I love the beginning of the eighth canto as it introduces us to the Hound of Valinor: Huan. It's a brief, cool, look at his whelp beginning to his coming to Celegorm, one of Fëanor's sons. The canto weaves it's way to present time as the brothers Celegorm and Curufin under the guise of hunting Thû's wolves come across Lúthien (it is Huan who finds her). The brothers were hoping to win news of Felagund's plight (why else would Thû's wolves be abroad) and found much more. Quickly the crafty brothers devise a way they might use Lúthien to fulfill their desires (in more ways than one). Lúthien accepts the brothers "help" but not with out suspicion. Of course, Huan is a whelp no longer and senses something is up:
"To Nargothrond they with them bore
Lúthien, whose heart misgave her sore.
Delay she feared; each moment pressed
upon her spirit, yet she guessed
they rode not swiftly as they might.
Ahead leaped Huan day and night,
and ever looking back his thought
was troubled. What his master sought,
and why he rode not like the fire,
why Curufin looked with hot desire
on Lúthien, he pondered deep,
and felt some evil shadow creep
of ancient curse o'er Elfinesse.
His heart was torn for the distress
of Beren bold, and Lúthien dear,
and Felagund who knew no fear."
(p. 241, The Lays of Beleriand)
After detaining Lúthien (in hopes to gain the kingdom of Nargothrond and force Thingol to give his daughter to Curufin) Huan sides with the Elf maiden. Speaking for the first time (of three only) to plan and aid in Lúthien's escape.
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