Beleg Strongbow

[Beleg]

Guys, get ready for a long post.

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Beleg Strongbow

Who was Beleg Strongbow?

The appendix to Silmarillion (Published 77) answers it,

A great archer and chief of the marchwardens of Doriath; called C¨²thalion 'Strongbow'; friend and companion of T¨²rin, by whom he was slain

But one wonders if this defination is sufficant to describe properly the worth of the greatest huntsman ever to inhabit the forests of Beleriand?

Nay, not so. To understand the worth of Beleg in the great maze of events in Beleriand during the first age we need to make a detailed study of his character, his attritbutes, the cause of his fame, his evolution from the intial-The Lost Tales-works and his significance in Tolkien's mind.

I'll start by giving a general over-view of Beleg Strongbow, as recorded in the Long Annals of Middle Earth, The Quenta Silmarillion and The Great Tales.

Name: Beleg C¨²thalion 'Strongbow'. Often called Strongbow by his people.

Meaning of the Name: The Etymologies given the following defination infront of the stem BEL-strong. Cf. bal (?). Stem not found in Q. T belle (physical) strength; belda strong. Ilk. bel (*bel¨¥) strength; Beleg the Strong, name of Ilkorin bowman of Doriath. *b¨¦lek: *b¨¦lek¨¡: ON beleka mighty, huge, great; EN beleg great (n.b. this word is distinct in form from though related to Ilk. name Beleg); cf. EN Beleg-ol [gawa] = Q Aule; Belegaer Great Sea [ay], name of sea between Middle-earth and the West; Belegost Great City [os], name of one of the chief places of the Dwarves. T belka ¡®excessive¡¯ is possibly from ON; ON belda strong, belle strength (EN belt strong in body, bellas bodily strength) are possibly from T. Cf. name Belthronding of Beleg¡¯s yewbow: see star, ding.

Note: It is interesting to note the introduction of the name Ilkorin in this text. This name is only mentioned in this text and no preceeding or succeeding text bears any reappearence or appearence of this particular name.

Age: Unknown.

Race: Of Elves.

Sub-division: Sindar, under the Kingship of Elu Thingol in the guarded realm of Doriath.

Occupation: Cheiftain of Marchwardens of Doriath. (The Marchwardens of Doriath were people who petrolled its bound to maintain the boundries of Doriath and look out for any stranger that may want to enter Doriath)

Subordinate to: Elu Thingol and Melian, King and Queen of Doriath.

Year of Birth: Unknown

Year of Death: 489, First Age.

Attributes and Tratis of Beleg: A great friend, a resolute hunter, greatest in forest warfare. A healer and lover of race of men. Fair, speaks no nonsense and would do anything for those he loves. Bringer forth of justice and peace. Mighty in warfare. It is said that none was stronger then him warfare in Doriath. A great friend.

Weaponary and Armour: The great bow Belthronding and his black sword Anglachel.

Brief Biography: Most of Beleg's known history is interwoven in the fate of T¨²rin and vows of House of Hador. He was the chief hunter of Doriath, the greatest Hunter and Woodsman that ever harboured in the lands of Middle Earth. Off old he was in the service of Thingol and had done great deeds for him. Off his documented history some is hereby recalled. He was a great hunter and thus was a member of a party that was prepared for the hunt of the Great wolf Carcharoth. He participated in Nirneath along with Mablung and presumbly made acquiantance with H¨²rin the steadfast. He became meshed in the doom of the Children of H¨²rin and became a fast and firm friend of T¨²rin. For and along with T¨²rin he did great deeds. He was erroranously killed by the hands of T¨²rin after he had safed T¨²rin's life from a band of Orcs.


You'll notice that most of the life of Beleg is closely interrelated and intervined with the life of Turin.

[Beleg]

Detailed account of Beleg's documented life: We'll start by documenting events assosiated with Beleg's name.
Beleg first appears in the Silmarillion in context to an attack against invading orcs.

From the Silmarillion

Then Beleg Strongbow, chief of the march-wardens of Thingol, brought great strength of the Sindar armed with axes into Brethil; and issuing from the deeps of the forest Halmir and Beleg took an Orc-legion at unawares and destroyed it

In Published Silmarillion 77, the second introduction of Beleg the hunter happens in Chapter 19, Of Beren and Luthien. When Beren is named among the company that is prepared for the hunt of Carcharoth.

To that chase went Huan the Hound of Valinor, and Mablung of the Heavy Hand, and Beleg Strongbow, and Beren Erchamion, and Thingol King of Doriath.

What happens with the hunt is none of our concern so it'd suffice to say that in the hunt Huan and Beren died also killing Carcharoth; Beleg and Mablung coming too late to help the fallen.
The next time we hear about Beleg is in the 20th chapter Of the fifth battle: Nirnaeth Aronediad. Thingol has been fortified and no one is allowed to enter or leave it. The ominious signs of a battle are looming, so Beleg and Mablung, the two most reknowned of the hunters of Doriath beg leave to take part in the Nirnaeth. The King grants them leave but on one term; they shall not serve any son of Feanor.

Then Thingol fortified the marches of his realm, and went not to war, nor any out of Doriath save Mablung and Beleg, who were unwilling to have no part in these great deeds. To them Thingol gave leave to go, so long as they served not the sons of Fëanor;

Note: I have often pondered about the reason Beleg and Mablung might want to take part in Nirnaeth. Part of it maybe that It was allready evident that the outcome of the war would decide the future of Beleriand.

Now we pass onto 21st Chapter, Of Túrin Turambar. The chapter is the prose version of the biggest lament ever written. This chapter is a detailed account of the life of Túrin and Beleg plays a great part in some of the events concerning Túrin's life.
The name of Beleg is first heard when Túrin travelling with his servants reaches Doriath and meets Beleg Strongbow.

In the first beginning of the year Morwen gave birth to her child, the daughter of Húrin; and she named her Nienor, which is Mourning. But Túrin and his companions passing through great perils came at last to the borders of Doriath; and there they were found by Beleg Strongbow, chief of the marchwardens of King Thingol, who led them to Menegroth.

