Beren, beginning his quest for a Silmaril, passes through the guarded plain of Finrod's country. He was espied by Turgon's Elves who were excellent archers and stealthy in the woods. Beren, feeling unsafe, held aloft the ring of Finrod and shouted, "'I am Beren son of Barahir, friend of Felagund. Take me to the King!'" (p. 168, The Silmarillion). The archers overtook him and took Beren to Finrod Felagund. Behind close doors Finrod and Beren spoke. In tears Beren told of the death of his father and his relationship with Lúthien. Finrod listened in wonder and remembered the oath he told to Galadriel. He saw plainly that Thingol wished Beren dead, and that by evoking the Silmarils the Oath of Fëanor was at work. At that time two of Fëanor's sons, Celegorm and Curufin, were living in Nargothrond and had been a great help to Finrod. Though Finrod knew they would not be pleased with Beren's errand he held to his oath to Barahir's house.
Finrod announced to his people he would help Beren and Fëanor's sons were very angry. Many words Celegorm and Curufin spoke to instill fear in the people and make them doubt their king. In their hearts (for out of the heart the mouth speaks) they hoped to send out Finrod to his death and usurp his kingship. Finrod recognized the tension and threw off his crown declaring he must keep his word even if those around him won't. Ten faithful Elves volunteered to go with Finrod and aid Beren. The crown was given to Orodreth, Finrod's brother, to be steward until their return. The group of companions made their way to Angband disguised as Orcs by Finrod's arts but Sauron and mistrusted them. Long Sauron and Finrod strove in contest of mind. Finally Sauron stripped them of their disguises and they were captured. They were thrown into a dark pit and a werewolf came and devoured one of the company one at a time.
Meanwhile Lúthien sought to follow Beren for she knew he had fallen into danger. She sought the help of Daeron who betrayed her plans to the King again. Thingol puts her under tree-house arrest in. Yet she escaped (and that's leaving out a lot). As she traveled she met Celegorm and Curufin who were hunting wolves that Sauron had sent abroad with Huan. "Huan was not born in Middle-earth, but came from the Blessed Realm; for Oromë had given him to Celegorm long ago in Valinor, and there he had followed the horn of his master, before evil came" (p. 172, The Silmarillion). Huan found Luthien and brought to the brothers. Learning they were sons of Fëanor she declared herself and her purpose. Celegorm became enamoured with her and thought also he could usurp Thingol's kingdom by marrying her. They promised her aid once they returned to Nargothrond but did not tell Lúthien that they knew of Beren and Finrod's quest. At Nargothrond Lúthien was betrayed for the brothers intent was to let Finrod die and hold Lúthien captive to force Thingol to give her hand to Celegorm.
"But Huan the hound was true of heart, and the love of Luthien had fallen upon him the first hour of their meeting; and he grieved at her captivity" (p. 173, The Silmarillion). Amazing that all who meet Lúthien love her; she must have been the most beautiful of the Children of Ilúvatar. Huan would visit her and listen to her tell of Beren through the door. He was able to comprehend all speech but he himself was permitted to speak only three times before his death. He devised a plan for her escape and he spoke for the first time and helped her break free. Meanwhile Beren and Finrod were the only two remaining of their company. While knowing nothing certain Sauron perceived Finrod to be of great importance. So a wolf was sent to slay Beren. In a last feat of strength Finrod burst his chains and slew the wolf with his hands and teeth. Now that must have been a hardcore fight. Finrod received a fatal wound in the fight. Beren was left alone and in despair but at that moment Huan and Lúthien arrived. Sauron sent wolves and one by one Huan killed them all. Finally Sauron himself went to fight Huan as a werewolf. A wild fight ensues with lots of shapeshifting by Sauron who eventually loses and is forced to flee. Beren was rescued.
For a time Beren and Lúthien had some peace together and Huan returned to Celegorm his master though their love was less. In the freeing of Beren many other Elves who were captive were set free. They returned to Nargothrond and told of the fall of Finrod their King and how a maiden dared to rescue him and not the sons of Fëanor. The people perceived the the plans of Curufin and Celegorm, and forced them to leave Nargothrond. Orodreth became king of Nargothrond and Celebrimbor, son of Curufin, repented of his father's deeds and stayed with Orodreth. And so it was that Curufin and Celegorm came upon Beren and Lúthien. The brothers charged at them on horses. In a brief but fierce fight Beren, aided by Huan who forsook his service to Celegorm, overthrew the brothers but did not slay them for Lúthien forbid it. The brothers left in shame but Curufin shot an arrow at Lúthien that Huan snapped from the air. The hound could not snatch the second arrow which hit Beren. Huan chased the brothers away and upon his return he brought a healing herb that, along with the powers of Lúthien, healed Beren.
Beren entrusted Lúthien to Huan's care and started his quest again. Lúthien would not be parted. Beren was dismayed and wished not to bring her into harm's way. Huan spoke for the second time: "'But if you will not deny your doom, then either Lúthien, being forsaken, must assuredly die alone, or she must with you challenge the fate that lies before you--hopeless, yet not certain" (p. 179, The Silmarillion). Beren and Lúthien went on together and Huan left thinking their paths may cross again. By the arts of Lúthien she disguised Beren as a werewolf of Sauron and herself as a vampire bat.
Wow, what a story and their quest isn't close to complete yet! I suppose retyping what I've read helps cement the story in my mind. Maybe I can help my son enjoy this story one day! The cunning of Curufin and Celegorm, the honor and strength of Finrod, Beren, and Lúthien. It reminds me that the Lord weighs the heart in all our actions. And even those that appear good on the outside may be motivated by malice on the inside. May my heart not be found wanting but trusting the Father find real strength.
Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 465
Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 168-179
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