Guide to The Silmarillion: Of the Sindar (Ch. 10)

Chapter Ten: Of the Sindar

“But of bliss and glad life there is little to be said, before it ends: as works fair and wonderful, while still they endure for eyes to see, are their own record, and only when they are in peril or broken for ever do they pass into song.”

The Birth of Lúthien

Elu Thingol and Melian were king and queen of all the elves in Beleriand. These elves were called the Sindar, the Grey-elves of star-lit Beleriand. At the end of the first age of Melkor's captivity, Melian gave birth to Lúthien. During the second age of Melkor’s captivity, the Dwarves came into Beleriand.

The Coming of the Dwarves

The Dwarves named themselves the Khazâd, but the Sindar called them the Naugrim (“the stunted people”) and Gonnhirrim (“Masters of Stone”). The Dwarves delved great halls and mansions for themselves, and the greatest of these was Khazad-dûm, later called Moria.

The elves were amazed to see the Dwarves, but they could not understand each other at first. The dwarves were eager to learn the Elvish speech but reluctant to teach their own. The friendship between Elves and Dwarves was always a bit tense; however, in those days they were willing to work together and coexist for the most part. 

The Quiet Return of Shadow

Melian knew the Peace of Arda would not last, so she and Thingol commissioned the Dwarves to build and fortify Menegroth, the Thousand Caves. As the third age of Melkor’s captivity drew on, evil creatures came into Beleriand. Thingol commissioned the Dwarves to make weapons. Denethor, son of Lenwë, came to dwell in Ossiriand with his kindred.

Morgoth Returns to Middle-earth

When Melkor slew the trees and came back to Middle-earth, Ungoliant went to the region named Ered Gorgoroth, the Mountains of Terror. Morgoth returned to Angband and grew in strength.

Morgoth’s forces assailed King Thingol but, with the aid of the Naugrim and the hosts of Denethor, they were defeated and retreated to Morgoth. However, Denethor was slain, and many of his people hid away in fear. They were now called the Laiquendi, the green-elves.

Melian put forth her power and guarded their region with the Girdle of Melian. Their hidden kingdom was called Eglador; later it was called Doriath. There, they sat in watchful peace. Around this time, Fëanor arrived in Middle-earth, at the Firth of Drengist.