Note: At this point their is a difference in the narrative of UT and Silmarillion. The narrative of Silmarillion is given above but UT differs a great deal from Silmarillion at this point, infact a whole new tale is introduced there, which is different from the narrative in Silmarillion

Túrin was already far away when she was born. Long and evil was his road, for the power of Morgoth was ranging far abroad; but he had as guides Gethron and Grithnir, who had been young in the days of Hador, and though they were now aged they were valiant, and they knew well the lands, for they had journeyed often through Beleriand in former times. Thus by fate and courage they passed over the Shadowy Mountains, and coming down into the Vale of Sirion they passed into the Forest of Brethil; and at last, weary and haggard, they reached the confines of Doriath. But there they became bewildered, and were enmeshed in the mazes of the Queen, and wandered lost amid the pathless trees, until all their food was spent. There they came near to death, for winter came cold from the North; but not so light was Túrin's doom. Even as they lay in despair they heard a horn sounded. Beleg the Strongbow was hunting in that region, for he dwelt ever upon the marches of Doriath, and he was the greatest woodsman of those days. He heard their cries and came to them, and when he had given them food and drink he learned their names and whence they came, and he was filled with wonder and pity. And he looked with liking upon Túrin, for he had the beauty of his mother and the eyes of his father, and he was sturdy and strong.
"What boon would you have of King Thingol?" said Beleg to the boy.
"I would be one of his knights, to ride against Morgoth, and avenge my father," said Túrin.
"That may well be, when the years have increased you," said Beleg. "For though you are yet small you have the makings of a valiant man, worthy to be a son of Húrin the Steadfast, if that were possible." For the name of Húrin was held in honour in all the lands of the Elves. Therefore Beleg gladly became the guide of the wanderers, and he led them to a lodge where he dwelt at that time with other hunters, and there they were housed while a messenger went to Menegroth. And when word came back that Thingol and Melian would receive the son of Húrin and his guardians, Beleg led them by secret ways into the Hidden King_dom.

The above is the passage from UT. Clearly it is evident that the explainative was removed from Silmarillion for some reason, possibly for smooth sailing and to shorten the length of the narrative. According to the above passage Beleg saved Túrin and his servants from sure death and escorted them to Menegroth. Thus a bond of familiarity was created between the boy and the ranger, who no doubt would have been impressed by his brave answers. Beleg might have personally known Húrin, since they both served in Fingon's army. Therefore his love for Túrin would be no strange occuring. Now Beleg in the above narrative is explictively stated as "the greatest woodsman of those days." One of his many titles.
On a side note, we are also told that Túrin was indeed beautiful, no wonder so many elvin babes fell for him.

Returning to the Silmarillion narrative, the tale continues as Túrin asks Thingol to join the marchwardenship on the Northern Marches. His will is granted and he becomes a companion of Beleg Strongbow. Thus starts a friendship whose tales would endure beyond the ends of the days and in whose depth the fate of the great friendship between the two kindered Elves and Men is woven.

and in grimness of heart he went before the King and asked for mail and sword; and he put on the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin and went out to battle on the marches of Doriath, and became the companion in arms of Beleg Cúthalion.

Later events follow. Túrin live along with Beleg for three years in the Northern Marches, but returns one day to Menegroth. Here upon being provoked unjustly he gets in a fight with one of the leading Elves. Túrin overcomes the elf but pardons his life. The elf fleeing in terror proves himself his own bane as he falls in a ravine. Mablung, seeing all this interpret's it wrongly and asks Túrin to come to the courts of Thingol and abide judgement. Túrin refuses and runs into the wild forsaking Doriath.
Here Beleg again comes in action.

In that time Beleg Strongbow returned from the north marches and came to Menegroth, seeking him; and Thingol spoke to Beleg, saying: 'I grieve, Cúthalion; for I took Húrin's son as my son, and so he shall remain, unless Húrin himself should return out of the shadows to claim his own. I would not have any say that Túrin was driven forth unjustly into the wild, and gladly would I welcome him back; for I loved him well.'

Beleg answers,

And Beleg answered: 'I will seek Túrin until I find him, and I will bring him back to Menegroth, if I can; for I love him also.'
Then Beleg departed from Menegroth, and far across Beleriand he sought in vain for tidings of Túrin through many perils.

TBC

[Beleg]

Just observe the depth hidden in the last Quote. Beleg without the slightest aim of a reward vows to look for Túrin even though he knows not where Túrin might have gone. This to me speaks volumes about Beleg's love for Túrin and his determintion in finding one whom he loves. He travells far and wide, across the length and breadth of Bleriand, looking and searching for Túrin. Not finding him, yet still continuing his search resolutely. Peril's he face, difficulties hinder him but he never stops. Thus Beleg proves himself as a determinent and hardy elf and when they say he is the greatest of all that scaled the forest of Middle Earth, they are speaking the truth!

Anyway, the search continues. An year passes and finally Beleg is able to find Túrin. But much has happened to Túrin in the last year or so. Túrin becomes the leader of a gang of Outcasts and when Beleg chances upon their dwelling. Now, the Outlaws don't know Beleg and don't recognise him and they treated him badly. But the arrival of Túrin from a journey he was on upon the intial arrival of Beleg changes things.
Túrin offcourse is overjoyed.

It chanced that at that time Túrin was gone from the camp; and the outlaws seized Beleg and bound him, and treated him cruelly, for they feared him as a spy of the King of Doriath. But Túrin returning and seeing what was done, was stricken with remorse for all their evil and lawless deeds; and he released Beleg, and they renewed their friendship, and Túrin foreswore thenceforward war or plunder against all save the servants of Angband.

Notice the mention of "renewed friendship."

Beleg tells Túrin about the pardon of Thingol which he had awarded to Túrin when it had become clear that Túrin indeed was wrongly accused of murdering Searos. He tries to persuade him to return back to Doraith, for Beleg is foresighted and he wants to avert the many evils that might befall them if they live longer in this dangerous, fell country. Perhaps, he becomes aware that some sort of black doom lies on Túrin and nature is not very compassionate upon him. Nature might play a trick on him if he doesn't guard himself and the trick might prove ill for all involed in it. Túrin would be better guarded from the effects of the outerworld inside the protective griddle of Melian.

