An encyclopedia of Middle-earth and Numenor
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An encyclopedia of Middle-earth and Numenor |
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See the
family
trees of the House of Beor, the House
of Hador, and the House of Haleth at the
bottom of the page.
After the Battle of Unnumbered Tears in 472 of the First Age, Morgoth gave Hithlum to the Easterlings. Hurin had been captured by Morgoth and the rest of the Men who had gone into battle with him had all been killed. The women and children and elderly who had remained behind in Dor-lomin were oppressed and enslaved by the Easterlings.
Aerin was married against her will to an Easterling named Brodda. Brodda stole goods and cattle from Hurin's land though he did not dare to harm Hurin's wife Morwen. Aerin secretly gave aid to Morwen who was pregnant and had a son Turin to feed. Morwen sent Turin away to Doriath, and in 473 she gave birth to a daughter Nienor. Aerin continued to help them even though Brodda beat her for it. She also gave food and shelter to others in need.
In 494, Morwen and Nienor left Dor-lomin. At the fall of Nargothrond in 495, Turin was convinced by Glaurung that his mother and sister were enslaved in Dor-lomin. Turin returned to Dor-lomin instead of rescuing Finduilas who was taken captive by Orcs and was later slain.
In early 496, Turin came to Brodda's hall but Aerin was afraid to tell him where Morwen and Nienor had gone. Turin drew his sword on Brodda and commanded Aerin to speak, and she told him they had gone to Doriath to find him. Turin realized that Glaurung had deceived him and he killed Brodda and several other Easterlings in anger. Brodda's servants rose up and killed the other Easterlings in the hall though many of the servants were also slain.
Aerin realized that more Easterlings would come to kill her and the remaining servants because of Turin's actions. She chastized Turin and told him to flee and find Morwen so that some good could come of it. Turin accused her of being faint-hearted, but a servant named Asgon told him of Aerin's quiet courage in defying Brodda to help her people.
Aerin refused to go with Turin into the wild in the Fell Winter. After Turin left with the able-bodied servants, Aerin set fire to the hall before the Easterlings could come for her and she presumably perished in the flames.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Aerin may be in
the language of the Men of the House of Hador. The meaning is unknown.
She was called Lady Aerin. In older versions of the story she was
called Airin Faiglindra or Firilanda meaning "long-tressed,
long-haired" in an early form of Elvish.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of Turin Turambar," p. 198, 215
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 69, 104-109
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. II, The Book of Lost Tales Part Two: "Turambar
and the Foaloke," p. 93; "Appendix: Names in The Lost Tales - Part Two,"
p. 339
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 88, 90, 145-46; "The Wanderings of Hurin," p. 257
The Children
of Hurin: "The Departure of Turin," p. 68-69; "The Return of Turin
to Dor-lomin," passim
A Gateway
to Sindarin by David Salo, p. 338
As a young woman, Andreth fell in love with an Elf named Aegnor who lived in northern Dorthonion. But at that time there had never been a marriage between the races of Elves and Men. Because Elves were immortal and Men were mortal, Aegnor decided it was best to part from Andreth. They saw each other for the last time on the shores of Aeluin. Andreth was heartbroken and she never married.
Andreth often visited the home of her kinsman Belemir. His wife Adanel was a Wise-woman of the People of Marach and Andreth learned much of the lore of Adanel's people. Andreth also studied the lore of her own people and became a Wise-woman in her own right.
Aegnor's brother Finrod was a frequent visitor in Belemir's home and Andreth shared knowledge with him. In the spring of 409 when Andreth was 48 years old, she and Finrod talked at length about the nature of Men's mortality and the relationship between the hroa and fea, or body and soul. This discussion became known as Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth - the Debate of Finrod and Andreth - and it was preserved for future study.
Andreth told Finrod that the Wise among Men believed that they had originally been immortal but that they had been made mortal by the malice of the Lord of Darkness. Finrod observed that Morgoth did not have the power to change Men's nature in that way and that only Eru could have done so. He asked what Men might have done to incur Eru's wrath.
In the original version, Andreth refused to answer Finrod's question. But in another version, Andreth reluctantly told of a time in the distant past when Men were enticed to worship Morgoth. Andreth also spoke of another belief among the Wise that Eru would one day enter into the world in order to heal the evil wrought by Morgoth.
In 455 when Andreth was 94, Dorthonion was attacked by Morgoth in the Battle of Sudden Flame and Aegnor was killed. Finrod had foretold that Andreth would outlive Aegnor, and while she may have done so, it is thought that she died around this time as well.
In one story, Andreth is credited with the prophecy that Turin would return from the dead in the Last Battle against Morgoth. But if Andreth died around 455, this would mean she made the prophecy before Turin's birth in 464 and death in 499. Also note that this prophecy states that Turin would slay Ancalagon the Black in the Last Battle whereas in other stories Earendil killed Ancalagon in the War of Wrath.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Andreth is probably
in the language of the House of Beor. The suffix -eth is a feminine
ending possibly borrowed from Sindarin. The Elves called her Saelind
meaning "Wise-heart" in Sindarin from sael meaning "wise" and ind
meaning "heart."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. X, Morgoth's Ring: "Athrabeth Finrod Ah Andreth,"
passim
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 230, 231 (genealogy), 232-33
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Problem
of Ros," p. 374-75
In 455, Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband and the Battle of Sudden Flame began. The Men of the House of Beor fought alongside the Elves against Morgoth's forces. Barahir rescued Finrod Felagund, who was surrounded in the Fen of Serech. In gratitude, Finrod promised friendship to Barahir and his people, and he gave Barahir his ring which became known as the Ring of Barahir.
Bregolas was slain during the battle and Barahir became the lord of the House of Beor. He returned to Dorthonion, though many of his people had either been killed or had relocated to Hithlum. The wooded slopes of northern Dorthonion had been burned by rivers of fire sent by Morgoth. The trees that remained were black and twisted. A dark enchantment fell on the region and it became a place of terror called Taur-nu-Fuin, the Forest under Nightshade.
Morgoth sent minions under the command of Sauron to drive Barahir and his people out of Dorthonion but Barahir refused to leave. His wife Emeldir - who was called the Manhearted because of her courage - wanted to remain, but at last in 456 she agreed to lead the women and children away to the Forest of Brethil. The men who stayed behind were hunted down and killed until only twelve remained with Barahir: his son Beren, his nephews Baragund and Belegund, and nine others named Radhruin, Dairuin, Dagnir, Ragnor, Gildor, Gorlim, Arthad, Urthel, and Hathaldir.
Barahir and his men went into hiding in the highlands of Dorthonion around the lake named Tarn Aeluin. Sauron was unable to find their lair, so he tricked one of Barahir's men into revealing its location. In the autumn of 460, Gorlim returned to his old home where he had lived with his beloved wife Eilinel who had disappeared. Sauron caused Gorlim to see a vision of Eilinel and promised to reunite them in exchange for Barahir's whereabouts. Gorlim betrayed Barahir and Sauron killed Gorlim, thus reuniting him with his wife who was also dead.
Sauron sent a company of Orcs to attack Barahir and his men while they slept. Barahir and ten of his remaining followers were slain, and the Orc-captain cut off Barahir's hand with the Ring of Barahir as proof of his death. Beren was away on a scouting mission and thereby escaped. He hunted down and killed the Orc-captain and retrieved the Ring of Barahir.
Beren later used the Ring to gain admittance to Nargothrond, the realm of Finrod Felagund. Finrod fulfilled his oath to Barahir by accompanying Beren on his quest to steal a Silmaril from Morgoth, and he died defending Beren in Sauron's dungeons. The Ring of Barahir became an heirloom of Beren's descendants that was passed down through many generations to Aragorn, King Elessar.
Note:
Barahir's birth date is given as
402 in "The Grey Annals" (HoME XI, p. 49)
but a later genealogical table
(p. 231) gives
400 as his birth date.
