as Lúthien's last hopes were fading, he awoke. And it was spring.
 
Thereafter, he was given the name [[Erchamion]], "the One-handed". The two then tarried for a time in those woods, for it was pleasant to them, but Beren would not forget his Oath to Thingol. So after a time they returned to Doriath, which had fallen into grief at the loss of Lúthien. News of their coming had spread far, and they arrived in Menegroth with a large following.
 
Beren and Lúthien told the tale of their Quest, to the astonishment of all. It seemed to Thingol then that the [[Beren|Man]] before him was among the great in Arda, and Lúthien's love was a thing strange to him. It came to his mind then that ''no'' power of Elves or Men, or Maiar or Valar, or any other power in Arda, might interfere with their fate. And his mood towards Beren was softened. Thus, at last he relented, and Beren took the hand of Lúthien before the throne of her father.
 
For a time, there may have been some semblance of peace and joy in Doriath, but out of the north came the beast Carcharoth. A hunting party was assembled, consisting of Huan, the Hound of the Valar, [[Mablung]] of the Heavy Hand, [[Beleg Strongbow]], Beren Erchamion, and Thingol, King of Doriath. As they rode forth for the [[Hunting of the Wolf]], a shadow fell upon Lúthien, and to her it seemed as though the world had been drained of all colour, and beauty, and life. The party came upon Carcharoth near the northern waterfalls of Esgalduin. The wolf leapt for Thingol, but Beren came between them, suffering a deadly wound. Huan slew Carcharoth, but was himself fatally injured. Laying beside Beren, he spoke for the final time, bidding Beren farewell. So they parted. Mablung ripped open the wolf and placed the Silmaril in Beren's living hand, who asked Thingol to receive it. "''Now the Quest is achieved, and my doom full wrought''", he said. And he spoke no more. They bore Beren back to Menegroth, and Lúthien met them. She bade him await her beyond the [[Western Sea]]. Opening his eyes, he looked upon her one last time before he died. So ended the Quest of the Silmaril. But the tale of Beren and Lúthien did not end there.
 
For the spirit of Beren lingered in the [[Halls of Mandos]], awaiting Lúthien upon the dim shores of the [[Outer Sea]], where they could say their final farewell. For it is from there that the spirits of Men depart the world, never to return; such is the [[Gift of Ilúvatar]]. The spirit of Lúthien fled her body, and found its way to the Halls of Mandos. Kneeling before [[Mandos|the Vala]], she sang to him a song so beautifully sorrowful that Mandos was moved to pity. But it was not within his power to alter the fates of the Children of Ilúvatar, and so he called on [[Manwë]], who sought guidance from Ilúvatar.
 
Two choices were put before Lúthien. On account of her extraordinary labours and grief in life, she was permitted to remain in [[Valinor]], forgetting all pains she had known. But there Beren, being mortal, could not follow. The second choice was that she might return with Beren to dwell in Middle-earth, as a mortal, with no guarantee of joy in life. There, both would be subject to a second death. This second option she chose, forsaking the [[Undying Lands]], for a mortal life with Beren. So it came to pass that long ago, Lúthien Tinúviel and Beren Erchamion at last left the confines of the world, together.


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.entmoot.com/showthread.php?t=10052 Chapter discussion at Entmoot.com]
* [http://www.entmoot.com/showthread.php?t=10052 Chapter discussion at Entmoot.com]
{{references}}


[[fr:tolkien/resumes/silm/qs19]]
[[fr:tolkien/resumes/silm/qs19]]
[[fi:Beren ja Lúthien (Silmarillion)]]
[[fi:Beren ja Lúthien (Silmarillion)]]