Then Beleg told Túrin of King Thingol's pardon; and he sought to persuade him by all means that he might to return with him to Doriath, saying that there was great need of his strength and valour on the north marches of the realm. 'Of late the Orcs have found a way down out of Taur-nu-Fuin,' he said; 'they have made a road through the Pass of Anach.'

Yet, yet the ever ruining pride comes into play and Túrin refuses Thingol's summons and Beleg's adherring. He has become proud, perhaps more self-willed, after tasting rulership for a while. Perhaps his heart is still hot in him because of the words of Searos and he deems all the Doriath to practice the words of Searos.

But in the pride of his heart Túrin refused the pardon of the King, and the words of Beleg were of no avail to change his mood

On the contrary Túrin urges Beleg to stay with them, but that Beleg shouldn't do, couldn't do and wouldn't do.
So for a while they both stick on their respective claims and their friendship is affected by this variations in opinions.

And he for his part urged Beleg to remain with him in the lands west of Sirion; but that Beleg would not do, and he said: 'Hard you are, Túrin, and stubborn. Now the turn is mine. If you wish indeed to have the Strongbow beside you, look for me in Dimbar; for thither I shall return.'

The next day Túrin and Beleg have a small but significant dialogue and it is best to reproduce all of it to gain a better understanding of the state of affairs.

On the next day Beleg set out, and Túrin went with him a bowshot from the camp; but he said nothing. 'Is it farewell, then, son of Húrin?' said Beleg. Then Túrin looked out westward, and he saw far off the great height of Amon Rûdh; and unwitting of what lay before him he answered: 'You have said, seek me in Dimbar. But I say, seek for me on Amon Rûdh! Else, this is our last farewell.' Then they parted, in friendship, yet in sadness.

Yet, you see the friendship is their. Normally the conflict in views chills down the friendship but the bases of the mutual love they share for eachother is so strong that nothing, no conlfict, no curse can erade their mutual feelings of love and friendship from their heart.
Beleg makes for Menegroth and their meets and talks with Elu Thingol.
And there after having a talk with Thingol, he asks Thingol's leave for a special matter,

'Give me leave, lord,' said Beleg, 'and I will guard him and guide him as I may; then no man shall say that elven-words are lightly spoken. Nor would I wish to see so great a good run to nothing in the wild.'

The above quote is also a pretty significant one. Beleg indeed is a stickler, in a good way, when it comes to vows of friendship and love. Just look, he is willing to risk his life for the love of one who scorned his advice and instead choose to work on his own way. Such is real friendship. Who says Elves weren't true friends to men. Felegund and Strongbow proved the worth of Elves and their valour as friend of men.
Thingol complies with Beleg's request and shows his gratefullness and Beleg's offer,

Then Thingol gave Beleg leave to do as he would; and he said: 'Beleg Cúthalion! For many deeds you have earned my thanks; but not the least is the finding of my fosterson. At this parting ask for any gift, and I will not deny it to you.'

He also allows Beleg to choose any gift he would like, that might help him in his quest.

Beleg, against the warning of Melian, chooses Anglachel.
And Thus the Great Iron of Death is brought into play. The elements are being cooked and the brew is now rippening....the plans are falling into place and most of the chief items have emerged.

I ask then for a sword of worth,' said Beleg; 'for the Orcs come now too thick and close for a bow only, and such blade as I have is no match for their armour.'
'Choose from all that I have,' said Thingol, 'save only Aranrúth, my own.'
Then Beleg chose Anglachel; and that was a sword of great worth, and it was so named because it was made of iron that fell from heaven as a blazing star; it would cleave all earth-delved iron

Melian also gives her blessing to Beleg for the quest, the first introduction of Lembas in Quenta Silmarillion is made,

'Another gift I will give to you, Cúthalion,' said Melian, 'that shall be your help in the wild, and the help also of those whom you choose.' And she gave him store of lembas, the waybread of the Elves,

Thus Beleg collects all the gifts and for a while goes back to Northern Marches and his presence greatly helps the Sindar of Doriath in their struggle against Orcs and other dark creatures. But winter approaths and Beleg leaves his friends in the northern Marches and Doriath hears of him no more.

Let's just sneak a peak at Túrin's doings as Beleg is busy in Northern Marches. They'll prove helpful in the evaluation of further events.

Now when Beleg parted from the outlaws and returned into Doriath, Túrin led them away westward out of Sirion's vale; for they grew weary of their life without rest, ever watchful and in fear of pursuit, and they sought for a safer lair. And it chanced at a time of evening that they came upon three Dwarves, who fled before them; but one that lagged behind was seized and thrown down, and a man of the company took his bow and let fly an arrow at the others as they vanished in the dusk. Now the dwarf that they had taken was named Mîm; and he pleaded for his life before Túrin, and offered as ransom to lead them to his hidden halls which none might find without his aid. Then Túrin pitied Mîm, and spared him; and he said: 'Where is your house?'
Then Mîm answered: 'High above the lands lies the house of Mîm, upon the great hill; Amon Rûdh is that hill called now, since the Elves changed all the names.'

But in the winter of that year, Beleg returns to Túrin upon Amon Rudh,

Then only the hardiest dared stir abroad; and some fell sick, and all were pinched with hunger. But in the dim dusk of a winter's day there appeared suddenly among them a man, as it seemed, of great bulk and girth, cloaked and hooded in white; and he walked up to the fire without a word. And when men sprang up in fear, he laughed, and threw back his hood, and beneath his wide cloak he bore a great pack; and in the light of the fire Túrin looked again on the face of Beleg Cúthalion.
Thus Beleg returned once more to Túrin, and their meeting was glad; and with him he brought out of Dimbar the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin, thinking that it might lift Túrin's thought again above his life in the wilderness as the leader of a petty company.

One or two things to notice.

1. Beleg is noted to be of "great bulk and girth" meaning that he was indeed pretty strong and a match for even the sturdiest and most fearsome of Enemy'ies creatures.


