Beleg


 * For the King of Arnor by the same name see Beleg of Arnor.

Beleg, also known as Beleg Cúthalion (Beleg "Strongbow"), dubbed for his extraordinary bowmanship, was a Sindarin elf who served in the army of King Elu Thingol of Doriath as Chief Marchwarden.

History


Beleg "followed no man", and "could not be restrained". Beleg and his friend Mablung were the only Elves of Doriath to fight with the Union of Maedhros in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad (Battle of Unnumbered Tears), as King Thingol would have nothing to do with the war. Together with Mablung he was one of the great captains of the Sindar, and he was part of the Hunting of the Wolf.

Later he became a good friend and brother-in-arms of Túrin Turambar. When Túrin left Doriath, Beleg got permission from Thingol to follow him into exile, wielding the black sword Anglachel that Eöl had forged and given to Thingol in tribute. Beleg found Túrin at Amon Rûdh and was tortured by the outlaws, until Túrin found and released him. Together with Túrin, wearing the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin, he became for a while a captain against Morgoth, and the land they dwelt became known as the Land of Helm and Bow. When Túrin was captured by Morgoth, Beleg was grievously wounded, yet with the knowledge and strength of an elite elven warrior he recovered and followed the orcs. He met the escaped thrall Gwindor in Taur-nu-Fuin and together they rescued Túrin, but as Beleg cut the bonds from Túrin's wrists and ankles he slipped, accidentally cutting Túrin with his sword. Túrin awoke and did not recognize Beleg in the darkness, assuming the shape bent over him with a blade was an orc and that he was to be tortured again. In a sudden rage of self-defense, he wrested the sword from Beleg and killed him.

After his death Túrin made the song Laer Cú Beleg, The Song of the Great Bow and was known to sing it at times of grief and pain, in honor of his fallen friend and comrade.

Etymology
Beleg's name meant 'mighty', and he wielded a strong bow named Belthronding and an arrow called Dailir. His epessë Cúthalion meant "strongbow".

Other Namesakes
A later Beleg was a man and King Beleg of the Dúnedain Kingdom of Arnor.

Appearances

 * The Silmarillion
 * Unfinished Tales
 * The Children of Húrin