Revision as of 20:36, 13 December 2021

The Silmarillion chapters
  1. Ainulindalë
  2. Valaquenta
  3. Quenta Silmarillion
    1. Of the Beginning of Days
    2. Of Aulë and Yavanna
    3. Of the Coming of the Elves
    4. Of Thingol and Melian
    5. Of Eldamar
    6. Of Fëanor
    7. Of the Silmarils
    8. Of the Darkening of Valinor
    9. Of the Flight of the Noldor
    10. Of the Sindar
    11. Of the Sun and Moon
    12. Of Men
    13. Of the Return of the Noldor
    14. Of Beleriand and its Realms
    15. Of the Noldor in Beleriand
    16. Of Maeglin
    17. Of the Coming of Men
    18. Of the Ruin of Beleriand
    19. Of Beren and Lúthien
    20. Of the Fifth Battle
    21. Of Túrin Turambar
    22. Of the Ruin of Doriath
    23. Of the Fall of Gondolin
    24. Of the Voyage of Eärendil
  4. Akallabêth
  5. Of the Rings of Power

Of Beren and Lúthien is the nineteenth chapter of the Quenta Silmarillion section within The Silmarillion. It tells of the love between the Elf-maiden Lúthien and the mortal Beren, and their Quest for the Silmaril. J.R.R. Tolkien considered the tale to be the kernel of his legendarium.[1]

Synopsis

At Tarn Aeluin by Ted Nasmith

Following the Dagor Bragollach, Barahir and his companions continued to defend their land, Dorthonion. It was to Tarn Aeluin, a lake in the east of that country, that they made their abode. Morgoth could not discover it, and he ordered Sauron to eliminate them. Through Sauron's devices, a member of the group named Gorlim was deceived into revealing the retreat of Barahir, and the company was slain by Sauron's Orcs. All perished, except Beren, son of Barahir, who was away on a perilous errand at the time. Coming to Beren in a dream, a wraith of Gorlim told him all and urged him to return in haste. Alas, he came too late and found his kin slain. He buried his father, and slew the band of orcs responsible, reclaiming from them the Ring of Felagund.

Thus Beren roamed Dorthonion, slaughtering many servants of Morgoth, and so a bounty was set upon his head, and Sauron's armies hounded him to such an extent that he was forced to flee Dorthonion. Journeying through the horrors and terrors of Ered Gorgoroth and Nan Dungortheb he came at length, by paths untrodden, to Doriath, where no mortal had yet been before.

Lúthien by Ted Nasmith

Staggering into the woods of Neldoreth, he chanced upon Lúthien, daughter of Thingol and Melian, dancing in a clearing beside Esgalduin. He became utterly enchanted by her, and his agony departed him, for Lúthien was the most beautiful of all of the Children of Ilúvatar. He called out to her, naming her Tinúviel and as she looked on him, doom fell upon her, and she loved him. For a brief time, long ago in the woods of Doriath, their joy was the greatest that has been, amongst any of the Children of Ilúvatar.

However, Daeron the minstrel loved Lúthien also, and betrayed them to Thingol, who was wrathful. For Lúthien he set above all things, while of mortal Men he took little heed. And so Thingol demanded to know Beren's business in Doriath. Finding resolve, Beren answered that his fate led him to what he sought not — Lúthien. At this, many thought Beren would be slain. Indeed desiring his death, Thingol set upon him the nigh hopeless task of bringing to him a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth. Only then would he allow Beren to receive Lúthien as his bride. Thus began in earnest, the Quest of the Silmaril.

Turning towards Nargothrond, Beren sought out the counsel of Finrod Felagund, who, recalling his vow to the kin of Barahir, gathered together a band of his most loyal chieftains. Departing from Angband, Felagund used his craft to disguise the group as a pack of orcs, and so they hoped to pass by Tol-in-Gaurhoth unnoticed. But Sauron was suspicious of them, and duelled long in song with Felagund. But alas the victory belonged to Sauron, and stripping them of their disguises, they were made to languish in a deep pit. One-by-one, Sauron sent werewolves to devour the companions in the hope of obtaining their purpose, but all were faithful to their lord. When the wolf came for Beren, Felagund slew it with his bare hands, but in doing so, was mortally wounded. Bidding Beren a final farewell, he died in the darkness of Tol-in-Gaurhoth, the tower he himself had built long ago. Thus ended the fairest and most beloved of the Noldor, Finrod Felagund.