TBC

[Beleg]

Now Beleg urges again Túrin again to come back to Doriath but Túrin won't listen so for the love of Túrin, mind you for the love of Túrin, Beleg decided against his wisdom to continue living with Túrin and gave up his notion of returning back to Doriath.

But still Túrin would not return to Doriath; and Beleg yielding to his love against his wisdom remained with him, and did not depart, and in that time he laboured much for the good of Túrin's company.

Another of Beleg's virtues is brought into light for the first time.

Those that were hurt or sick he tended, and gave to them the lembas of Melian; and they were quickly healed, for though the Grey-elves were less in skill and knowledge than the Exiles from Valinor, in the ways of the life of Middle-earth they had a wisdom beyond the reach of Men.

A brief statement explaining some of Beleg's virutes and the cause of his importance among the Outlaws says,

And because Beleg was strong and enduring, farsighted in mind as in eye, he came to be held in honour among the outlaws;

But a question comes to mind, if he was such farsighted in mind and in eye, why didn't he precieve the shadows that were falling on the petty dwarf and his son.

And Lo! the drama unfolds, Túrin is at work again. The dominion of Orcs and Morgoth has spread far and wide. Dimbar has fallen under their shadow, Brethil is surrounded from two sides by Hostile enemies. The wilds between Narog and Doriath are being filled by Orcs. And who comes into action? Túrin! as expected but not alone...lo and behold! for with him goes The Strongbow! The helm of Hador is again publicized and whispers travel across the length and breadth of Bleriand.

For Túrin put on again the Helm of Hador; and far and wide in Beleriand the whisper went, under wood and over stream and through the passes of the hills, saying that the Helm and Bow that had fallen in Dimbar had arisen again beyond hope. Then many who went leaderless, dispossessed but undaunted, took heart again, and came to seek the Two Captains. Dor-Cúarthol, the Land of Bow and Helm, was in that time named all the region between Teiglin and the west march of Doriath; and Túrin named himself anew, Gorthol, the Dread Helm, and his heart was high again. In Menegroth, and in the deep halls of Nargothrond, and even in the hidden realm of Gondolin, the fame of the deeds of the Two Captains was heard; and in Angband also they were known. Then Morgoth laughed, for now by the Dragon-helm was Húrin's son revealed to him again; and ere long Amon Rûdh was ringed with spies.

Yet, circumstance proved that it was folly, momentary victory, but disastrous in the long run. As Beleg had precieved long ago.
Amon Rudh is ringed with spies and one day when Mim and Ibun are gone out for collecting herbs, they are caught by Orcs and thus they betray Amon Rudh. Orcs come at night and slay all except for Túrin, who is caught alive. Then the orcs venture forward leaving behind a mutilated and full of horror mountain. And there Mim comes and coming alone he looks at the faces of all, seeking for Beleg, whom he hated greatly, and he finds Beleg...and lo! he is not dead but alive. And what ensues is given below.

And at length when all was silent again Mîm crept out of the shadows of his house; and as the sun rose over the mists of Sirion he stood beside the dead men on the hill-top. But he perceived that not all those that lay there were dead; for by one his gaze was returned, and he looked in the eyes of Beleg the Elf. Then with hatred long-stored Mîm stepped up to Beleg, and drew forth the sword Anglachel that lay beneath the body of one that had fallen beside him; but Beleg stumbling up seized back the sword and thrust it at the Dwarf, and Mîm in terror fled wailing from the hill-top. And Beleg cried after him: 'The vengeance of the house of Hador will find you yet!'

The courage of Beleg is shown again. No! he is not the one to lose hope and courage at any stage!

Here follows a VERY interesting line,

Now Beleg was sorely wounded, but he was mighty among the Elves of Middle-earth, and he was moreover a master of healing.

Now I don't think that this means that Beleg was the mightiest elf among the elves of Middle-Earth, he wasn't exactly in the category of some of the greatest of Noldo, but I guess no one, except maybe perhaps Círdan and Thingol were greater then him among the Sindar. And In fighting there was no match for him in Doriath and I believe that none could have defeated him in foreat warfare.
Moreover he is revealed, in clear words, as a master of healing. A trait that is to be expected from one who is such a such a seasoned traveller and hunter. Due to his great healing powers, his Hoar is healed and he soon becomes fit again.

Therefore he did not die, and slowly his strength returned; and he sought in vain among the dead for Túrin, to bury him. But he found him not; and then he knew that Húrin's son was yet alive, and taken to Angband.

Ah, so the song is almost complete. Everything seems hopeless. Túrin is taken and Morgoth waits for him. Their seems no logical and sane way to retrieve him. He can't call for help from anyone. Doriath and Nargothrand either way are at a considerble distance. Beside the Orcs would reach Angband in the time he would take for a call of help. Orcs by far outnumber him. Their seems no way, he can only try to soothe his heart and go back home, but that is if he thinks anywhere rationally.

So he chooses the option. The love and resoluteness in his heart emerges as victor and sets off, alone on the trail of the Orcs. His motive, to free Túrin. Let nobody say that Elves are lighter in their words and promises!

With little hope Beleg departed from Amon Rûdh and set out northward, towards the Crossings of Teiglin, following in the track of the Orcs; and he crossed over the Brithiach and journeyed through Dimbar towards the Pass of Anach. And now he was not far behind them, for he went without sleeping, whereas they had tarried on their road, hunting in the lands and fearing no pursuit as they came northward; and not even in the dreadful woods of Taur-nu-Fuin did he swerve from the trail, for the skill of Beleg was greater than any that have been in Middle-earth. But as he passed by night through that evil land he came upon one lying asleep at the foot of a great dead tree; and Beleg staying his steps beside the sleeper saw that it was an Elf. Then he spoke to him, and gave him lembas, and asked him what fate had brought him to that terrible place; and he named himself Gwindor, son of Guilin.

And there we witness the abilties of Beleg the Hunter! And even the blackness of Taur-nu-Fuin, that is Dorthonion can't deter his quest.
And there in that ruined land he finds Gwindor, a elf who had run away from the mines of Morgoth.