Names &
Etymology:
Barahir means "fiery lord"
from bara meaning "fiery" and hîr meaning "lord."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 148; "Of the Ruin of Beleriand
and the Fall of Fingolfin," p. 152, 154-55, 161; "Of Beren and Luthien,"
p. 162-64, 167, 169; "Of the Voyage of Earendil," p. 251
; "Appendix
- Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entry for heru
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for BARAS
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 49, 51-52, 56, 58-59; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 224, 229-30,
231 (genealogy), 232
Unfinished
Tales: "A Description of the Island of Numenor," p. 171-72, note 2
Appendix
A of The Lord of the Rings: "Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur,"
p. 321-22 and note 1, 323; "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 338
The Fellowship
of the Ring: "A Knife in the Dark," p. 205-6
In 310, Beor led his people over the Blue Mountains into Beleriand where they encountered Finrod Felagund, the Lord of Nargothrond. Beor's people settled in the region of Estolad, but in 311 Beor decided to accompany Finrod back to Nargothrond. Baran became the leader of the Men of the House of Beor. He befriended the People of Marach who settled nearby soon afterwards.
Baran died in 380 and was succeeded by his son Boron.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Baran is probably
in the language of the Men of the House of Beor, although the word baran
means "brown" in Sindarin. He was also called Bëor the Young after
his father. The name Bëor means "vassal" in the language of
the People of Beor.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 142-43
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 218-19, 229-30, 231 (genealogy)
Belemir was fond of his kinswoman Andreth and often invited her to stay at his home. Andreth learned much from Belemir's wife Adanel and became a Wise-woman in her own right. Another frequent visitor was Finrod Felagund who had long discussions with Andreth. In 409, their famous debate called Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth - the Debate of Finrod and Andreth - took place at Belemir's home.
Belemir's date of death is not known.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Belemir may be in
the language of the People of Beor, though it could contain the Sindarin
word mîr meaning "jewel.'
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. X, Morgoth's Ring: "Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth,"
p. 305-7
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 230, 231 (genealogy), 233, 234 (genealogy)
Names &
Etymology:
Beleth's name is given as Bereth
in Unfinished Tales, but according
to Christopher Tolkien (HoME XI, p. 232)
this was a mistake. The meaning of Beleth is unknown, though it
appears to contain the feminine ending -eth.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
Unfinished
Tales: "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 214-15, note 10
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 230-32
The ancestors of Beor's people left the East many generations before and began to journey westward. They had heard a rumor that the Valar dwelled in the West and they hoped to find a place free from evil and fear.
In 310, Beor led his people over the Blue Mountains into Beleriand. They set up camp in a mountain valley in northern Ossiriand near the springs of the River Thalos. They believed they had found a safe haven and they sang while Beor played the harp. Finrod Felagund heard them and discovered their camp. He was the first of the Elves of Beleriand to encounter the race of Men. They learned to communicate with each other and Finrod taught them many things.
At the request of the Green-elves of Ossiriand, Beor and his people relocated west of the Gelion to the region of Estolad. In 311, Finrod decided to return to his realm of Nargothrond and Beor asked to come with him. It was then that he took the name Beor which meant "vassal" in his language. Beor's eldest son Baran took over the leadership of their people.
Beor served Finrod for 44 years. He died in 355 at the age of 93. It was the first time that the Elves had witnessed a death of old age.
The House of Beor became one the Three Houses of the Edain along with the House of Haleth and the House of Hador. The Edain were allied with the Elves in the war against Morgoth and were later given the realm of Numenor as a reward. Elros - the first King of Numenor - and his brother Elrond were descendants of Beor.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Bëor means
"vassal" in the language of the Men of the House of Beor. He took the name
when he entered the service of Finrod Felagund. His original name was Balan;
the meaning of that name is not known. Also called Bëor the Old.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 140-43, 149-49
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 215-19, 224-26, 229-30, 231 (genealogy)
Bereg and a number of others became discontented. Beor had led their ancestors into Beleriand to find a place free from the evils that had troubled them in eastern Middle-earth. But in fact, they were now closer to Morgoth's stronghold of Angband and they found themselves in the midst of Morgoth's war against the Elves. And as mortal Men, they were not permitted to continue westward across the Sea to the Undying Lands.
In 369, a council of Men was held to discuss the issue. The Elf-friends said that their only hope was to unite with the Elves against Morgoth. Bereg replied, "Let the Eldar look to it! Our lives are short enough." (Sil, p. 144) Then Morgoth sent a false image of Amlach - another leader of the dissenters - to turn the Men against the Elves by claiming that it was the Elves who sought dominion over Middle-earth.
The real Amlach repented after learning of Morgoth's trick and he joined the Elves of Maedhros, but some of his people decided to leave Beleriand and they crossed the Blue Mountains into Eriador. Bereg also decided to go and he led a thousand people of the House of Beor southwards. Nothing further is known of them.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Bereg is most likely
in the language of the People of Beor. The meaning is not known.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 144-45
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 220-21, 230, 231 genealogy
The Men of the House of Beor had settled in Dorthonion sometime between 330 and 380. A number of Elves also dwelled there led by Angrod and Aegnor, who were vassals of their brother Finrod Felagund of Nargothrond. Their uncle was Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor in Middle-earth.
The Elf-lords decided that Men should have their own lords and domains. In 410, Boromir was made the Lord of the House of Beor and of the region of Ladros in northeastern Dorthonion. Boromir died in 432. He was succeeded by his son Bregor.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Boromir is derived
from the word boron meaning "steadfast, trusty man, faithful vassal"
and the word
mir meaning "jewel, precious thing, treasure." In the
Third Age, there was a Steward of Gondor
named Boromir and also a
member of the Fellowship of the Ring named Boromir.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 148
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for BOR
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 224, 228-30, 231 genealogy
Brandir was a wise and gentle man. He was a skilled healer and was knowledgeable about plant life. He was unable to take part in warfare and other physical activities because he had broken his leg in a childhood accident which left him with a limp.
In 495, Orcs attacked the Forest of Brethil and Handir was killed in battle. Although it was customary for the chieftain's son to succeed him, the People of Haleth could choose their leader from among the kin of Haleth. Some doubted Brandir's ability to lead and preferred his cousins Hunthor or Hardang, but nevertheless Brandir was selected.
Brandir adopted a policy of secrecy and stealth in hopes of avoiding conflict with Morgoth's forces. His people lived within a stockade on Amon Obel in the heart of the forest. The settlement was called Ephel Brandir. But a group of his people led by Dorlas opposed his policy and continued to hunt Orcs on the borders of Brethil.
In 496, Dorlas and his men were under attack by Orcs when they were rescued by Turin. Turin was seeking Finduilas who had been taken captive when Nargothrond was conquered by Glaurung the Dragon. Dorlas told him that Finduilas had been killed by her captors at the Crossings of Teiglin. Turin went into shock at the news, and Dorlas and his men carried him to Ephel Brandir.
When Brandir saw Turin he was overcome with a feeling of foreboding that the doom of his people had come. Still, he took Turin into his home and healed him, and Turin decided to stay. Turin joined those who hunted Orcs near the borders which caused Brandir to worry that Morgoth's attention would be drawn to the Forest of Brethil.
After a foray near the Crossings of Teiglin, Turin found a distraught woman with amnesia whom he named Niniel. She became feverish and he brought her to Ephel Brandir where Brandir used his skills to heal her. As she recovered, she had to be taught to speak again. Brandir walked with her in the gardens and told her the names of living things.
Brandir fell in love with Niniel but she viewed him as a brother and loved Turin instead. In 497, Turin asked Niniel to marry him. Brandir was troubled, not only because of his own feelings for Niniel, but because he felt that a shadow lay on Turin. He counselled her to wait and he played on her fears that Turin might leave her to go to war. But in 498, Niniel accepted Turin's proposal and they wed.
Later that year, Glaurung sent Orcs to attack the Men of Brethil and Turin defeated them. Turin took charge of organizing their defense and Brandir's wishes were no longer heeded.
