The Spread of Men

After a season of dwelling in Estolad Men, being restless, wanted to spread out in the lands. They were hemmed in by the Girdle of Melian and because they did not know the land. The Noldor, recognizing strength in Men, invited them to their lands and showed them the way. After 50 years many thousands lived among the the three kings of the Noldor. Bëor's people continued to stay loyal to Finrod while Aradan, son of Marach resided in Hithlum. Marach had stayed in Estolad until his death.

Finrod came to counsel Thingol concerning Men. Thingol was angry that no one else consulted him and he was troubled by dreams he had of Men before their arrival in Beleriand. He decreed that no man, even of Bëor should stay in his lands (he's becoming quite the isolationist) and whomever they served would be answerable for their deeds. Melian said to Galadriel, "'Now the world runs on swiftly to great tidings. And one of Men, even of Bëor's house, shall indeed come, and the Girdle of Melian shall not restrain him, for doom greater than my power shall send him; and the songs that shall spring from that coming shall endure when all Middle-earth is changed'" (p. 144, The Silmarillion).

Not all Men were contented to live with the Eldar. Among them Bereg of Bëor's house and Amlach the grandson of Marach were the chief's. It was in their dissent the shadow of Morgoth could be viewed. Seeing that the Light in the West, which had led to their original journey was over the Sea and unreachable they wondered why they should be caught up in the Eldar's fight against the Dark Lord. Others felt that it was for this very purpose they had come to Beleriand--to aid the Elves. I like that idea of sovereignty that some of the people possessed. Bereg responded that the lives of men are short enough without aiding in war.

A great council was called. And Almlach, or his likeness so it seemed, spoke up and accused the Noldor of seeking dominion of Middle-earth and using men for their means. This left many unsettled and fearful. It is clear that Morgoth's lies were at work, as this is nearly identical to the charges Fëanor brought against the Valar. Many, in light of these fell words, moved away with Beleg and out of tales. Interestingly, after the council Amlach denied being present and speaking the words that were attributed to him. It was clear that Morgoth's spies were among them and by his black arts sent a likeness of Amlach to create division amongst Men and Elves. Amlach was not pleased: "'I have now a quarrel of my own with this Master of Lies, which will last until my life's end'; and he went away north and entered the service of Maedhros" (p. 145, The Silmarillion).

The result of living in Beleriand and looking upon those who had beheld that Light of Valinor the years of men's lives were lengthened. Bëor, the old, died at the age of 93, after serving Finrod for 44 of those years. "And when he lay dead, the Eldar saw for the first time the swift waning of the life of Men, and the death of weariness which they knew not in themselves, and they grieved greatly for the loss of their friends" (p. 149, The Silmarillion). Alas, our time on earth is short. Teach us to number our days aright Lord.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, circa 322-369
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 143-144 & 148-149 & 144-145