Grieving Beleg looked upon him; for Gwindor was now but a bent and fearful shadow of his former shape and mood, when in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad that lord of Nargothrond rode with rash courage to the very doors of Angband, and there was taken

It seems to me that Beleg is acquianted with Gwindor. Perhaps he had met him during the Nirnaeth, perhaps in Nargothrond. Anyway, Gwindor is called a lord of Nargothrond. Seems like a pretty good Feanorian Noldo to me.
Anyway, Beleg tends to him and gives him Lembas to give him more energy.

Note: Taur-nu-Fuin is described as a dread place full of dark mazes and even a Noldo gets bewitched by it's mazes. Not everyone can travel in such fell a land like this. Thus it is only Beleg's great skill as a traveller that he was able to keep a straight course in Dorthonion and didn't get bewitched in the many magics that place seemed to support.

From Gwindor he learns about the party of Orcs that has captured Túrin.

And Gwindor told him that as he lay and lurked among the trees he saw a great company of Orcs passing northwards, and wolves went with them; and among them was a Man, whose hands were chained, and they drove him onward with whips. 'Very tall he was', said Gwindor, 'as tall as are the Men from the misty hills of Hithlum.'

Note to self: Can see from where Numenoreans got their tall height.

Beleg decides to take Gwindor in his confidence,

Then Beleg told him of his own errand in Taur-nu-Fuin; and Gwindor sought to dissuade him from his quest, saying that he would but join Túrin in the anguish that awaited him. But Beleg would not abandon Túrin, and despairing himself he aroused hope again in Gwindor's heart; and together they went on, following the Orcs until they came out of the forest on the high slopes that ran down to the barren dunes of Anfauglith. There within sight of the peaks of Thangorodrim the Orcs made their encampment in a bare dell as the light of day was failing, and setting wolf-sentinels all about they fell to carousing. A great storm rode up out of the west, and lightning glittered on the Shadowy Mountains far away, as Beleg and Gwindor crept towards the dell.

And togather they set off and follow the orcs until the Orcs make their camp on the skirts of Ard-Galen, that is Anfauglith. There they both know in their heart that if at all they have any chance of freeing Túrin, this is the last place to do it for after that they'll be entering open country and one which is totally under the sway of Enemy and infiltered by it's servants.

[Beleg]

And behold the scene as in the dark night the Bow of Beleg does it job! Not idly is he called Beleg, the strongbow! As the night crawls on and ctivity drops down, Beleg kills the wolf sentinels one by one through his bow. These wolf sentinels were appointed as guards on watch.
And thus Beleg and Gwindor entered the camp at great peril and they found Túrin bound hand and feet with a tree and he looked hapless and ill.

When all in the camp were sleeping Beleg took his bow, and in the darkness shot the wolf-sentinels, one by one and silently. Then in great peril they entered in, and they found Túrin fettered hand and foot and tied to a withered tree; and all about him knives that had been cast at him were embedded in the trunk, and he was senseless in a sleep of great weariness

But Beleg and Gwindor both cut the chords with which he was tied to the tree and carried him out of the dell, out of the orc camp to a thicket of tree's nearby.

. But Beleg and Gwindor cut the bonds that held him, and lifting him they carried him out of the dell; yet they could bear him no further than to a thicket of thorn-trees a little way above.

Rat-a-tat! Túrin is free~! But all is not ended...The tragedy is begun.

They lay him down and the storm is upon their tails. It's a typical night, like a modern halloween, when their just to be any unjustice done and horrid things committed.
Well one such thing happened,
Beleg takes out Anglachel, the very blade about Melian foretold would not stay with him for long and is cruel...bearing the sign of its maker...the Dark Elf, Eol in forgotten times. Now Beleg cuts the chords which hold him tight, but the blade slipped which cutting the shackles and it pricked Túrin's feet. And what follows afterwards is this,

Then he was aroused into a sudden wakefulness of rage and fear, and seeing one bending over him with naked blade he leapt up with a great cry, believing that Orcs were come again to torment him; and grappling with him in the darkness he seized Anglachel, and slew Beleg Cúthalion thinking him a foe.

Beleg Strongbow dies, in the dark forests of Taur-nu-Fuin, on the skirts of Ard-Galen, which only a century ago, the feet of Elven horses were doomed to room upon.

The aftermath of Beleg's death,

But as he stood, finding himself free, and ready to sell his life dearly against imagined foes, there came a great flash of lightning above them; and in its light he looked down on Beleg's face. Then Túrin stood stone-still and silent, staring on that dreadful death, knowing what he had done; and so terrible was his face, lit by the lightning that flickered all about them, that Gwindor cowered down upon the ground and dared not raise his eyes.'
But now in the dell beneath the Orcs were aroused, and all the camp was in a tumult; for they feared the thunder that came out of the west, believing that it was sent against them by the great Enemies beyond the Sea. Then a wind arose, and great rains fell, and torrents swept down from the heights of Taur-nu-Fuin; and though Gwindor cried out to Túrin, warning him of their utmost peril, he made no answer, but sat unmoving and unweeping in the tempest beside the body of Beleg Cúthalion.
When morning came the storm was passed away eastward over Lothlann, and the sun of autumn rose hot and bright; but believing that Túrin would have fled far away from that place and all trace of his flight be washed away, the Orcs departed in haste without longer search, and far off Gwindor saw them marching away over the steaming sands of Anfauglith. Thus it came to pass that they returned to Morgoth empty-handed, and left behind them the son of Húrin, who sat crazed and unwitting on the slopes of Taur-nu-Fuin, bearing a burden heavier than their bonds.
Then Gwindor roused Túrin to aid him in the burial of Beleg, and he rose as one that walked in sleep; and together they laid Beleg in a shallow grave, and placed beside him Belthronding his great bow, that was made of black yew-wood. But the dread sword Anglachel Gwindor took, saying that it were better that it should take vengeance on the servants of Morgoth than lie useless in the earth; and he took also the lembas of Melian to strengthen them in the wild.

The last words in Silmarillion about Beleg,

Thus ended Beleg Strongbow, truest of friends, greatest in skill of all that harboured in the woods of Beleriand in the Elder Days, at the hand of him whom he most loved; and that grief was graven on the face of Túrin and never faded.