At the end of spring in 499, Glaurung himself came to the Forest of Brethil. Turin advised the Men of Brethil to remain in Ephel Brandir and prepare to flee if Glaurung approached while he went forth to slay the Dragon. Dorlas volunteered to accompany Turin and he mocked Brandir for being unable to do the same. Hunthor defended his cousin Brandir and offered to go in his place. Brandir felt ashamed and bitter.
Niniel decided to follow Turin and she convinced many others to come with her. Since his people had ignored his counsel and abandoned him, Brandir renounced his leadership and broke his staff. But because of his love for Niniel, he set out after her. He walked fifteen miles using his crutch and found her at the waterfall of Nen Girith.
Brandir tried to lead Niniel to safety, but she fled from him to find Turin. At the ravine of the Teiglin called the Deer's Leap, she found Turin and Glaurung lying as if dead. Glaurung awoke and before he died he revealed that Niniel was really Turin's sister Nienor, whom Turin had never met before. Brandir overheard the shocking news and tried to stop Niniel, but she threw herself from the Deer's Leap and killed herself.
Brandir then encountered Dorlas and realized that Dorlas had deserted Turin and Hunthor, leaving them to face the Dragon alone. Brandir blamed Dorlas for Hunthor's death and for not bringing news to Niniel so that she need not have gone to find Glaurung herself. Dorlas struck Brandir, and Brandir drew his sword and killed him - the first and only time he ever spilled the blood of another.
Brandir returned to his people and told them that Glaurung, Turin, and Niniel were dead. But when they went to the Deer's Leap to bury Turin, they found him alive. Turin refused to believe that Niniel was dead and he accused Brandir of jealousy. Brandir then told Turin that Niniel was his sister Nienor, and Turin slew Brandir with his sword Gurthang. Turin soon realized that Brandir had spoken the truth and he killed himself.
Brandir had no children, and his cousin Hardang became the leader of the People of Haleth after him.
Names &
Etymology:
Brandir was named after his mother's
brother. In the Etymologies, the name Brandir
is related to the Sindarin words brand meaning "lofty, noble, fine"
and dîr meaning "man, male." Also called Brandir the Lame.
Turin called him Club-foot in anger.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of Turin Turambar," p. 212, 216, 220-25
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 110-12, 123-45, 148-49 note 21, 150 note
28
The Children
of Hurin: "The Coming of Turin into Brethil," p. 193, 195-97; "Nienor
in Brethil," p. 216-20; "The Coming of Glaurung," passim; "The Death of
Glaurung," p. 240-47; "The Death of Turin," p. 249-53, 256
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for BARAD and DER
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 89, 92, 96-102, 148, 151-52, 155-61, 163-64; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion,"
p. 231 (genealogy), 234 (genealogy), 237 (genealogy); "The Wanderings of
Hurin," p. 256-57, 263-70, 278, 285, 297, 299 note 11, 302 note 25, 303
note 33, 304-5 note 36, 309
The Men of the House of Beor lived in Dorthonion. A number of Elves also dwelled there led by Angrod and Aegnor, who were vassals of their brother Finrod Felagund of Nargothrond. Bregolas became the leader of his people after the death of his father Bregor in 448.
In 455, Morgoth sent forth rivers of fire from Angband and an army of Orcs and Balrogs led by Glaurung the Dragon. Dorthonion was the hardest hit by the initial assault. Bregolas fought beside Angrod and Aegnor, but all three of them were killed along with many of the Men of the House of Beor.
Barahir became leader of the House of Beor after the death of Bregolas. It is not clear why Bregolas' brother succeeded him rather than his eldest son. Barahir, Baragund, and Belegund were slain by Orcs in 460, and only Barahir's son Beren survived the attack.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Bregolas means "fierceness"
in Sindarin.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 148; "Of the Ruin of Beleriand,"
p. 151-52, 155
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for BEREK
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 229-30, 231 (genealogy), 232
In 455, Dorthonion was attacked by Morgoth's forces in the Battle of Sudden Flame. Barahir's older brother Bregolas was killed and Barahir became the Lord of the House of Beor. Dorthonion fell under Morgoth's control and became a place of dark enchantment called Taur-nu-Fuin, the Forest under Nightshade.
Barahir refused to retreat and Emeldir wanted to stay and fight alongside him. But in 456, she gathered the women and children and led them through the treacherous mountains to safety. They fled to the Forest of Brethil where their kin lived, and some continued on to Dor-lomin.
Barahir was killed in 460 and Beren became a hunted outlaw. Emeldir apparently did not see her son again. Her date of death is not known.
Names &
Etymology:
Called Emeldir the Manhearted
because of her courage. The meaning of Emeldir is not known. It
may contain the Sindarin word dîr meaning "man."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Ruin of Beleriand," p. 155, 161
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 51, 56; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 231 (genealogy), 232-33,
234 (genealogy)
Gateway
to Sindarin by David Salo: "Sindarin Names," p. 348
Galdor's father Hador was given the lordship of Dor-lomin - a region in southern Hithlum - by Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor. Hador and his younger son Gundor were killed while defending the fortress of Barad Eithel during the Battle of Sudden Flame in 455. Galdor became the Lord of Dor-lomin and the leader of the Men of the House of Hador - the greatest of the Three Houses of the Edain.
Galdor sent his sons Hurin and Huor to be fostered by their mother's kin as was customary. The two boys lived with their uncle Haldir in the Forest of Brethil. In 458, Hurin and Huor became lost after fighting alongside the Men of Brethil in a skirmish against Orcs. The boys were found by Thorondor, the King of the Eagles, and were brought to Gondolin where they were welcomed by Turgon.
Turgon did not normally permit outsiders who had found his hidden realm to leave, but Hurin and Huor were allowed to return home to Dor-lomin after about a year. They promised Turgon that they would not say where they had been. They did not even tell their father but Galdor guessed the truth.
In 462, Morgoth sent an army to attack Hithlum. Galdor defended the fortress of Barad Eithel. The attack was sudden and Galdor went out onto the walls without wearing the Dragon-helm of Dor-lomin which he had inherited from his father. Galdor was shot in the eye with an arrow and died.
Galdor's elder son Hurin became Lord of Dor-lomin and he had a son named Turin. Huor's son Tuor married Idril, the daughter of Turgon, and their son Earendil was instrumental in bringing about Morgoth's defeat in the War of Wrath.
Names &
Etymology:
The meaning of Galdor is
uncertain. According to "The Etymologies,"
the first element gal may be from gala meaning "thrive, prosper,
be glad" or from galad meaning "tree." Another possibility is gal
meaning "shine." The ending dor is a variation of taur meaning
"high, noble."
He was called Galdor Orchal or Galdor the Tall. The word orchal means "tall" or "superior, eminent" in Sindarin.
There was also an Elf named Galdor.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Hador below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of
the Coming of Men into the West," p. 147-48; "Of the Ruin of Beleriand,"
p. 152, 155, 158-60; "Of the Voyage of Earendil," p. 251
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 57, 60, 75-76, 79
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for GAL, GALA, GALAD, KHAL2, ORO, and TA/TA3
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 49, 51-53, 56-58, 60; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 224, 232,
234 (genealogy), 235, 237 (genealogy); "The Wanderings of Hurin," p. 305
note 48 (Galdor Orchal)
Dorthonion was attacked by Morgoth in the Battle of Sudden Flame in 455, and in 456 the women and children of the House of Beor were evacuated. It is not known whether Gilwen was among them or what became of her. Her date of death is not recorded.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Gilwen means "star
maiden" in Sindarin from gil meaning "star" and wen meaning
"maiden."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 231 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion:
"Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for gil
and wen
Hador became the Lord of Dor-lomin in 416. At a feast in 436, Gloredhel married Haldir of the House of Haleth while her brother Galdor married Haldir's sister Hareth. Gloredhel moved to the Forest of Brethil where her new husband's family lived. She gave birth to a son Handir in 441.
