Beleg Returns

Life at Amon Rûdh went well for Túrin and his men at first. The only unease was Mîm who would often show up unlooked for. Túrin, however, was comfortable with Mîm and the two would spend long hours together talking. Mîm often spoke against the Eldar and Túrin did not rebuke him. Mîm did not tell Túrin, or anyone else, about a secret stair from his room to the summit of Amon Rúdh. one day Andróg who stumbled upon it but he too said nothing. However, plenty of room was found in the caves and they had food to eat.

Winter came on stronger than ever before by the power of Angband. The men were hard-pressed. They were forced into the caves and many became sick; all were hungry. One day someone showed up unannounced who had eluded the watchmen. "When the men sprang up he laughed and threw back his hood, and they saw it was Beleg Strongbow" (p. 139, The Children of Húrin). Túrin was very glad but Andróg was not thinking a rift had existed between the two at their last parting.

Beleg brought gifts, the first being the Helm of Hador for he hoped that seeing it would inspire Túrin to leave his life as an outlaw. Beleg also produced the lembas bread saying it was the greatest gift that one who loved Túrin could give. At first Túrin refused for he did not want gifts from Thingol and Melian. Beleg then rebuked him saying he should give back his sword and teaching from youth if he would not except gifts from Doriath. Plus, he added, the gift was given to Beleg, so it was his to do as he pleased.

Túrin heeded the rebuke. "'I wonder, friend, that you deign to come back to such a churl. From you I will take whatever you give, even rebuke. Henceforth you shall counsel me in all ways, save the road to Doriath only'" (p. 140, The Children of Húrin). I've said it before and I'll say it again. I particularly enjoy the friendship between Beleg and Túrin. There is a bond of love there, brotherly love. Each would entrust his life to the other. That no matter what hard times life brings they can count on one another. They traveled together, hunted together, battled together, lived life together. So much so that even wounds from the other can be trusted.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 486

Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 136-140