Of Beren and Luthien

           Amongthetalesofsorrowandofruinthatcomedowntousfromthedarknessofthosedaysthereareyetsomeinwhichamidweepingthereisjoyandundertheshadowofdeathlightthatendures.AndofthesehistoriesmostfairstillintheearsoftheElvesisthetaleofBerenandLuthien.OftheirliveswasmadetheLayofLeithian,ReleasefromBondage,whichisthelongestsaveoneofthesongsconcerningtheworldofold;buthereistoldinfewerwordsandwithoutsong.

           IthasbeentoldthatBarahirwouldnotforsakeDorthonion,andthereMorgothpursuedhimtohisdeath,untilatlastthereremainedtohimonlytwelvecompanions.NowtheforestofDorthonionrosesouthwardintomountainousmoors;andintheeastofthosehighlandstherelayalake,TarnAeluin,withwildheathsaboutit,andallthatlandwaspathlessanduntamed,foreveninthedaysoftheLongPeacenonehaddweltthere.ButthewatersofTarnAeluinwereheldinreverence,fortheywereclearandbluebydayandbynightwereamirrorforthestars;anditwassaidthatMelianherselfhadhollowedthatwaterinthedaysofold.ThitherBarahirandhisoutlawswithdrew,andtheremadetheirlair,andMorgothcouldnotdiscoverit.ButtherumourofthedeedsofBarahirandhiscompanionswentfarandwide;andMorgothcommandedSaurontofindthemanddestroythem.

           NowamongthecompanionsofBarahirwasGorlimsonofAngrim.HiswifewasnamedEilinel,andtheirlovewasgreat,ereevilbefell.