Haldir became the leader of the House of Haleth after his father's death in 471, but he was killed just a year later at the Battle of Unnumbered Tears in 472. Gloredhel died of grief when she heard the news.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Glóredhel
is composed of the Sindarin words glor from glaur meaning
"gold, golden light" and edhel meaning "Elf."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Hador and the House of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Ruin of Beleriand," p. 158; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and
Sindarin Names," entries for edhel and laure
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 57, 68
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 51, 79; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 233, 234 (genealogy), 235,
237 (genealogy), 268, 270 [Some references are under the earlier name Glorwendil.]
In 455 of the First Age, Gorlim fought to defend Dorthonion in the Battle of Sudden Flame. Many Men of the House of Beor were slain, but Gorlim survived. He returned home to find his house plundered and Eilinel missing. He did not know whether she had been captured or killed.
Gorlim joined Barahir, the lord of the House of Beor, who refused to leave Dorthonion. Morgoth sent Sauron to hunt down Barahir and his followers. Finally only twelve remained with Barahir: his son Beren and his nephews Baragund and Belegund along with Gorlim, Radhruin, Dairuin, Dagnir, Ragnor, Gildor, Arthad, Urthel, and Hathaldir. They went into hiding near the shores of Tarn Aeluin and Sauron could not find their lair.
Gorlim was the most fierce and desperate of the outlaws. He continued to hope that his wife might have survived. Periodically he returned in secret to his ruined home in case she returned. Sauron became aware of this, and in the autumn of 460 he tricked Gorlim into seeing an image in the window of Eilinel looking careworn and lamenting that Gorlim had forsaken her.
Sauron's hunters seized Gorlim and tortured him but he did not reveal the location of Barahir's hideout. But when they promised to reunite him with Eilinel, Gorlim broke down and agreed. They brought him before Sauron and Gorlim hesitated but finally told Sauron what he wanted to know. Then Sauron revealed that Eilinel was dead, and he fulfilled his promise to reunite the couple by slaying Gorlim.
Sauron sent Orcs to attack the hideout. Barahir and all his men were killed except for Beren, who was away on a mission. Gorlim appeared to Beren in a dream to confess his treachery and warn him. Beren arrived at the hideout too late to save his father and the others, but he pursued the Orcs and killed their captain and retrieved his father's ring.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Gorlim is probably
in the language of the Men of the House of Beor. The meaning is not known.
He was called Gorlim the Unhappy.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Ruin of Beleriand," p. 155; "Of Beren and Luthien," p. 162-64
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 56, 59; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 183 (map showing location
of Gorlim's house)
In 405, Hador entered the household of Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor, who lived in Hithlum. Hador was in Fingolfin's household for ten years until in 415. In 416, Fingolfin rewarded Hador by making him Lord of Dor-lomin - a region in southern Hithlum - and most of Hador's kinsmen relocated there. At this time, Fingolfin's son Fingon gave Hador the Dragon-helm which became an heirloom of his family.
Hador married Gildis and they had three children: a daughter Gloredhel, born in 415; a son Galdor, born in 417; and another son Gundor, born in 419. At a feast in 436, Gloredhel married Haldir of the House of Haleth and Galdor married Haldir's sister Hareth. Galdor and Hareth were the parents of Hurin and Huor.
Hador was the mightiest chieftain of the Edain. His people became known as the House of Hador - the greatest of the Three Houses of the Edain, on a level with the Elves. Hador and his household spoke Elvish, though his people also continued to speak their native tongue which later became the Adunaic language of Numenor.
The Men of the House of Hador had great strength and endurance. They helped the Elves maintain the Siege of Angband by journeying into the far north to keep watch on the movements of Morgoth's servants.
Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband in 455 and the Battle of Sudden Flame began. Fingolfin led his forces to war but they were forced to retreat to their fortresses in the Ered Wethrin. Hador and his Men defended the rearguard. Hador was killed outside the walls of Barad Eithel, and his younger son Gundor was also slain. Galdor succeeded his father as Lord of Dor-lomin and leader of the House of Hador.
Hador was long remembered as one of the greatest of the Elf-friends. When Frodo Baggins volunteered to take the One Ring to Mordor, Elrond compared him to Hador, Hurin, Turin, and Beren.
Note:
The genealogy in HoME
XI (p. 234) gives Hador's birth and death dates as 390-455 but
in The Silmarillion (p. 152) he is
said to have been 66 when he died - a discrepancy of one year. There is
an indication in HoME XI (p. 52, 124)
that Tolkien may have intended to change his age at death to 65 or the
year of his death to 456 (if the Battle of Sudden Flame spanned the winter
of 455-456) or both, but it is unclear.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Hador means "thrower
(of spears or darts)." He was called Hador Goldenhead and Hador
Golden-haired. The Sindarin form was Hador Lórindol where
lor
is from glaur meaning "gold" and dol means "head."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Hador below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 143, 147-48; "Of the Ruin of Beleriand,"
p. 152, 158, 160
Unfinished
Tales: "Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin," p. 21; "Narn I Hin Hurin,"
p. 57, 60, 75, 79
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for GLAW(-R), KHAT, and NDOL
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 52, 124; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 223-26, 228, 232-34, 234
(genealogy), 235
The Fellowship
of the Ring: "The Council of Elrond," p. 284
The Two
Towers: "The Window on the West," p. 287
In 375, Morgoth sent Orc raiders over the Blue Mountains to attack the Haladin. Haldad was brave and masterful, and he rallied as many of the Haladin as he could. They gathered in the angle of land between the Gelion and the Ascar, and Haldad built a stockade between the rivers to protect them. The Haladin were besieged and soon ran out of food.
Haldad led a sortie against the Orcs but he was killed. His son Haldar died trying to save Haldad's body from being butchered by the Orcs. Behind the stockade, Haleth held the Haladin together under siege for a further seven days until the Elves of northern Thargelion led by Caranthir came to their rescue.
Haleth became the leader of the Haladin and the founder of the House of Haleth - one of the Three Houses of the Edain. She led her people westward from Thargelion and they eventually settled in the Forest of Brethil.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Haldad is defined
as "watchdog" in the language of the Haladin from hal(a) meaning
"watch, guard" (HoME XI, p. 270). Another
source (HoME XI, p. 238) defines hal
as "head, chief."
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 145-47
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 221-23, 236, 237 (genealogy); "The Wanderings of Hurin,"
p. 265, 270, 278
In 375, when Haldan was about nine years old, the Haladin were attacked by Orcs. Haldan's father and grandfather were killed, and his aunt Haleth took on the leadership of their people, who became known as the House of Haleth. Haleth led the survivors to Estolad and then in 390 they relocated to the Forest of Brethil.
Haleth was childless, so when she died in 420 Haldan succeeded her as leader of the House of Haleth. Haldan died in 451 and was in turn succeeded by his son Halmir.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Haldan contains
the word hal meaning "head, chief" in the language of the People
of Haleth. In earlier stories his name was Hardan.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 146
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 222, 228, 237 (genealogy), 238
At a feast in 436, Haldir married Gloredhel of the House of Hador while Hareth married Gloredhel's brother Galdor. Haldir and Gloredhel had a son Handir born in 441.
As was customary, Haldir fostered his nephews Hurin and Huor - the sons of Hareth and Galdor - for a time in their youth. In 458, the People of Haleth and the Elves of Doriath defeated a legion of Orcs that came down the Sirion to the Forest of Brethil. Hurin and Huor took part in the skirmish and became lost and were taken to the hidden realm of Gondolin by the Eagles of Thorondor. The boys were returned home to their father about a year later.
In 468, Haldir's father Halmir joined the Union of Maedhros to oppose Morgoth but he died shortly afterwards in 471. Haldir became the leader of the House of Haleth. He led his people to war in 472. They fought in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears with the people of Hurin and Huor in the western army led by Fingon, the High King of the Noldor.
The western army attacked Angband but they were driven back by Morgoth's forces. Haldir and his brother Hundar and most of their men were killed during the retreat on the fourth day after Midsummer of 472. Only three men from Haldir's company returned home to the Forest of Brethil. Gloredhel died of grief after learning of her husband's death. Their son Handir became the leader of the remnants of House of Haleth.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Haldir contains
the word hal meaning "head, chief" in the language of the People
of Haleth. (Note that there was also an Elf named Haldir
whose name had a different meaning in Elvish.)