Brings tears, does it? or does it not?

Afterwords: Túrin makes a song about Beleg and sings it heedless of his surroundings. The song in Sindarian is named, Laer Cú Beleg, the Song of the Great Bow.

We find the name of Beleg coming thrice in the further coming, twice in context with Gwindor's tale and once at the very end of the tale of Túrin, in the famour address of the Sword Anglachel to Túrin.

[Beleg]

[
B]In Unfinished Tales:[/B]

It is to be noted that Narn I Han Húrin in which most of things concerning Beleg's life are given and of which Silmarillion, Chapter, Of Túrin Turambar is adapted, some things differ and vary from the account of them in Silmarillion. Below a detail of events which were left out in Silmarillion due to manifold reasons in given.

The first querry has allready been adressed in the Silmarillion section, that was about the entry of Túrin in Doriath during his childhood.

The Narrative further continues as we explore Túrin's stay in Doriath. Beleg is mentioned many times starting from the point
Often Beleg Strongbow came to Menegroth to seek him, and led him far afield, teaching him woodcraft and archery and (which he loved best) the handling of swords;

It is noticeble that Beleg is taking special interest in the boy, to such an extent that he leaves behind his beloved North Marches and takes part in the training of Túrin. In Silmarillion this Quote is not found and his life before his going to Northern Marches in the ages of 17 is summarised in one short sentence.
Túrin decides to join Beleg in Northern Marches and again Beleg's name comes up and indeed in a pretty significant position too.

One only was mightier in arms among the march-wardens of Thingol at that time than Túrin, and that was Beleg Cúthalion; and Beleg and Túrin were companions in every peril, and walked far and wide in the wild woods together.

The above perhaps the most explict statement to describe the great friendship between these two.

The episode about Searos is present in both although the details are much shortened in Silmarillion and not all of them are given. Off Beleg's involvement prior to Túrin's judgement nothing is said in Silmarillion but UT has the following to offer.


After the death of Searos and the going away of Túrin, Beleg himself came to Menegroth for he wanted to know why Túrin hadn't come to the north marches.

It is told that when Túrin did not return to the north-marches of Doriath and no tidings could be heard of him, Beleg Strongbow came himself to Menegroth to seek him

Thingol and Melian come to Menegroth and the matter is put before them. They are just about to declare Túrin as a criminal when...

Then there was silence in the hall, and Thingol lifted up his hand to pronounce his doom. But at that moment Beleg entered in haste, and cried: "Lord, may I yet speak?"
"You come late," said Thingol. "Were you not bidden with the others?"
"Truly, lord," answered Beleg, "but I was delayed; I sought for one whom I knew. Now I bring at last a witness who should be heard, ere your doom falls."
"All were summoned who had aught to tell," said the King. "What can he tell now of more weight than those to whom I have listened?"
"You shall judge when you have heard," said Beleg. "Grant this to me, if I have ever deserved your grace."
"To you I grant it," said Thingol. Then Beleg went out, and led in by the hand the maiden Nellas, who dwelt in the woods, and came never into Menegroth; and she was afraid, both for the great pillared hall and the roof of stone, and for the com_pany of many eyes that watched her. And when Thingol bade her speak, she said; "Lord, I was sitting in a tree;" but then she faltered in awe of the King, and could say no more.
At that the King smiled, and said: "Others have done this also, but have felt no need to tell me of it."
"Others indeed," said she, taking courage from his smile. "Even Lúthien! And of her I was thinking that morning, and of Beren the Man."
To that Thingol said nothing, and he smiled no longer, but waited until Nellas should speak again.
"For Túrin reminded me of Beren," she said at last. "They are akin, I am told, and their kinship can be seen by some: by some that look close."
Then Thingol grew impatient. "That may be," he said. "But Túrin son of Húrin is gone in scorn of me, and you will see him no more to read his kindred. For now I will speak my judge_ment."
"Lord King!" she cried then. "Bear with me, and let me speak first. I sat in a tree to look on Túrin as he went away; and I saw Saeros come out from the wood with sword and shield, and spring on Túrin at unawares."
At that there was a murmur in the hall; and the King lifted his hand, saying: "You bring graver news to my ear than seemed likely. Take heed now to all that you say; for this is a court of doom."
"So Beleg has told me," she answered, "and only for that have I dared to come here, so that Túrin shall not be ill judged. He is valiant, but he is merciful. They fought, lord, these two, until Túrin had bereft Saeros of both shield and sword; but he did not slay him. Therefore I do not believe that he willed his death in the end. If Saeros were put to shame, it was shame that he had earned."

The whole reference of Nellas is absent from Silmarillion. And thus again the worth of Beleg is proved. Fairplay and firm believe are the two words that can and should or were assosiated with Beleg after this episode. The hunt for justice shows that indeed Beleg was a very noble person and was held in high esteem, perhaps the highest along with Mablung, in Thingol's court.

Thus Thingol decides to send his pardon to Túrin, but Nellas is afraid that he wouldn't be find. So Beleg Strongbow promises NELLAS, not Thingol intially that he'd find Túrin.

Then he rose, and Beleg led Nellas forth from Menegroth; and he said to her: "Do not weep; for if Túrin lives or walks still abroad, I shall find him, though all others fail."

Afterwards he repeats his promise that he'd find Túrin for Thingol and Melian.

King should really deem Beleg in high esteem so that he asks for his council,

[Beleg]

On the next day Beleg came before Thingol and Melian, and the King said to him: "Counsel me, Beleg; for I am grieved. I took Húrin's son as my son, and so he shall remain, unless Húrin himself should return out of the shadows to claim his own. I would not have any say that Túrin was driven forth un_justly into the wild, and gladly would I welcome him back; for I loved him well."
And Beleg answered: "I will seek Túrin until I find him, and I will bring him back to Menegroth, if I can; for I love him also." Then he departed; and far across Beleriand he sought in vain for tidings of Túrin, through many perils; and that winter passed away, and the spring after.

As Beleg is busy in searching for Túrin all year along, things have gone amiss in Dimbar. Dragon Helm and Strongbow are sorely being missed. This shows the importance of Strongbow in the Kingdom of Doriath.

