The Lays of Beleriand

[Rían]

I've searched back a bit - I thought there was a thread on this but can't find one within the last 6 months, so here goes.

The Lays of Beleriand - volume 3 in the History of Middle Earth series - contains 2 major works, unfortunately unfinished: The Lay of the Children of Hurin, and The Lay of Leithian. I'm not a big poetry person, but I fell in love with these works! Anyone want to discuss them here?

[Artanis]

Well I for one love those poems too, but it is a long time since I read them now.

[Rían]

To start at the beginning - the bit about the capture of Húrin - Just proves that there are worse things than death I love how Húrin stands up to Morgoth and his cruel, lying taunts. There are few things worse, IMO, than having lies told against your character

Morgoth: "Is it dauntless Húrin stout steel-handed, who stands before me, a captive living as a coward might be?"

This is a lie - Húrin fought courageously at all times; he was only taken alive because it was Morgoth's order.


I like Húrin's response to Morgoth's offer to free him if he turns traitor: "I am no tool for thy evil treasons; torment were sweeter than a traitor's stain."


I also like how Húrin shows the whole truth - Morgoth offers him treasures, and Húrin points out that these treasures he offers were stolen treasures.


And what a terrible thing Morgoth finally did to Húrin - cursed his family, and let Húrin see what happened to them. And I imagine Morgoth "edited" the things Húrin saw, too, just as Sauron "edited" the things Denethor saw.

[Artanis]

Yup, Húrin is The Man of the 1.age! Him standing up against Morgoth even in helpless captivity is one of the greatest moments in the history of Middle Earth.

Originally Posted by RÃ*an

And I imagine Morgoth "edited" the things Húrin saw, too, just as Sauron "edited" the things Denethor saw.

Yes, I imagine so too, and so did Melian:

'Húrin Thalion, Morgoth hath bewitched thee; for he that seeth through Morgoth's eyes, willing or unwilling, seeth all things crooked.

I'd love to contribute more in your HoME threads RÃ*, but I'm too busy these days, and I'm also going on a 3-weeks journey tomorrow. See you later.

[Sister Golden Hair]

I just love the part of the duel between Sauron and Finrod in the Lay of Lethian. It's almost the same as the piece that is provided in the Sil, but it is more detailed and lengthy, with some slight variations. So beautifully written.

The way it describle Thu is almost spooky. The fear that Beren, Finrod, and the rest of the Elves felt, must have been great indeed. The description of the loyalty to Finrod by the Elves and how they willingly died without betrayal, was very moving.

[Rían]

Yes, I love that part, too. Did you catch on with the names spelled backwards right at first? I didn't get it until I read the commentary!

Arty, you travelling lady you! You just went on a nice vacation recently, and you're off again?! You lucky thing Have a great time!