The Flight of the Noldoli

This next tale is, in actuality, the conclusion of one long tale that Christopher Tolkien broke into several parts for his purposes of The Book of Lost Takes - Volume I. It picks up the aftermath of Melko's attack on Valinor.

In the darkness after the death of the Two Trees Fëanor gathers about him many Eldar and speaks strong words urging them to leave Valinor and the Valar. One Nólemë tries to speak against this but Fëanor and others would not stand for it: "'What is Valinor to us," say they, 'now that its light is come to little--as lief and liever would we have the untrammeled world'" (p. 163, The Book of Lost Takes - Volume I). Plans were made for departure and Nólemë, not wishing to be parted from his kin, aided them.

It seems that Tolkien was inspired after the completing the tale as a rider was inserted that chronicled the Battle of Kópas Alqalunten or the Kinslaughter. Needing ships the Noldoli went to the Solosimpi, their kindred shipbuilders, to ask for ships. The Solosimpi would not oblige yet the Noldoli took the ships anyhow. The Solosimpi ran atop a stone archway where the ships must cross and shouting for the Noldoli to stop. They even strung their bows and picked up rocks in threat.

The Noldoli who had to go on foot came upon the scene and thinking battle had broken out rushed the Solosimpi killing many. The Noldoli too lost many in this Kinslaughter.

After the rider the tale continues by explaining the dangers of the journey from Valinor to the Great Lands (or Middle-earth as it will eventually be called). The chief danger being Qerkaringa, the Chill Gulf, and Helkaraksë and the grinding ice. It was at this point in the tale as well that Lindo turned over the telling to Rúmil.

Rúmil told of the awful journey and how many were lost. Some were said to go to Mandos, others rumored to still be wandering that awful land unknowing of all that since befell their kin. When they eventually reached their destination camps were set up and folks began to murmur against Fëanor and his leadership.

Perhaps most interesting in Rúmil's tale was the prophecies given by Véfantur (Mandos). He warned them of many grim adventures and the wiles of Melko and ended with one great prophecy: "'Great is the fall of Gondolin,' and none there understood, for Turondo son of Nólemë was not yet upon the Earth" (p. 167, The Book of Lost Takes - Volume I).

Once again it's very interesting to see what survived from the earliest writings and what evolved into the story that I've come to enjoy so much. The Kinslaughter, in the earliest recollection, while tragic seems less heinous that what it would come to be.

Christopher Tolkien notes that the published Silmarillion account of the prophecy is much different in "…its gravity, indeed its centrality in the mythology, is far greater" (p. 172, The Book of Lost Takes - Volume I). Even still with it's lesser warnings I love the fact that the Fall of Gondolin is referenced (I think I've decided the Gondolin arc is my favorite in Middle-earth)--Turgon himself uttered the same words at the great city's sack.