The Rescue of Maedhros

Fingolfin's host arrived in Mithlum at the first rising of the Sun after their long march through the grinding ice. Because of the Sun they were able pass straight to Angband but Morgoth did not answer their challenges. Maedhros, in his torment, could hear his kin and called for help to no avail. And Fingolfin, being more cautious than Feanor, withdrew from Angband. Fingolfin's folk settled at Lake Mithrim same as Feanor's people who were amazed at the journey of their kin but offered no welcome due to their shame. In fact tensions were so high Feanor's sons relocated their people to the souther end of Lake Mithrim to avoid physical combat. "Thus because of the curse that lay upon them the Noldor achieved nothing, while Morgoth hesitated, and the dread of light was new and strong upon the Orcs" (p. 109. The Silmarillion).

Fingon, son of Fingolfin, resolved to heal the rift of the two groups. For he had been friends with Maedhros before the lies of Morgoth had separated them. He also desired this division be settled before their Enemy grew in strength and attacked them for already the earth shook from the underground forges of Angband and poisonous smoke and vapor issued forth blocking out the Sun. On his own, with no aid, Fingon ventured to Angband to find and free Maedhros. Eventually Fingon found his friend but there was no way to free him. Maedhros begged Fingon to kill him and end his misery. Seeing no other option Fingon raised an arrow and cried to Manwe: "'O King to whom all birds are dear, speed now this feathered shaft, and recall some pity for the Noldor in need'" (p. 110, The Silmarillion). Pity Manwe possessed, sending Thorondor, the King of Eagles, to their aid. Manwe "...had sent forth the race of Eagles, commanding them to dwell in the crags of the North, and to keep watch on Morgoth" (p. 110, The Silmarillion). Fingon was unable break the hell-wrought chain to free Maedhros therefore cut off Maedhros' right hand and Thorondor bore them to Mithrim. 

In time Maedhros healed and wielded his sword more efficiently with his left hand then his right. "By this deed Fingon won great renown, and all the Noldor praised him; and the hatred between the houses was assuaged" (p. 111, The Silmarillion). It's amazing to see how a selfless act can change hearts. Yes, Fingon hoped for such an outcome but traveling to Morgoth's fortress on his own truly was selfless. Is it true in your life? For me those deeds of love and kindness done selflessly have mattered most both spiritually and relationally in my life. Maedhros asked for forgiveness for the burning of the ships and waived his right to kingship to Fingolfin. Not all of Maedhros' brothers agreed with his actions. Nonetheless a watch was set up on Angband so that west, south, and east were guarded.

Meanwhile Thingol was not so pleased with so many Noldor newcomers to his land. He would only allow the Noldor of Finarfin's house to come to Doriath since they were kin. This it was so that Angrod, son of Finarfin, was the first to go to Menegroth and speak to Thingol of their journey: "...being true, and wisehearted, and thinking all griefs now forgiven, he spoke no word concerning the kinslaying, nor of the manner of the exile of the Noldor and the oath of Feanor" (p. 111, The Silmarillion). Thingol gave the Noldor rights to Hithlum and the highlands of Dorthonion, outermost and emptiest of his lands. He warned against the constraint of his people and allowed none of the newcomers in Doriath unless called or in great need. Not an overly warm welcome to say the least. In particular, Caranthir had harsh words to say about Thingol which offended Angrod.

Maedhros rebuked his brother and soon moved their people east to wide lands yet there was little natural defense, such as rivers and hills, against Angband there. It was known as the March of Maedhros. "It is said indeed Maedhros himself devised this plan, to lesson the chances of strife, and because he was very willing that the chief peril of assault should fall upon himself; and he remained for his part in friendship with the houses of Fingolfin and Finarfin, and would come among them at times for common counsel" (p. 112, The Silmarillion). Though the oath of his father slept for a season it did not release Maedhros. In the March Caranthir's people came upon the Dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod. Caranthir did not conceal his scorn for that people but both being enemies of Morgoth an uneasy alliance was formed. Indeed much profit came to both the Noldor and Dwarves because of it.

I reminded in this reading about the consequences of our actions. I think Tolkien makes that crystal clear in his writings. For good or for ill our actions have consequences. What am I reaping and what am I sowing? I truly think my life would look radically different if I seriously contemplated the consequences of my every action. I either am caught up in feelings, emotions and selfishness (see Feanor) or I am, in faith, taking God at His word and living by the standards he set resulting in better consequences to sow.

Middle-earth Timeline: 5-7 First Age
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 108-113)
Relevant map: Beleriand (helpful today since I listed many areas of Beleriand!)