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Ruin of Beleriand," p. 158; "Of the Fifth Battle," p. 189-90, 192,
195
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 57, 68
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 51, 56-57, 70, 72, 74, 79, 126, 128, 133, 136; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion,"
p. 233, 234 (genealogy), 235-36, 237 (genealogy), 238; "The Wanderings
of Hurin," p. 268-70, 281, 303 note 37 [Some references are under the earlier
name Hundor.]
The Haladin lived in Thargelion, the region of East Beleriand that lay between the Gelion and the Blue Mountains north of the Ascar. Thargelion was the home of Elves whose leader was Caranthir, son of Feanor. The Haladin inhabited in the southern woods of Thargelion and were largely ignored by the Elves. They did not have a lord and lived in separate, scattered homesteads.
In 375, Morgoth sent Orc raiders to attack the Haladin. Haleth's father Haldad led many of the Haladin to a defensive position in the angle of land between the Ascar and the Gelion. He built a stockade between the two rivers and the Haladin were besieged by the Orcs. Haldad was killed in a sortie and his son Haldar died trying to retrieve his body.
Haleth was a woman of great strength and courage and she took charge of the Haladin. She held them together as they ran out of food and their situation became desperate. After seven more days, the Orcs breached the stockade. At that moment, Caranthir arrived with a force of Elves and they defeated the Orcs.
Haleth refused Caranthir's offer of land in northern Thargelion under the Elves' protection because she and her people wanted to remain independent. She led her people westward across the Gelion and settled in Estolad in 376. Haleth became the chief of the Haladin and they became known as the People of Haleth. Haleth was a strong warrior and her personal guards were all women.
In 390, Haleth decided to relocate further westward. Many of her people were opposed to the move but they followed her through Nan Dungortheb, the Valley of Dreadful Death, in the shadow of the Mountains of Terror. On the journey they suffered great hardship and loss but Haleth led them onward by the strength of her will.
Haleth settled in the Forest of Brethil on the western side of Doriath, and many of her people followed her. Others who were unhappy about leaving Estolad set up their own homesteads elsewhere, though a number of them later rejoined the People of Haleth in Brethil.
The Elvenking Thingol of Doriath considered Brethil to be part of his realm, but he allowed the People of Haleth to live there at the request of Finrod Felagund. Finrod had been the first Elf to encounter the race of Men in Beleriand and he took pity on Haleth's people for the hardships they had endured. Haleth's people were given the responsibility of guarding the Crossings of Teiglin and preventing Orcs from entering Brethil.
Haleth died in 420. She was laid to rest in the Ladybarrow - called Tur Haretha in the language of her people and Haudh-en-Arwen in Sindarin. Haleth had not married and had no children so her nephew Haldan became the chief of the People of Haleth.
The People of Haleth - along with the People of Beor and the People of Hador - comprised the Three Houses of the Edain. These were the Men who were allied with the Elves in the war against Morgoth and they were later given the realm of Numenor as a reward.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Haleth contains
the word hal meaning "head, chief" in the language of the People
of Haleth and the feminine ending -eth. She was called Lady Haleth.
(Note that there was also a Man of Rohan named Haleth
whose name had a different meaning in their language.)
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 142-43, 145-48
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 221-24, 227 §24, 227-28 §25, 228 §27,
236, 237 genealogy, 238; "The Wanderings of Hurin," p. 270, 308
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "Of Dwarves
and Men," p. 307-309
Unfinished
Tales: "The Druedain," p. 377, 384-85 note 2
Handir married Beldis of the House of Beor. In 465, they had a son Brandir who became lame after a childhood accident. Handir's father Haldir and uncle Hundar were both slain along with many of their men in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears in 472. Afterwards, Handir became the leader of the remnants of the House of Haleth.
It was the responsibility of the People of Haleth to guard the Crossings of Teiglin on the southern edge of the Forest of Brethil, which was a key point of entry into West Beleriand from the north. Around 485, a company of Orcs in search of plunder forced their way over the Crossings and Handir was unable to stop them. A number of refugees - mainly women and children - came to Brethil from the settlements of the Woodmen south of the Teiglin.
In the spring of 495, Orcs again attacked the Crossings of Teiglin as a precursor to launching an invasion of Nargothrond south of Brethil. Handir was slain in the battle and the Crossings were captured. Handir's son Brandir retreated with his people into a stockade called Ephel Brandir deep in the forest.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Handir was probably
in the language of the People of Haleth, though it could have been Sindarin
meaning "intelligent man" from hand meaning "intelligent" and dîr
meaning "man, male."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Fifth Battle," p. 195; "Of Turin Turambar," p. 212, 216
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for DER and KHAN
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 51, 85, 89, 141; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 231 (genealogy),
234 (genealogy), 237 (genealogy), 238; "The Wanderings of Hurin," 256,
268, 270
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 91
A Gateway
to Sindarin by David Salo, p. 338, 352
In 436, Hareth married Galdor of the House of Hador. At the same feast, her brother Haldir married Galdor's sister Gloredhel. Hareth moved to her husband's home in Dor-lomin - a region in southern Hithlum. Their son Hurin was born in 441 and their son Huor was born in 444. Galdor became the Lord of Dor-lomin after his father's death in the Battle of Sudden Flame in 455.
Hurin and Huor were sent to the Forest of Brethil to be fostered by their uncle Haldir as was customary among their people. In 458, Hurin and Huor became lost during a skirmish with Orcs and were taken to the hidden realm of Gondolin by Thorondor's Eagles. The brothers were returned to Dor-lomin after about a year but they were not permitted to reveal where they had been.
In 462, Morgoth sent an army to attack Hithlum. Galdor was slain defending the fortress of Barad Eithel. At the Battle of Sudden Flame in 472, Huor was killed and Hurin was taken prisoner. Hithlum was occupied by Easterlings who had served Morgoth. It is not known whether Hareth was still alive at this time. She does not appear in the account of Hurin's wife Morwen who remained in occupied Hithlum.
Note:
On the genealogy of the House of
Haleth, Hareth's birth date is given as 419 but it is noted on HoME
XI, p. 238 that the date was changed to 420.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Hareth appears to
mean "lady" or "noble lady" in the language of the People of Haleth. (See
the Ladybarrow, also called
Tur
Haretha in that language.)
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Ruin of Beleriand," p. 158, 160
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 234 (genealogy), 235, 237 (genealogy), 238; "The Wanderings
of Hurin," p. 268-70, 280, 289, 309
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 57, 63
Hathol's son Hador was born in 390. In 405, Hador entered the household of Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor, who lived across the Ered Wethrin in Hithlum. Hador became the first Lord of Dor-lomin and was the founder of the House of Hador - the greatest of the Three Houses of the Edain.
Hathol's date of death is unknown.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Hathol means "axe"
in Sindarin. He was called Hathol the Axe.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Hador below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 147
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for SYAD
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 223, 225-26, 232, 234 (genealogy), 235
Huor and Hurin were sent to the Forest of Brethil to be fostered by their mother's brother Haldir as was customary among their people. In 458, a legion of Orcs came down the Pass of Sirion and the Men of the Forest of Brethil joined forces with Beleg and the marchwardens of Doriath to stop them. Huor was only 13 years old but he insisted on coming along.
During the fight, Huor and Hurin were cut off from the others and were driven to the Ford of Brithiach. Ulmo, Lord of Waters, caused a mist to rise from the Sirion in order to hide the brothers from the Orcs. Huor and Hurin crossed into Dimbar and became lost. They were seen by Thorondor who sent two Eagles to rescue them.
The Eagles brought Huor and Hurin to the hidden realm of Gondolin which no Man had ever seen. King Turgon of Gondolin had been told by Ulmo through dreams that Gondolin's fate was tied to the sons of the House of Hador and he welcomed them. The brothers lived in the King's house and spoke frequently with Turgon.
