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| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beren
| name=Beren
| pronun=
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]]<br/>Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]]<br/>Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| position=
| position=
| realm=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| location=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
Line 16: Line 17:
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]]<br/>Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71)<br/>[[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]]<br/>Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71)<br/>[[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| age=34
| age=34
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| siblings=
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| children=[[Dior Eluchíl]]
| children=[[Dior|Dior Eluchíl]]
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| height=Tall
Line 26: Line 28:
| eyes=Blue
| eyes=Blue
| clothing=
| clothing=
| weapons=Spear, knife (from [[Curufin]]) and [[Angrist]]
| weapons=Spear and [[Angrist]]
| steed=[[Huan]]<br/>Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
| steed=[[Huan]]<br/>Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
}}'''Beren''' ([[First Age]] circa 443 – c. 505, aged approx. 62 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].
}}'''Beren''' (c. {{FA|432}} – {{FA|503|n}}, aged approx. 71 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].


The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.
The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.


== History ==
== History ==
[[Image:Beren Heraldic Device.png|left|70px]]Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land.  The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]].  After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to revenge his father on Morgoth, "but wept not, for his heart was ice".  He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world.  Eventually was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Beren Heraldic Device.png|thumb|left|70px|Beren's heraldic device]]
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}
Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land.  The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]].  After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice".  He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world.  Eventually he was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
 


===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]], showing Lúthien and Beren in their disguises as vampire and wolf.]]
[[File:Felix Sotomayor - Beren at Thingol's Court.jpg|thumb|left|Felix Sotomayor - ''Beren at Thingol's Court'']]
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren and Lúthien, with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]] and [[Huan]] the Great Hound (both of whom died protecting Beren), braved many perils (even besting Sauron, Morgoth's most powerful lieutenant) to fulfill the [[Quest for the Silmaril]].  At the last they entered Angband and stole a Silmaril. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken.  Carcharoth bit off his hand swallowed it and the Silmaril (thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed"), and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage, as Beren was a mortal. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren was determined. He set out on this impossible quest with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]], but was soon captured by [[Sauron]] and imprisoned in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Lúthien, along with [[Huan]] the great hound, eventually came to their rescue.
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Transformed'']]
Using Lúthien's powers to place Morgoth's court into a deep sleep, they were able to enter Angband where Beren was able to cut a Silmaril from Morgoth's iron crown. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken.  Carcharoth bit off his hand, swallowing it along with the Silmaril, and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed". Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.


Lúthien's love for Beren was so strong that, hearing of his death, she laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.
Unable to deal with the death of her beloved, Lúthien, overcome with grief, laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.


===Later History===
===Later History===
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Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).
Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).


Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]], Thingol's heir, considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].
Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior]], Thingol's heir. He was considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].
===Final Death of Beren and Lúthien===


{{Quote|(...) and whether the second span of his life was brief or long is not known to Elves or Men|Draft to ''Quenta Silmarillion''}}
At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.
At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.


== Development ==
Among the Children of [[Ilúvatar]] the final death of Beren and Lúthien is accounted in {{FA|503}} for in that year Dior received the Silmaril in Doriath, and it was taken as a sign of his parents' death. In truth the date of their death is unknown.<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}, p. 306</ref>
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 165). He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).  
==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}
Beren is glossed as "bold" in [[Noldorin]] of the ''[[Etymologies]]''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, root [[BER]] p.352</ref>
 