Now a part of chase of Beleg after Túrin is being presented that was ommitted from Silmarillion,

It was now almost a year since Túrin had fled, and still Beleg sought for him, with ever lessening hope. He passed northwards in his wanderings to the Crossings of Teiglin, and there, hearing ill news of a new inroad of Orcs out of Taur-nu-Fuin, he turned back, and came as it chanced to the homes of the Woodmen soon after Túrin had left that region. There he heard a strange tale that went among them. A tall and lordly Man, or an Elf-warrior, some said, had appeared in the woods, and had slain one of the Gaurwaith, and rescued the daughter of Larnach whom they were pursuing. "Very proud he was," said Larnach's daughter to Beleg, "with bright eyes that scarcely deigned to look at me. Yet he called the Wolf-men his fellows, and would not slay another that stood by, and knew his name. Neithan, he called him."
"Can you read this riddle?" asked Larnach of the Elf. "I can, alas," said Beleg. "The Man that you tell of is one whom I seek." No more of Túrin did he tell the Woodmen; but he warned them of evil gathering northwards. "Soon the Orcs will come ravening in this country in strength too great for you to withstand," he said. "This year at last you must give up your freedom or your lives. Go to Brethil while there is time!"
Then Beleg went on his way in haste, and sought for the lairs of the outlaws, and such signs as might show him whither they had gone. These he soon found; but Túrin was now several days ahead, and moved swiftly, fearing the pursuit of the Woodmen and he used all the arts that he knew to defeat or mislead any that tried to follow them. Seldom did they remain two nights in one camp, and they left little trace of their going or staying. So it was that even Beleg hunted them in vain. Led by signs that he could read, or by the rumour of the passing of Men among the wild things with whom he could speak, he came often near, but always their lair was deserted when he came to it; for they kept a watch about them by day and night, and at any rumour approach they were swiftly up and away. "Alas!" he cried. "To well did I teach this child of Men craft in wood and field! An Elvish band almost one might think this to be." But they for their part became aware that they were trailed by some tireless pursuer, whom they could not see, and yet could not shake off; and they grew uneasy. 11
Not long afterwards, as Beleg had feared, the Orcs came across the Brithiach, and being resisted with all the force that he could muster by Handir of Brethil they passed south over the Crossings of Teiglin in search of plunder. Many of the Woodmen had taken Beleg's counsel and sent their women and children to ask for refuge in Brethil. These and their escort escaped, pass_ing over the Crossings in time; but the armed men that came behind were met by the Orcs, and the men were worsted. A few fought their way through and came to Brethil, but many were slain or captured; and the Orcs passed on to the homesteads, and sacked them and burned them. Then at once they turned back westwards, seeking the Road, for they wished now to re_turn North as swiftly as they could with their booty and their captives.
But the scouts of the outlaws were soon aware of them; and though they cared little enough for the captives, the plunder of the Woodmen aroused their greed. To Túrin it seemed perilous to reveal themselves to the Orcs, until their numbers were known; but the outlaws would not heed him, for they had need of many things in the wild, and already some began to regret his leading. Therefore taking one Orleg as his only companion Túrin went forth to spy upon the Orcs; and giving command of the band to Andróg he charged him to lie close and well hid while they were gone.
. The pursuit came swiftly after them, until turn and dodge as they would they were driven at last out of the forest; and then they were espied, and as they sought to cross the Road Orleg was shot down by many arrows. But Túrin was saved by his elven-mail, and escaped alone into the wilds beyond; and by speed and craft he eluded his enemies, fleeing far into lands that were strange to him. Then the Orcs, fearing that the Elves of Nargothrond might be aroused, slew their captives and made haste away into the North.
Now when three days had passed, and yet Túrin and Orleg did not return, some of the outlaws wished to depart from the cave where they lay hid; but Andróg spoke against it. And while they were in the midst of this debate, suddenly a grey figure stood before them. Beleg had found them at last. He came for_ward with no weapon in his hands, and held the palms turned towards them; but they leapt up in fear, and Andróg coming behind cast a noose over him, and drew it so that it pinioned his arms.
"If you do not wish for guests, you should keep better watch," said Beleg. "Why do you welcome me thus? I come as a friend, and seek only a friend. Neithan I hear that you call him."
"He is not here," said Ulrad. "But unless you have long spied on us, how know you that name?"
"He has long spied on us," said Andróg. "This is the shadow that had dogged us. Now perhaps we shall learn his true pur_pose." Then he bade them tie Beleg to a tree outside the cave; and when he was hard bound hand and foot they questioned him. But to all their questions Beleg would give one answer only: "A friend I have been to this Neithan since I first met him in the woods, and he was then but a child. I seek him only in love, and to bring him good tidings."
"Let us slay him, and be rid of his spying," and Andróg in wrath; and he looked on the great bow of Beleg and coveted it for he was an archer. But some of better heart spoke against him, and Algund said to him: "The captain may return yet; and then you will rue it, if he learns that he has been robbed at once of a friend and of good tidings."
"I do not believe the tale of this Elf," said Andróg. "He is a spy of the King of Doriath. But if he has indeed any tidings, he shall tell them to us; and we shall judge if they give us reason to let him live."
"I shall wait for your captain," said Beleg.
"You shall stand there until you speak," said Andróg. Then at the egging of Andróg they left Beleg tied to the tree without food or water, and they sat near eating and drinking; but he said no more to them. When two days and nights had passed in this way they became angry and fearful, and were eager to be gone; and most were now ready to slay the Elf. As night drew down they were all gathered about him, and Ulrad brought a brand from the little fire that was lit in the cave mouth. But at that moment Túrin returned. Coming silently, as was his custom, he stood in the shadows beyond the ring of men, and he saw the haggard face of Beleg in the light of the brand.
Then he was stricken as with a shaft, and as if at the sudden melting of a frost tears long unshed filled his eyes. He sprang out and ran to the tree. "Beleg! Beleg!" he cried. "How have you come hither? And why do you stand so?" At once he cat the bonds from his friend, and Beleg fell forward into his arms.

