Guide to The Silmarillion: Of the Noldor in Beleriand (Ch. 15)

Chapter Fifteen: Of the Noldor in Beleriand

In this chapter, we witness the beginning of two great hidden kingdoms: Gondolin (Turgon / House of Fingolfin) and Nargothrond (Finrod Felagund / House of Finarfin). We also watch as the shadow of Fëanor’s actions follows the rest of the Noldor and the damage that is caused, specifically in their relationship with the Sindar. 

Gone to Gondolin

With the guidance of Ulmo, Turgon built the city of Gondolin (“the Hidden Rock”) in secret. Ulmo promised that Gondolin would be the longest realm to stand against Morgoth, but that the curse and the Doom of Mandos still rested upon him. Turgon departed to Gondolin with all of his people, a third of Fingolfin’s people, and many of the Sindar.

For many years, no one came into Gondolin after that — save Húrin and Huor. And the people of Turgon did not leave Gondolin until the Year of Lamentation. Idril, Turgon’s daughter, was the fairest of all in Gondolin. 

While Gondolin was being built, Finrod Felagund built Nargothrond.

Meanwhile, in Doriath

Galadriel (Finrod’s sister) dwelt in Doriath with Melian. Melian confronted Galadriel about the Noldor, saying, “There is some woe that lies upon you and your kin.” Finally, Galadriel told Melian about the Silmarils and the Noldor’s desire to wage war against Morgoth. However, Galadriel did not tell Melian about the Oath of Fëanor, the Kinslaying, or the burning of the ships at Losgar.

Melian told Thingol about the Silmarils, and he began to understand the purpose of the Noldor more clearly. Melian and Thingol began to see the Noldor as a threat. Rumors concerning the Noldor spread among the Sindar, perpetuated by Morgoth. 

When the sons of Finarfin were in Doriath again, he confronted Finrod about the rumors he had been hearing. Finrod replied: “What ill have I done you, Lord?” Thingol marveled at Finrod because he believed that Finrod had been a part of the kinslaying, and Finrod felt that he couldn’t defend himself without telling Thingol everything. Then Angrod (son of Finarfin, Finrod’s brother) finally told Thingol of the Kinslaying, the Doom of Mandos, and the burning of the ships at Losgar. Although the sons of Finarfin did not participate in the Kinslaying, the shadow of Mandos still lay upon them. 

Thingol commanded them to leave. He told them that they may be allowed back later, and he also did not break his friendship with Fingolfin and his people entirely because he felt they had bitterly atoned for what they did by having to endure the Grinding Ice. 

Thingol also commanded that the language of the Noldor (Quenya) never be spoken in his realm again. They all spoke Sindarin after that. The House of Fëanor was banned from Thingol’s realm.