His epithet ''Erchamion'' means "one-handed"<ref>{{HM|WJ}}, pp.51, 231</ref>. It has been suggested that ''Camlost'' means "empty-handed". Both epithets contain [[Sindarin]] ''cam'' "hand".<ref>{{S|Elements}}</ref> 
{{stub}}
== Genealogy ==
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{{familytree/start}}
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{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | |BGL| | | |BAR|y|EME| | | | | | | | |BGL=[[Bregolas]]|BAR=[[Barahir]]|EME=[[Emeldir]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | |BAR| |BEL| | | |BER|y|LUT| | | | | | |BAR=[[Baragund]]|BEL=[[Belegund]]|BER='''BEREN'''|LUT=[[Lúthien]]}}
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{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | |ELS| | | | | | | |ELD|y|CEL| | |ELS=[[Elros]]|ELD=[[Elrond]]|CEL=[[Celebrían]]}}
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{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ARA|y|ARW| |ELL| |ELR|ARA= [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]|ARW= [[Arwen]]|ELL= [[Elladan]]|ELR= [[Elrohir]]}}
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{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ELD| |DTR| | | | | | | | |ELD= [[Eldarion]]|DTR=Daughters}}
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{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |KRK| | | | | | | | | | | | |KRK= Kings of the<br/>[[Reunited Kingdom]]}}
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</div>
== Inspiration==
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology".<ref>{{L|165}}</ref> He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).  


In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).
In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor (disambiguation)|Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).


Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Luththien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.  
Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Lúthien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.  


Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:
Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:
Line 64: Line 110:


:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971
:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971
== Genealogy ==
                      [[Bregor]]
                  ______|_______
                  |              |
              [[Bregolas]]      [[Barahir]] = [[Emeldir]]
          _______|______            |       
          |              |            |           
      [[Baragund]]      [[Belegund]]      '''BEREN''' = [[Lúthien]]
          |              |                |
          |              |                |
      [[Morwen]] = [[Húrin]]  [[Rían]] = [[Huor]]      [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] = [[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]]
        ______|_______      |              __|____________
      |      |      |      |              |      |      |
    [[Túrin]]  [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]]  [[Nienor]]  [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]]    |      |      |
                                |          |      |      |
                                |          |      |      |
                              [[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]]  [[Eluréd]]  [[Elurín]]
                    __________________|________________
                    |                                  |
                  [[Elros]]                              [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
            ________|________                          ______|_______
          |                |                        |      |      |
        [[King of Númenor|Kings of]]          [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of]]                    |      |      |
        [[King of Númenor|Númenor]]          [[Lords of Andúnië|Andúnië]]                    |      |      |
                            |                        |      |      |
                            |                        |      |      |
                          [[Elendil]]                    |      |      |
                      _______|_______                |      |      |
                    |              |                |      |      |
                [[Kings of Gondor|Kings of]]        [[Kings of Arnor|Kings of]]            |      |      |
                  [[Kings of Gondor|Gondor]]          [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]]              |      |      |
                                    |                |      |      |
                                    |                |      |      |
                                [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]]        |      |      |
                                [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]]          |      |      |
                                    |                |      |      |
                                    |                |      |      |
                                  [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]  =  [[Arwen]]  [[Elladan]]  [[Elrohir]]
                                    ____________|_______
                                  |                    |
                              [[Eldarion]]        ''numerous daughters''
                                  |
                                  |
                              Kings of the
                            [[Reunited Kingdom]]


{{sequence
{{sequence
Line 120: Line 119:
== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
 
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
Line 127: Line 127:
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]
{{references}}

Revision as of 07:20, 22 June 2014

The name Beren refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Beren (disambiguation).
"I shan't call it the end, till we've cleared up the mess." — Sam
This article or section needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of article quality.
Beren
Adan
Tuuliky - Beren.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesSon of Barahir, Camlost, Erchamion
TitlesLord of Ladros
Lord of Tol Galen
LocationDorthonion; Ossiriand
AffiliationQuest for the Silmaril
LanguageSindarin
BirthF.A. 432
Dorthonion
RuleF.A. 460 - 464 (Ladros)
F.A. 466 - 503 (Tol Galen)
DeathF.A. 466 (aged 34)
Hunting of the Wolf
Returned to life, final death: F.A. 503 (aged 71)
Dor Firn-i-Guinar
Family
HouseHouse of Bëor
ParentageBarahir and Emeldir
SpouseLúthien
ChildrenDior Eluchíl
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightTall
Hair colorDark
Eye colorBlue
WeaponrySpear and Angrist
SteedHuan
Unnamed horse (from Curufin)
GalleryImages of Beren

Beren (c. F.A. 432503, aged approx. 71 years at the time of his final death) was a Man of Middle-earth, a hero whose romance with the Elf Lúthien was one of the great stories of the Elder Days.