After about a year, Huor and Hurin wanted to return to their people and Turgon allowed them to go despite his law forbidding strangers who had found his hidden realm to leave. They did not know Gondolin's exact location and they promised not to reveal what they knew. The Eagles bore Huor and Hurin away from Gondolin by night and brought them back to their father in Dor-lomin.
Galdor was slain in 462 by an army sent by Morgoth to attack Hithlum. Hurin became Lord of Dor-lomin and drove back the attackers.
In the spring of 472, Huor married Rian. Just two months later at Midsummer, Huor left home to fight in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears against Morgoth's forces. Hurin and Huor and the Men of Dor-lomin fought with the army led by Fingon, the High King of the Noldor. Fingon's army marched on Angband but they were driven back. Turgon brought an army of 10,000 to their aid but Morgoth's forces were victorious and Fingon was slain.
Hurin and Huor urged Turgon to return to Gondolin so that some place of strength might remain to resist Morgoth. Turgon realized that Morgoth would soon find and conquer Gondolin, but Huor said:
"Yet if it stands but a little while, then out of your house shall come the hope of Elves and Men. This I say to you, lord, with the eyes of death: though we part here for ever, and I shall not look on your white walls again, from you and from me a new star shall arise."Turgon retreated to the Pass of Sirion while the Men of Dor-lomin held the rear. The Men withdrew to the Fen of Serech and when they crossed the Rivil they stood their ground. At sunset on the sixth day after Midsummer, Huor was shot in the eye with a poisoned arrow and died. The rest of the Men of Dor-lomin were also slain and Hurin was taken prisoner. Huor was buried in Haudh-en-Ndengin, the Hill of the Slain.
The Silmarillion: "The Fifth Battle," p. 194
Rian had conceived during their brief marriage and in the winter of 472 she bore a son. She gave him the name Tuor which Huor had chosen before he went to battle. Rian left Tuor in the care of Annael and the Elves of Mithrim and she went to Haudh-en-Ndengin and died. Tuor later found Gondolin and married Turgon's daughter Idril. Their son Earendil convinced the Valar to help the Elves and Men of Middle-earth by defeating Morgoth in the War of Wrath, and Earendil became a star in the heavens as Huor had foretold.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Huor means "heart-vigor"
or "courage" from the Sindarin words hûn meaning "heart" and
gorf
meaning "vigor." The name was adapted to Sindarin from the language of
the Men of the House of Hador.
Genealogy:
See the family trees of the House
of Hador and the House of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Noldor in Beleriand," p. 126; "Of the Coming of Men into the West,"
p. 148; "Of the Ruin of Beleriand," p. 157-59; "Of the Fifth Battle," p.
190, 194; "Of Turin Turambar," p. 198; "Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin,"
p. 238, 240-41, 243, "Of the Voyage of Earendil," p. 251
Unfinished
Tales: "Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin," p. 17-18, 22, 29; "Narn
I Hin Hurin," p. 57-58, 65, 68, 161
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for GOR and KHO-N
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 51, 56-58, 71, 75-76, 79, 166, 169-70; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion,"
p. 224, 231 (genealogy), 234 (genealogy), 237 (genealogy)
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Shibboleth
of Feanor," p. 364 note 49
Lalaith's name at birth was Urwen. Turin called her Lalaith meaning "laughter" because she had a merry laugh like the sound of the nearby stream, Nen Lalaith. She had golden hair and her father said she was as fair as an Elf-child. Turin loved Lalaith and he secretly watched over her while she played and sang.
In the autumn 469 when Lalaith was three years old, Morgoth sent forth a pestilent wind called the Evil Breath. Many children in Hithlum were afflicted by a deadly illness. Turin recovered but Lalaith died. Turin was deeply grieved and afterwards he would look for a resemblance to Lalaith in women's faces. When Turin unknowingly met his other sister Nienor - whom he had never seen before - he was reminded of Lalaith.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Lalaith means "laughter"
in Sindarin. Her original name was Urwen, which was the name of
the "Sun maiden" in old tales from ur meaning "fire, heat" and the
ending
-wen meaning "maiden."
Genealogy:
See the family trees of the House
of Hador, the House of Beor, and the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
Unfinished
Tales:
"Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 57-61, 147 note 7, 157
The Silmarillion:
"Of Turin Turambar," p. 198; Index, entry for Lalaith
The Children
of Hurin: "The Childhood of Turin," p. 34, 38-40, 42-43; "Turin in
Nargothrond," p. 164-65
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. I, The Book of Lost Tales, Part One: "Appendix
- Names in The Lost Tales, Part One," p. 271 (Urwen)
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for UR and WEN, WENED
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. X, Morgoth's Ring: "Myths Transformed," p. 374
note 2
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 234 (genealogy)
Before Magor was born, his father served Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor, in Hithlum. But Magor did not serve any Elf-lord. Magor led many of their people to live in the valleys of the southern slopes of the Ered Wethrin near the source of the Teiglin.
Magor's son Hathol was born in 365. Hathol's son Hador became the first Lord of Dor-lomin and was the founder of the House of Hador - the greatest of the Three Houses of the Edain. Magor's date of death is not recorded.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Magor means "swordsman"
in Sindarin from magol meaning "sword." He was called Magor the
Sword. He was also called Magor Dagorlind meaning "singer in
battle" from dagor meaning "battle" and lin meaning "sing."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Hador below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 143, 147; "Appendix - Elements
in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for dagor and lin
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for MAK
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 219, 223, 225-26, 232-33, 234 (genealogy), 235
Marach and his people migrated westward from Eriador to Beleriand at a slow and orderly pace. They were passed on the journey by the Men of the House of Beor who became the first Men to enter Beleriand in 310. Another group of Men called the Haladin crossed the Blue Mountains into Beleriand in 312.
Around 313, the People of Marach came down from the mountain pass on the southern side of Mount Dolmed. They continued along the Dwarf-road and across the Gelion to the fertile region called Estolad. The People of Beor had settled there on the banks of the Celon south of Nan Elmoth. Marach's people made their homes to the south and east of them and the two groups became friends and allies.
Marach's son Malach left Estolad in 322 to join the household of Fingolfin, the High King of the Noldor, in Hithlum. Marach remained in Estolad until his death in 376. Most of Marach's people relocated westward from Estolad, and his grandson Magor led many of them to live in the valleys of the southern slopes of the Ered Wethrin near the source of the Teiglin.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Marach is in the
language of his people; the meaning is not known.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Hador below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 142-44
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 218-20, 226-28, 230, 232-33, 234 (genealogy)
Meldis and Aradan had a daughter Adanel in 339 and a son Magor in 341. They may also have had other children. They lived in Estolad at first, but later Aradan and his people migrated westward. Some of them - possibly including Aradan and Meldis - settled in Hithlum, while their son Magor led another group to dwell in the valleys of the southern slopes of the Ered Wethrin.
Aradan died in 398; his wife's date of death is not known.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Zimrahin is in the
language of the People of Marach which later developed into the Adunaic
language of Numenor. The word zimra apparently
means "jewel." The name Meldis means "dear wife" in Sindarin from
mell
meaning "dear" and dîs meaning "bride."
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Hador below.
Sources:
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Later Quenta
Silmarillion," p. 233, 234 (genealogy)
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 143; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya
and Sindarin Names," entry for mel
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entries for MEL and NDIS
Adunaic
- The Vernacular of Numenor
Morwen was stern and proud in demeanor. She was tall with pale skin and dark hair and bright, grey eyes. Morwen was said to be the most beautiful mortal woman of the First Age. She was called Eledhwen, or Elfsheen, meaning "Elven-fair."
During the Battle of Sudden Flame in 455, Dorthonion was attacked by Morgoth's forces. Morwen's grandfather Bregolas was killed and his brother Barahir became Lord of the House of Beor. Barahir refused to retreat from Dorthonion even as it became a place of terror and evil known as Taur-nu-Fuin, the Forest under Nightshade.