In the hour of Beren's capture, a heaviness fell upon the heart of Lúthien and she left Doriath in pursuit of him. Encountering Celegorm and Curufin, and Huan, the Hound of the Valar, she was glad, but through treachery, the two brothers took her as prisoner to Nargothrond. But Huan had grown to love her and for the first time spoke, giving her counsel, and helped her to escape. With speed, the two came to Tol-in-Gaurhoth at the hour of Felagund's death, and Sauron smiled. For he knew a great reward would await him for the capture of Lúthien, daughter of the Maia Melian. So he sent wolves, including Draugluin, father of werewolves, to capture her, but Huan slew them all. Then Sauron came himself—taking the form of a mighty wolf—and fought with Huan, but not even he could defeat the Hound of the Valar. Thus he was forced to yield Tol-in-Gaurhoth to Lúthien, and he fled. Lúthien removed the ill shadow from that Isle, and came to Beren. Together, they buried the body of Felagund and left that place. And Huan returned to his master, Celegorm.

By chance, the two brothers Celegorm and Curufin came upon Beren and Lúthien near to the Forest of Brethil, and sought to take Lúthien by force and kill Beren. But in that hour, Huan forsook the service of Celegorm and came to the aid of Beren, who leapt onto the horse of Curufin, knocking him off. After taking horse and knife Angrist from Curufin, Beren bade him return, impoverished, to his kin. Being humiliated, Curufin took the bow of Celegorm and fired at Lúthien. Springing to protect her, Beren was hit. Huan pursued the brothers who fled, and upon returning, he brought a herb to Lúthien who, by her craft, healed Beren. Eventually, they returned to Doriath.

Transformed by Ted Nasmith

There, Beren left Lúthien in the care of Huan and departed for Angband. Arriving at the borders of Anfauglith, Beren lamented in the belief that this would be his final peril and sung the farewell Song Of Parting. But unsought for, Lúthien appeared upon Huan, and came to him once more. Huan spoke for the second time then, counselling Beren that he could no longer save Lúthien from her fate. And so, taking the guise of Draugluin, and the bat-like messenger-of-Sauron Thuringwethil, together Beren and Lúthien passed through perils untold until they arrived, weary and weather-worn, at the Gates of Angband.

To their dismay, guarding the entrance to Angband was a creature of whom no news had previously reached the ears of the Noldor: the great wolf Carcharoth. He was suspicious of them, for news of the demise of Draugluin had reached Angband, and approached them with menace. But by some power of Lúthien, she commanded the wolf to slumber, and into unconsciousness he fell. Then Beren and Lúthien crossed the threshold of Angband, descended down the subterranean chambers, and together wrought the greatest deed that has ever been dared, by Elves or by Men, in the history of Arda. For they arrived in the throne-room of Morgoth — a court filled with horrors untold, where Balrogs patrolled. Lúthien's disguise was robbed of her by the will of Morgoth, and, standing before his gaze, she began to sing for him a song of such outstanding power and beauty, that he was put into dreams of the Void, and he slammed into the ground, unconscious. All his court slumbered. Then removing his wolf-hame, Beren cut, with Angrist, a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth. It occurred to him then to bring out of Angband not one, but all three Silmarils. But such was not his fate, for Angrist snapped, and a fragment smote the cheek of Morgoth. He groaned. All the legions of Angband stirred in their sleep.

Then fear and terror unknown fell upon Beren and Lúthien, and realising their imminent peril, they fled. But alas, at the surface, they found Carcharoth conscious and wrathful. Beren held the Silmaril high; Carcharoth hesitated, and for a moment was afraid. But his spirit flew into a rage, and he bit off the right hand of Beren, consuming the Silmaril. It seared his innards, and he fled south, howling in a fit of madness.