The name of Beren's sword was Dagmor.

History

Beren was the son of Barahir and Emeldir. He was a Man of the royal House of Bëor of Dorthonion. The Dagor Bragollach ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land. The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of Morgoth, the Dark Lord of Angband. After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of Gorlim the Unhappy, Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice". He recovered the Ring of Barahir from the Orcs, and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world. Eventually he was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by Sauron and Draugluin. He crossed into Doriath, where he saw and fell in love with Lúthien, princess of the Sindar and daughter of Thingol and Melian when he saw her dancing.


Quest for the Silmaril

Felix Sotomayor - Beren at Thingol's Court

Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage, as Beren was a mortal. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a Silmaril from the Iron Crown of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren was determined. He set out on this impossible quest with the aid of Finrod of Nargothrond, but was soon captured by Sauron and imprisoned in Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Lúthien, along with Huan the great hound, eventually came to their rescue.

Ted Nasmith - Transformed

Using Lúthien's powers to place Morgoth's court into a deep sleep, they were able to enter Angband where Beren was able to cut a Silmaril from Morgoth's iron crown. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf Carcharoth, whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand, swallowing it along with the Silmaril, and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Thus Beren was called Erchamion, "One-handed". Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of Manwë. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.

Unable to deal with the death of her beloved, Lúthien, overcome with grief, laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of Mandos, where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of Arda to a place unknown.

Later History

Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on Tol Galen in the middle of the River Adurant in Ossiriand. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the First Age only one further time, when he waylaid a group of Dwarves who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the Nauglamír (and the Silmaril with it).

Lúthien bore Beren a son, named Dior, Thingol's heir. He was considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the Ainur. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the Eldar and the Edain.

Final Death of Beren and Lúthien

"(...) and whether the second span of his life was brief or long is not known to Elves or Men"
― Draft to Quenta Silmarillion

At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.

Among the Children of Ilúvatar the final death of Beren and Lúthien is accounted in F.A. 503 for in that year Dior received the Silmaril in Doriath, and it was taken as a sign of his parents' death. In truth the date of their death is unknown.[1]

Etymology

Beren is glossed as "bold" in Noldorin of the Etymologies.[2]

His epithet Erchamion means "one-handed"[3]. It has been suggested that Camlost means "empty-handed". Both epithets contain Sindarin cam "hand".[4]

"...there is much else that may be told." — Glóin
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Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bregor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bregolas
 
 
 
Barahir
 
Emeldir
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Baragund
 
Belegund
 
 
 
BEREN
 
Lúthien
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Húrin
 
Morwen
 
Rían
 
Huor
 
Dior
 
Nimloth
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Túrin
 
Lalaith
 
Nienor
 
Tuor
 
Idril
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eärendil
 
Elwing
 
Eluréd
 
Elurín
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elros
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elrond
 
Celebrían
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kings of Númenor
 
Lords of Andúnië
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elendil
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kings of Gondor
 
Kings of Arnor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chieftains of
the Dúnedain
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aragorn II
 
Arwen
 
Elladan
 
Elrohir
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eldarion
 
Daughters
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kings of the
Reunited Kingdom
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration

The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in The Lord of the Rings, was a central part of the legendarium. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology".[5] He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during World War I).

In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: The Book of Lost Tales Part Two), Beren was a Gnome (a Noldo), son of Egnor (which might have been an early name for Aegnor).

Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with Edith Bratt. Furthermore it is possible that Beren (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Lúthien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.

Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:

JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN Beren 1892 – 1973

The name of Lúthien also appears on the stone:

EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971
Preceded by:
Barahir
5th Lord of Ladros
I 460 – 464
Followed by:
none (abandoned)
Barahir's Outlaw Band
Barahir · Beren · Gildor · Belegund · Baragund · Gorlim · Urthel · Dagnir · Ragnor · Radhruin · Dairuin · Arthad · Hathaldir

See Also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", p. 306
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", root BER p.352
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, pp.51, 231
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 165, (undated, written June 1955)