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{{disambig-two|the chapter in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''|the book published in 2017|''[[Beren and Lúthien]]''}}
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{{silmarillion-chapters}}
'''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==
This story was one of the more fair stories that passed from the [[Elves]] to the [[Men]]. [[Barahir]] was defending [[Dorthonion]] where [[Melkor|Morgoth]] was pursuing him during the [[Dagor Bragollach]]. He and thirteen others withdrew to [[Tarn Aeluin]], where they were hidden from Morgoth's army. Among them was [[Gorlim|Gorlim son of]] [[Angrim]] who was the husband of [[Eilinel]]. It was for her that he eventually was taken in by [[Sauron]] and betrayed Barahir's hiding place. Sauron then revealed that Eilinel was dead, and he killed Gorlim. Among Barahir's company was also [[Beren]] his son. Barahir sent Beren to spy out the Enemy's plans. Therefore, Beren was far away when Sauron sent an [[Orcs|Orc]]-pack to kill Barahir. In a dream, Beren saw [[Crows|crows]] concentrated around a certain area with blood dripping from their beaks. In that same dream, a wraith of Gorlim came to him and told him of his treachery and how Barahir was in danger. Beren sped off to the hideout only to find that his dream was in part true: Barahir was slain and crows were surrounding the area. Beren buried Barahir and swore and oath of vengeance. He then followed the Orc-pack. When he came upon it, he sprang from behind a rock and took Barahir's hand, still wearing upon it the [[Ring of Barahir]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - At Tarn Aeluin.jpg|thumb|left|''At Tarn Aeluin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]


For four years Beren journeyed in Dorthonion and earned renown with his desperate deeds. After a while he came to [[Doriath]] seeking refuge. He came to the [[Forest of Neldoreth]] and saw [[Lúthien]], whom he named [[Tinúviel]], Nightingale. They fell in love, but [[Daeron]], who also loved Lúthien, spied on them and reported to [[Thingol]], who became angry. He ordered them to be taken to [[Menegroth]]. When they were before him, he met Beren. He eventually agreed, by [[Melian]]'s counsel, to sell Lúthien for the price of one [[Silmarils|Silmaril]]. Beren agreed and set out on the [[Quest for the Silmaril|quest for a Silmaril]].  
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]].


First Beren came to [[Nargothrond]]. He asked for the [[Finrod|King]]'s aid and succour, and Finrod agreed to go forth to aid him. When Finrod spoke before his people, asking for companions, [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] spoke out harshly against Beren. Curufin gained the elves' trust by conjuring in their minds a vision of war and ruin in Nargothrond. Ten elves came to Finrod, offering their help, and they convinced Finrod to give the Crown of Nargothrond to [[Orodreth]] his brother as a stewardship.
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.  


Finrod, Beren and the others came upon another Orc-pack on their way to [[Angband]]. These Orcs they killed swiftly, and Finrod changed their faces into those of Orcs. The twelve went forth into the Land of Sauron. But Sauron, seeing that they did not stay to report their deeds as was commanded, went out and sang a song of revealing. Finrod sang a song of concealment, but Sauron won out and sent them into his pits.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Lúthien.jpg|thumb|right|''Lúthien'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]


At that time, Lúthien felt the weight of horror on her heart. Going to Melian for counsel she learned that Beren was in danger and she made ready to leave. But once again Daeron betrayed her purposes to Thingol and she was imprisoned in [[Hírilorn]]. But in Hírilorn she caused her hair to grow long, and she wove a dark cloak of it. Using this cloak she escaped Doriath. But as she was leaving Doriath she met [[Huan|Huan the Hound]], who was hunting with his master Celegorm. He brought Lúthien before Celegorm and Curufin. Celegorm fell in love with her, but told her that she would find help if she returned with him to Nargothrond. So he brought her to Nargothrond and there imprisoned her, knowing her name and purposes. But Huan came to her with her cloak, and spoke for the first time, telling her of a way out. After they escaped, Lúthien rode Huan to the Pits of Sauron.
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.  


Even as Lúthien rode there, Beren and Finrod were attacked by Sauron's wolves. The wolves had already eaten all of their companions and one was coming for Beren. But Finrod burst his bonds and fell defending Beren, killing the wolf. Beren mourned by his side as Lúthien and Huan arrived. Thrice was Huan attacked by wolves, but Huan killed all three swiftly. Then Sauron surrendered his land and taking the form of a bat, flew off to Angband. Lúthien and Beren 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 came upon them. Curufin picked up Lúthien as Celegorm made to trample Beren. But Beren leaped aside and into Curufin, and throttled him off of his horse. Celegorm turned aside again to kill Beren, but Huan betrayed him and stood between them. Lúthien forbade Beren not to throttle Curufin, so Beren released Curufin, taking his knife, horse, and other accessories. Curufin mounted Celegorm's horse and, as they rode away, Curufin took Celegorm's bow and shot twice at Lúthien. Huan caught one arrow in his jaw and Beren took one in the chest. Huan pursuing the brothers returned with an herb of the forest, which Lúthien used to staunch Beren's wound.
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.  


During the night, Beren departed secretly in the direction of Angband. He sang of Lúthien Tinúviel as he rode, and Lúthien hearing him took the guise of [[Thuringwethil]], and Huan took 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 speaking for the second time counselled Beren of Lúthien's fate. Then Lúthien and Huan put on their disguises again, and Beren took the guise of a [[Werewolves|werewolf]]. Coming to the Gates of Angband, the guard-wolf [[Carcharoth]] was doubtful, for he had heard that Draugluin was dead. But Lúthien caused him to fall into a deep sleep and they passed him by.
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.


Then Beren and Lúthien came before Morgoth in his nethermost hall. By Morgoth's will Lúthien was stripped of her diguise. Being entranced by her he made her dance for him. Once upon a time she vanished from his sight and sang a lovely song that cast a sleeping charm on him. Then swooping before him she took his crown. Beren left behind his diguise and took a Silmaril in his hand. Purposing to take a second he reached with his knife to take it, but his knife broke.
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 the hosts of Morgoth stirred. Beren and Lúthien fled from the land. But they were stopped by Carcharoth.  
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Transformed.jpg|thumb|left|''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.
 
[[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 17:54, 14 November 2022

This article is about the chapter in The Silmarillion. For the the book published in 2017, see Beren and Lúthien.
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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