In 456, Barahir's wife Emeldir led the women and children away from Dorthonion. Morwen was about thirteen years old at the time. She and her cousin Rian went to live in Dor-lomin in southern Hithlum. Morwen's father Baragund remained behind and was killed in 460; the fate of her mother is unknown.
Morwen married Hurin, the Lord of Dor-lomin, in the spring of 464. Later that year she gave birth to their son Turin. In the spring of 466, Morwen had a daughter named Urwen whom everyone called Lalaith, meaning "Laughter," after Nen Lalaith - a stream near their home at the foot of the Amon Darthir in southeastern Dor-lomin.
In the autumn of 469, Morgoth sent forth a pestilent wind called the Evil Breath and many people in Dor-lomin became gravely ill including Turin and Lalaith. Turin recovered but Lalaith died and Morwen grew cold and silent with grief. Morwen became pregnant with her third child in 472.
At midsummer of 472, Hurin was captured by Morgoth in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Morgoth cursed Hurin and Morwen and their children, and he imprisoned Hurin atop Thangorodrim and enabled him to see the tragic fates that befell his family over the years that followed.
After the battle, the Easterlings who had fought for Morgoth occupied Hithlum. They plundered and harrassed the people of Dor-lomin, but they did not harm or evict Morwen because they feared she was a witch in league with the Elves. Nevertheless, Morwen and Turin were poor and hungry. They were given aid by Aerin, a kinswoman of Hurin, who had been forced to marry an Easterling named Brodda.
Morwen feared that Turin would be taken as a slave so she decided to send him to Doriath which was protected from Morgoth by the Girdle of Melian. She hoped that King Thingol would receive her son since she was akin to Beren, the husband of Thingol's daughter Luthien. Morwen could not go with Turin because she had delayed her decision too long and she was by that time heavily pregnant.
Turin left Dor-lomin in the autumn of 472 accompanied by two servants. In early 473, Morwen gave birth to a daughter named Nienor, meaning "Mourning." Turin was welcomed as a foster son by Thingol.
Thingol sent messengers to Dor-lomin to ask Morwen to come to Doriath but she refused because Nienor was still an infant and also because she was proud and reluctant to leave the home she had shared with Hurin. She sent the Dragon-helm of Dor-lomin to Turin. Thingol continued to send messengers periodically until 481 when the road became too dangerous as Morgoth's power increased.
Turin left Doriath in 484 after a fight resulting in the accidental death of Saeros, who had, among other things, insulted Morwen. Turin came to Nargothrond in 490 and he encouraged the Elves to drive Morgoth's servants from West Beleriand. In 494 during the ensuing period of peace, Morwen and Nienor left Dor-lomin and went to Doriath, but no one there knew where Turin had gone so they remained as Thingol's guests.
Nargothrond was conquered by Glaurung in 495. Glaurung lied and told Turin that Morwen and Nienor were enslaved in Dor-lomin. Turin went in search of his mother and sister instead of rescuing the Elf-maiden Finduilas who was killed by her captors.
In 496, refugees from Nargothrond came to Doriath and Morwen learned that Turin had been there. Morwen set out alone to find him against the advice of Thingol and Melian. Thingol sent Mablung and a company of march-wardens after her, and Nienor secretly joined them in disguise. When Morwen realized that Nienor had followed her she ordered her daughter to turn back but Nienor refused.
Mablung led them by ferry across the Meres of Twilight and brought them to Amon Ethir near the gates of Nargothrond. Glaurung emerged and crossed the Narog, causing a disorienting fog to arise from the waters. The guards tried to lead Morwen and Nienor away to safety but their horses were driven mad by the fog and the smell of the Dragon and they bolted. Morwen became lost in the wild.
Nienor fell under Glaurung's spell and forgot her identity. She later met Turin in the Forest of Brethil. Neither knew who the other was and they married and conceived a child. In 499, Turin killed Glaurung but he and Nienor learned the truth and they both killed themselves.
Morwen wandered for many years until she came upon the gravestone of her children in the Forest of Brethil. In 501, Hurin - who had finally been released by Morgoth - found her there. Morwen asked Hurin what had happed to Nienor and Turin, but although he knew he did not tell her. Morwen died at sunset. She was buried nearby and her name was carved on the gravestone. Hurin later threw himself into the Sea.
When Beleriand sank beneath the Sea at the end of the First Age, the gravestone remained above water as an island called Tol Morwen.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Morwen means "dark
maiden" in Sindarin from mor meaning "dark" and the ending -wen
meaning "maiden" in reference to her dark hair. She was called Eledhwen,
literally "Elf-maiden" but translated as "Elfsheen" or "Elven-fair." The
word eledh is an older form of edhel meaning "Elf." She was
the Lady of Dor-lómin through marriage to Hurin, the Lord
of Dor-lómin. The Easterlings called her Witchwife.
In the Third Age, there were two women of Gondor named Morwen and Morwen Steelsheen.
Genealogy:
See the family trees of the House
of Beor, the House of Hador, and the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 148; "Of the Ruin of Beleriand,"
p. 155, 160-61; "Of the Fifth Battle," p. 197; "Of Turin Turambar," p.
198-99, 210-11, 214-15, 217-19, 225; "Of the Ruin of Doriath," p. 227,
229, 231; "Appendix - Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names," entries for
mor
and wen
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 57-81, 104-9, 112-18, 121, 138, 144,
146 note 3, 155, 161; "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 189, 214-15 note 10
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 51, 56, 61, 64, 78-79, 85, 87-88, 90, 93-95, 102, 126, 161-64; "The
Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 181-82 (map), 224, 231 (genealogy), 234
(genealogy); "The Wanderings of Hurin," p. 251-52, 256-59, 273-74, 291,
294-96, 298, 299 note 10, "Quendi and Eldar," p. 409
The Children
of Hurin: "The Childhood of Turin," p. 34, 38-40, 44-51; "The Words
of Hurin and Morgoth," p. 63; "The Departure of Turin," passim; "Turin
in Doriath," p. 81-83, 87-89; "Turin in Nargothrond," p. 170; "The Fall
of Nargothrond," p. 175, 179-81; "The Return of Turin to Dor-lomin," passim;
"The Coming of Turin into Brethil," p. 192; "The Journey of Morwen and
Nienor to Nargothrond," passim; "The Death of Turin," p. 255, 258-59
The Letters
of J.R.R. Tolkien: Letter #211 (eledh, Eledhwen)
Nienor Níniel |
Nienor
and Glaurung by John Howe
|
Sister
of Turin who unwittingly married her brother. Nienor was the daughter of
Hurin and Morwen. They had another daughter Lalaith
- who died as child before Nienor was born - as well as a son Turin.
Hurin was captured at the Battle of Unnumbered Tears in 472 of the First Age while Morwen was pregnant with Nienor. After the battle, Morgoth sent Easterlings to occupy Hithlum, including the region of Dor-lomin where Morwen and Turin lived. Morwen feared the Easterlings would enslave Turin so in the autumn of 472 she sent him to live with King Thingol of Doriath.
At the beginning of 473, Morwen gave birth to Nienor. She had golden hair and blue eyes and she grew to be tall. In 494, Morwen and Nienor left Dor-lomin and went to find Turin in Doriath, but he was gone. Morwen and Nienor stayed in Doriath as guests of Thingol and his wife Melian.
Turin was in Nargothrond when Glaurung the Dragon attacked in 495. Glaurung caught Turin under his spell and lied to him, saying that Morwen and Nienor were enslaved in Dor-lomin. Turin was convinced to go rescue his mother and sister instead of saving the life of Finduilas - daughter of King Orodreth of Nargothrond - who was captured by Orcs and killed. When he reached Dor-lomin, Turin realized he had been deceived.
Morwen meanwhile learned from refugees from Nargothrond that Turin had been there. In 496, she set out to find Turin against the advice of Thingol and Melian. Thingol sent a company of march-wardens led by Mablung to follow her. Nienor secretly joined them in hopes that Morwen would decide to turn back in order to protect her. When Nienor's identity was revealed, Morwen refused to go back but she ordered Nienor to return to Doriath. But Nienor was courageous and she insisted on accompanying her mother to Nargothrond.