This particularly large narrative forms part of a tale that was totally omitted from Silmarillion but Is necessary to give here if we are to study Beleg's life history.
This passage perhaps is the epitome of Beleg's hunting skills. No other person could have followed the outlaws so efficantly and so correctly and don't lost their trail but he did it, this shows the determination of Beleg, an imposing trait which is one of his most shining one's too IMO.

What follows is the telling of the tale of Túrin's reunion with Beleg on a larger scale.

"If I stayed beside you, love would lead me, not wisdom,” said Beleg. "My heart warns me that we should return to Doriath."

This shows the amplitude of the love Beleg bore for Túrin.


Beleg returns to Doriath after failing to persuade Túrin to come to Doriath.

With their last talk, which has been covered in Silmarillion, comes the end of the version Narn I Han Húrin of Beleg's life. This tale tells of Beleg no more.

Note: In the Commentry to this tale many exerpts of conversation between Túrin and Beleg are found. But none of them deal with any significant event concerning Beleg's life, we will not delve in them.

[Beleg]

Of Book of Lost Tales 2:

Turambar and the Foalake:

Beleg's name and concept is indeed very old, ranging back to the original "lost" tales. Indeed Beleg is one of the very few names that remained unchanged during the long evolutionary period the lost tales suffered.

Below are given some of the exerpts concerning Beleg's life given in BOLT2 which differ from the much later Prose Adaption of the developed version of the Narn.

The first mention of Beleg comes with the coming of Túrin to Thingol (Tinwelint's) halls.

Physical feature of Beleg is described,

[COLOR=dark red]and he was called Beleg, for he was of great stature and girth

[/COLOR]
It seems that the idea of Beleg being a hunter and skilled in leechcraft is an old one.

Now was it that it came into the heart of Beleg the hunter of the
Elves to seek after Turin so soon as his own hurts were healed.
This being done in no great number of days, for he had a skill of
healing,

The rest of the tales follows mostly with the pattern afterwards taken in the Narn. Except for a few minor changes and some concept that weren't yet developed and the fact that Gwindor is shown more active then Beleg, it doesn't differ, to a great extent, certainly in the main theme from the Narn which was based upon it.


Thus ends the long evolution of history of Beleg, the strongbow.

Tale of Years:

458: Beleg the Bowman chief of the march-wards of Thingol brought great strength of the Eglath armed with axes into Brethil; and issuing from the deeps of the forest they took an Orc-legion at unawares and destroyed it.

466: But soon after Carcharoth by the power of the Silmaril burst into Doriath, and the Wolf-hunt of Carcharoth was made. In that hunt were King Thingol, and Beren of the One Hand, and Beleg and Mablung and Húan the Hound of Valinor

473: Beleg rescues Túrin and his two servants and takes them to Thingol.
481: In this his sixteenth year he went forth to battle on the marches of Doriath, and became the companion in arms of Beleg the Bowman. They become great friends and travel far and wide, undertaking many journeys and the fame of the Dragon Helm and Strongbow reaches far and wide.
487: Túrin's band captured Beleg and bound him; but Túrin returning released him, and they renewed their friend_ship.
In the same year, Mim betrays the refuges of the Out-laws. (In other versions it is not Mim, but an easterling, acting as a spy who reveals Túrin's hideout) Túrin is captured and Beleg severely wounded. Beleg follows the trail of Orcs and In Dorthonion finds an escaped thrall. Togather they reach the Orc camp at night and rescue Túrin from the Orcs. Túrin waking up suddenly slays Beleg with his own sword, mistaking him as an orc.

Miscleaneous:

Titles of Beleg: Beleg the bowman. Beleg the strongbow. Beleg Cúthalion (literal translation of Bowman), Beleg the hunter.

Beleg's area for expertise: An expert Tracker, hunter, bowman.

Birth of Beleg: When was Beleg born? He was certainly not born in the first age. All the evidences seem to point towards the fact that he was born before the first age of sun started. (We are not talking about Myths Transformed) Whether he was one of the orignial elves that stayed with Elwë or whether he was born during the Chaining of Melko is the question that has been left unanswered. We can only speculate and presume, but his status in the King's court, the vastness of his experience as a hunter, just give off the vibes that he was one of the original elves that stayed off with Elwë.
One wonders whether he ever met Treebeard? He seems a type of person old Fangorn would have loved to meet.

Beleg's character: This seems to be no evident weekness in Beleg's character. He is wise, he has some measure of foresight, he is skilled, he is just, he takes pity easily. Moreover he is a good friend, a friend which everyone would want to have. He is not the sort of fellow with whom you have a petty agreement, some quarelling and the friendship breaks off. Nay, he is a stickler when it comes to promises. One wonders why he paid so special interest in Túrin? Perhaps he realized that this boy had the potential of doing great things in the future and wanted to lead him to the right path. I have always presumed very strongly that during the Nirneath he met Húrin, they were afterall both under the command of Fingon, and perhaps they become friends their. So Beleg in his own way took Túrin as a kind of a foster son and took it upon himself to be responisble of his charge's well being.
Very proper fellow he seems to be.
Afterall everyone, even the shy maiden of Doriath came to love Túrin in their own way...
Not much is said about his earlier escapades...One wonders whether Tolkien every thought of writing a history or an essay that was Sindarian in nature...that centeralized on Doriath and it's way of life and the tales of its people. We never get to meet the people of Neverast in earnest. About Doriath a lot is said, but not a lot is explained actually. Atleast not as much as that is explained of some of the other Kingdoms.

Mablung and Beleg; a comparison?: Nay, no I don't think so. Mablung in his own rights was a great marchwarden but he wasn't anything like Beleg. Beleg was fearless, moreso then him and Mablung reactions around Glaurung would never have been practised by Beleg. He would have choosen a more open way, one which induces more bravery, perhaps, possibly to his own folly?

Beleg; meshed in the doom of Children of Húrin?: Very much so, like Mablung he became an indirect participant in the fall of Túrin. His death caused Túrin much grief and was never forgotten by him. The tight lipped, blue eyed hero became more formal, more getting into a shell of his own.