Lay of Leithian: Canto Six

Canto six jumps back chronologically. We find Beren on his journey before his imprisonment making his way through the guarded realm of Nargothrond. Only the ring of Barahir saves him from instant death from the guards of that secret league. But seeing who he was the Elves took Beren to King Felagund who heard his plight.

"This Fegund in wonder heard, 

and heavily spake at last this word:

'It seems that Thingol doth desire

thy death. The everlasting fire

of those enchanted jewels all know

is cursed with an oath of endless woe,

and Fëanor's sons alone by right

are lords and masters of their light.

He cannot hope within his hoard

to keep this gem, nor is he lord

of all the folk of Elfinesse.

And yet thou saist for nothing less

can thy return to Doriath

be purchased? Many a dreadful path

in sooth there lies before thy feet--

and after Morgoth, still a fleet

untiring hate, as I know well,

would hunt thee from heaven unto hell.

Fëanor's sons would, if they could, 

slay thee or ever thou reached his wood

or laid in Thingol's lap that fire, 

or gained at least they sweet desire.

Lo! Celegorm and Curufin

here dwell this very realm within,

and even though I, Finrod's son, 

am king, a mighty power have won

many of their own folk lead. 

Friendship to me in every need

they yet have shown, but much I fear

that to Beren son of Barahir

mercy or love they will not show

if once thy dreadful quest they know.'"

(p. 215-216, The Lays of Beleriand).

Indeed, Felagund was spot on. Once he announced to his people Beren's request and his plan to aid Barahir's son Celegorm and Curufin (sons of Fëanor) turned the people against the king. Felagund turned over his crown to his brother (Orodreth) and left with significantly less help than should have been.