They journeyed to Amon Ethir, a hill one league from the gates of Nargothrond. Mablung left Morwen and Nienor on the summit guarded by ten riders while he went ahead to investigate. Glaurung emerged from the gates and crossed the Narog, causing a disorienting fog and a terrible stench to arise from the waters.
The guards tried to lead Morwen and Nienor away to safety but their horses were blinded and terrified in the fog. Nienor was thrown from her horse. She returned to Amon Ethir so that Mablung would be able to find her.
When Nienor reached the summit of Amon Ethir, she found herself looking into the eyes of Glaurung who had climbed the other side. Nienor had great strength of will, but she fell under the Dragon's spell and he caused her to forget who she was. Mablung found her in a trance and he led her back towards Doriath, but one night they were attacked by Orcs and Nienor fled.
Nienor ran northward, tearing off her clothes as she went. She outpaced not only the Orcs but also Mablung's company. She crossed the Teiglin into the Forest of Brethil where Turin was living. During a storm, Turin found her lying naked on Haudh-en-Elleth, the grave of Finduilas.
Turin had never seen his sister Nienor and he did not know who she was. He told her his name was Turambar. She remembered nothing of her past and she wept when he asked her name, so he called her Niniel meaning "Tear-maiden." They both felt that they had found in each other something that they had long been seeking.
Turin took Niniel to Ephel Brandir, the walled village on Amon Obel. As they crossed the bridge over the Celebros looking down to the Ravines of Teiglin, Niniel shuddered and became ill. Afterwards the falls of Dimrost below the bridge were called Nen Girith, the Shuddering Water.
Brandir, the leader of the of the Men of the Forest of Brethil, used his skill as a healer to restore Niniel to health. The spell of forgetfulness was so strong that Niniel could not even remember words for common things and she had to be taught to speak again. Brandir fell in love with Niniel, but she thought of Brandir as a brother and unknowingly fell in love with her real brother Turin and he with her.
In 497, Turin asked Niniel to marry him. Brandir counselled her to wait, not only because of his feelings for her but because he felt a sense of foreboding at the thought of marriage between Niniel and Turin. Brandir told her that the man she knew as Turambar was Turin, son of Hurin, and that he was likely to leave her to go to war. Niniel did not recognize the name but she felt a shadow of doubt and she asked Turin for more time.
The next spring of 498, Turin proposed to Niniel again and he promised that if she married him he would not go into battle except to defend her or their home. Niniel agreed and they were married at midsummer. The woodmen gave them a house in Ephel Brandir.
Before the end of the year, Glaurung sent Orcs to attack the Men of the Forest of Brethil. At first Turin stayed at home as he had promised Niniel, but the woodmen were overwhelmed and finally Turin came forth to help them defeat the Orcs.
In the spring of 499, Niniel became pregnant and she grew sad and withdrawn. Glaurung came to the borders of the Forest of Brethil at the end of spring. Niniel begged Turin to flee, but he went forth to confront the Dragon at the Ravines of Teiglin. Niniel rallied many of the woodmen to follow Turin and they went as far as Nen Girith.
As Glaurung crossed the Teiglin over the ravine called the Deer's Leap, Turin waited below and stabbed the Dragon with Gurthang. Niniel heard Glaurung's screams at Nen Girith and was seized with a shuddering dread. Brandir tried to lead Niniel away to safety but she would not leave Turin. She ran to the Deer's Leap where Glaurung lay dying.
Niniel found Turin unconscious and apparently dead. She bandaged his wounded hand and spoke to him but he did not awaken. With his dying breath, Glaurung told Niniel that Turin was her brother. When Glaurung died, the spell of forgetfulness was lifted and Niniel remembered everything. She jumped from the Deer's Leap into the Teiglin, killing herself and her unborn child. Afterwards the ravine was called Cabed Naeramarth, the Leap of Dreadful Doom.
When Turin learned what had happened, he committed suicide as well. He was buried where he fell, and the name Nienor Níniel was carved on his gravestone though her body was never found. In 501, Morwen found the grave and died there. After the destruction of Beleriand at the end of the First Age, the gravestone remained above water as an island called Tol Morwen.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Nienor - or Niënor
- means "mourning." Morwen gave this name to her daughter after Hurin failed
to return from battle. Turin called her Níniel meaning "Tear-maiden"
because she wept when he asked her name and she could not remember it.
Genealogy:
See the family trees of the House
of Hador, the House of Beor, and the House
of Haleth below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of Turin Turambar," p. 198-99, 211, 213-26
The Children
of Hurin: "Introduction," p. 17; "The Departure of Turin," p. 66, 70,
75, 77-78; "Turin in Doriath," p. 81; "Turin in Nargothrond," p. 170; "The
Fall of Nargothrond," p. 179-81; "The Return of Turin to Dor-lomin," p.
184, 187-88; "The Journey of Morwen and Nienor," passim; "Nienor in Brethil,"
passim; "The Coming of Glaurung," 222-24, 228, 231-33; "The Death of Glaurung,"
p. 239-47; "The Death of Turin," passim
Unfinished
Tales: "Narn I Hin Hurin," p. 73, 75-78, 106-7, 109, 112-46, 149 note
24
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 79, 85, 87-88, 90, 93-103, 162-64; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion,"
p. 234 (genealogy); "The Wanderings of Hurin," p. 256-57, 290, 295-96,
299 note 10, 300 note 14
During the Battle of Sudden Flame in 455, Bregolas was killed and the woods of Dorthonion were scorched by rivers of fire from Angband. After the battle, Morgoth's minions continued to hunt down the people of the House of Beor.
In 456, the women and children were evacuated from Dorthonion by Emeldir, the wife of Belegund's uncle Barahir. Rian, who was about 6 years old at the time, was among the refugees along with her cousin Morwen. Rian's father Belegund remained behind and perished in 460; her mother's fate is unknown.
Rian and Morwen settled in Dor-lomin with the people of the House of Hador. Morwen married Hurin, the Lord of Dor-lomin, and had a son named Turin. In the spring of 472, Rian married Hurin's brother Huor. She conceived a child, but just two months after their wedding Huor went to fight Morgoth's forces in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears.
When Huor did not return from the battle, Rian became distraught and wandered into the wild. She was taken in by the Elves who lived in Mithrim. She gave birth to a son late in the year 472 and she gave him the name Tuor which Huor had chosen. Rian decided to go in search of Huor, but she was told by an Elf named Annael who had fought in the battle that Huor had been killed.
Rian left Tuor in the care of Annael and she went to find her husband's grave. The Men and Elves who had died in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears had been buried by Morgoth's Orcs on the plain of Anfauglith under a great mound called Haudh-en-Ndengin. Rian lay down upon Haudh-en-Ndengin and died.
When Tuor was grown, he journeyed to Gondolin and married Idril, and their son Earendil was instrumental in bringing about the defeat of Morgoth in the War of Wrath. Earendil's sons were Elrond and Elros - the great-grandsons of Rian.
Names &
Etymology:
The name Rían means
"crown gift" in Sindarin from rî meaning "crown" and anna
meaning "give." Rian was also the name
of a woman of Gondor in the Third Age.
Genealogy:
See the family tree of the House
of Beor below.
Sources:
The Silmarillion:
"Of the Coming of Men into the West," p. 148; "Of the Ruin of Beleriand,"
p. 155, 161; "Of Turin Turambar," p. 198; "Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin,"
p. 238
Unfinished
Tales: "Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin," p. 17; "Narn I Hin Hurin,"
p. 57-58, 68; "Aldarion and Erendis," p. 215 note 10
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. V, The Lost Road and Other Writings: "The Etymologies,"
entry for RIG
The History
of Middle-earth, vol. XI, The War of the Jewels: "The Grey Annals,"
p. 52, 56, 71, 79, 126, 133, 135; "The Later Quenta Silmarillion," p. 224,
231 (genealogy), 234 (genealogy)
House
of Beor:
Primary source:
HoME
XI, p. 231
* = leader
of the House of Beor
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