Beren and Lúthien are Flown to Safety by Ted Nasmith

The fangs of Carcharoth were laced with venom, and death approached Beren. So the Quest of the Silmaril would have ended in despair, but unlooked for, Thorondor came with his Eagles to the aid of Beren and Lúthien, even while droves issued forth from the Gates of Angband, and bore the two away from the reach of Morgoth. South they flew, passing above the hidden city of Gondolin, shining like a jewel in the sun. Yet Lúthien wept, for she feared the death of Beren. The Eagles left them at the borders of Doriath, in the same glade where Beren had left Lúthien and departed on the Quest. Huan came to Lúthien and again, and the two of them tended to him. There he lay, in dreams of anguish, until, as Lúthien's last hopes were fading, he awoke. And it was spring.

Thereafter, he was given the name Erchamion, "the One-handed". The two then tarried for a time in those woods, for it was pleasant to them, but Beren would not forget his Oath to Thingol. So after a time they returned to Doriath, which had fallen into grief at the loss of Lúthien. News of their coming had spread far, and they arrived in Menegroth with a large following.

Beren and Lúthien told the tale of their Quest, to the astonishment of all. It seemed to Thingol then that the Man before him was among the great in Arda, and Lúthien's love was a thing strange to him. It came to his mind then that no power of Elves or Men, or Maiar or Valar, or any other power in Arda, might interfere with their fate. And his mood towards Beren was softened. Thus, at last he relented, and Beren took the hand of Lúthien before the throne of her father.

For a time, there may have been some semblance of peace and joy in Doriath, but out of the north came the beast Carcharoth. A hunting party was assembled, consisting of Huan, the Hound of the Valar, Mablung of the Heavy Hand, Beleg Strongbow, Beren Erchamion, and Thingol, King of Doriath. As they rode forth for the Hunting of the Wolf, a shadow fell upon Lúthien, and to her it seemed as though the world had been drained of all colour, and beauty, and life. The party came upon Carcharoth near the northern waterfalls of Esgalduin. The wolf leapt for Thingol, but Beren came between them, suffering a deadly wound. Huan slew Carcharoth, but was himself fatally injured. Laying beside Beren, he spoke for the final time, bidding Beren farewell. So they parted. Mablung ripped open the wolf and placed the Silmaril in Beren's living hand, who asked Thingol to receive it. "Now the Quest is achieved, and my doom full wrought", he said. And he spoke no more. They bore Beren back to Menegroth, and Lúthien met them. She bade him await her beyond the Western Sea. Opening his eyes, he looked upon her one last time before he died. So ended the Quest of the Silmaril. But the tale of Beren and Lúthien did not end there.

For the spirit of Beren lingered in the Halls of Mandos, awaiting Lúthien upon the dim shores of the Outer Sea, where they could say their final farewell. For it is from there that the spirits of Men depart the world, never to return; such is the Gift of Ilúvatar. The spirit of Lúthien fled her body, and found its way to the Halls of Mandos. Kneeling before the Vala, she sang to him a song so beautifully sorrowful that Mandos was moved to pity. But it was not within his power to alter the fates of the Children of Ilúvatar, and so he called on Manwë, who sought guidance from Ilúvatar.

Two choices were put before Lúthien. On account of her extraordinary labours and grief in life, she was permitted to remain in Valinor, forgetting all pains she had known. But there Beren, being mortal, could not follow. The second choice was that she might return with Beren to dwell in Middle-earth, as a mortal, with no guarantee of joy in life. There, both would be subject to a second death. This second option she chose, forsaking the Undying Lands, for a mortal life with Beren. So it came to pass that long ago, Lúthien Tinúviel and Beren Erchamion at last left the confines of the world, together.

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