Thingol: Difference between revisions

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{{sindar infobox
{{sindar infobox
| image=[[File:Kimberly - Thingol.jpg|250px]]
| name=Thingol
| name=Thingol
| image=[[File:Kimberly - Nauglamir Thingol.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Nauglamir Thingol" by [[:Category:Images by Kimberly|Kimberly]]
| pronun=
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Elwë]] ([[Quenya|Q]]), Elu ([[Sindarin|S]]);<br/>[[Singollo]] ([[Quenya|Q]]),<br/>"King Greymantle";<br/>"The Hidden King"
| othernames=[[Elwë]] ([[Quenya|Q]]), Elu ([[Sindarin|S]]);<br/>[[Singollo]] ([[Quenya|Q]]),<br/>"King Greymantle";<br/>"The Hidden King"
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| affiliation=
| affiliation=
| language=[[Doriathrin]] ([[Sindarin]] dialect)
| language=[[Doriathrin]] ([[Sindarin]] dialect)
| birth={{YT|1050}} or later
| birth=between {{YT|1050}} and {{YT|1102|n}}
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]
| rule={{YT|1152}} - {{FA|502}} (3837 years)
| rule={{YT|1152}} - {{FA|502}} (3,836 years)
| death={{FA|502}}<ref group="note">His death is placed under the year 502 in [[The Grey Annals]], but according to the story introduced into ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' by [[Christopher Tolkien]] it should have rather occurred immediately after the reforging of [[Nauglamír]], while the Sack of Doriath remained in the following year.</ref>
| death={{FA|502}}<ref group="note">His death is placed under the year 502 in [[The Grey Annals]], but according to the story introduced into ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' by [[Christopher Tolkien]] it should have rather occurred immediately after the reforging of [[Nauglamír]], while the Sack of Doriath remained in the following year.</ref>
| deathlocation=[[Menegroth]], [[Doriath]]
| deathlocation=[[Menegroth]]
| age=c. 4814
| age=between 4,813 and 4,315 years
| notablefor=
| notablefor=
| house=
| house=
| parentage=
| parentage=
| siblings=[[Olwë]], possibly [[Elmo]]
| siblings=[[Olwë]], possibly [[Elmo]]<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
| spouse=[[Melian]]
| spouse=[[Melian]]
| children=[[Lúthien]]; fostered [[Túrin]]
| children=[[Lúthien]]; fostered [[Túrin]]
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| height=
| height=Tallest of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]<ref name="Princes">{{S|Princes}}</ref>
| hair=Silver
| hair=Silver<ref name="Princes">{{S|Princes}}</ref>
| eyes=
| eyes=
| clothing=
| clothing=
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| steed=
| steed=
}}
}}
'''Thingol''' ({{IPA|[ˈθiŋɡol]}}), also known as '''Elu''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈelu]}}), was the [[King of Doriath]] and High King of the Sindar. Known as '''[[Elwë]]''' during the first years of the [[Eldar]], he was the older brother of [[Olwë]] and [[Elmo]].<ref group="note">[[Elmo]] is a later addition by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] and is not in the published ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.</ref> He was also a good friend of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. His hair was silver and he was the tallest of all Elves and Men.<ref>{{S|Princes}}</ref> As the de facto "Lord of Beleriand", Thingol would become a central figure of the [[First Age]], instigating the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], the greatest victory of the Age, but ultimately the cause of his own doom.
'''Thingol''' ({{IPA|[ˈθiŋɡol]}}), also known as '''Elu''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈelu]}}), was the [[King of Doriath]] and a High King of the Sindar. Known as '''[[Elwë]]''' during the first years of the [[Eldar]], he was the older brother of [[Olwë]] and [[Elmo]].<ref group="note">[[Elmo]] is a later addition by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] and is not in the published ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.</ref> He was also a good friend of [[Finwë]], [[King of the Noldor]]. His hair was silver and he was the tallest of all Elves and Men.<ref name="Princes">{{S|Princes}}</ref> As the ''de facto'' "Lord of Beleriand", Thingol would become a central figure of the [[First Age]], instigating the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], the greatest victory of the Age, but ultimately the cause of his own doom.


== History ==
==History==
=== Ambassador of the Valar ===
===Ambassador of the Valar===
Thingol was born at [[Cuiviénen]]<ref group="note">This information is from the ''[[Cuivienyarna]]'', part of ''[[Quendi and Eldar]]'', a late revision of the [[legendarium]] by Tolkien. ''The Silmarillion'' does not clarify wheether Elu Thingol ''awoke'' at Cuiviénen or was ''born'' there. See [[Awakening of the Elves]].</ref> in the days before the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]], when [[Middle-earth]] was lit only by starlight.  
Thingol was born at [[Cuiviénen]]<ref group="note">This information is from the ''[[Cuivienyarna]]'', part of ''[[Quendi and Eldar]]'', a late revision of the [[legendarium]] by Tolkien. ''The Silmarillion'' does not clarify whether Elu Thingol ''awoke'' at Cuiviénen or was ''born'' there. See [[Awakening of the Elves]].</ref> in the days before the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]], when [[Middle-earth]] was lit only by starlight.  


After the [[Chaining of Melkor]], the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Oromë]] took three Elves, [[Ingwë]], Finwë, and Elwë, to [[Valinor]] to convince the [[Eldar]] to join the Valar in the [[Blessed Realm]]. Upon their return, the Elven ambassadors convinced many of the Eldar to join them on the [[Great Journey]] to the West.  During the thousand mile journey, the Elven host separated into three groups, the [[Vanyar]], [[Noldor]], and [[Teleri]]. The Teleri, led by Elwë and his brother Olwë, were the largest and slowest group, and were the last to reach the western shores of [[Middle-earth]]. The Noldorin Elves had already left for Valinor, and the Teleri were forced to wait for the ''"island shuttle"''.
After the [[Chaining of Melkor]], the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Oromë]] took three Elves, [[Ingwë]], Finwë, and Elwë, to [[Valinor]] to convince the [[Elves]] to join the Valar in the [[Blessed Realm]]. Upon their return, the Elven ambassadors convinced many to join them on the [[Great Journey]] to the West.  During the thousand mile journey, the Elven host separated into three groups, the [[Vanyar]], the [[Noldor]], and the [[Teleri]].<ref>{{S|Captivity}}</ref>
 
The Teleri, led by Elwë and his brother Olwë, were the largest and the slowest group, and were the last to reach the western shores of [[Middle-earth]]. The Noldorin Elves had already left for Valinor, and the Teleri were forced to wait for a time in Middle-earth.
[[File:Elena Kukanova - Nan Elmoth - Elwe and Melian.jpg|thumb|left|Elena Kukanova - ''Nan Elmoth - Elwe and Melian'']]
[[File:Elena Kukanova - Nan Elmoth - Elwe and Melian.jpg|thumb|left|Elena Kukanova - ''Nan Elmoth - Elwe and Melian'']]
During this time Elwë wandered into the [[Nan Elmoth|Forest of Nan Elmoth]], where he met and fell in love with [[Melian]] the [[Maiar|Maia]]. Caught in an enchantment of their own making, Elwë and Melian could not be found by the searching Teleri. When the Valar returned to take the remaining Elves to Valinor, only some of them followed Olwë across the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]]. The rest had come to love the lands of [[Beleriand]] and refused to leave without their missing lord.
During this time Elwë wandered into the [[Nan Elmoth|Forest of Nan Elmoth]], where he met and fell in love with [[Melian]] the [[Maiar|Maia]]. Caught in an enchantment of their own making, Elwë and Melian could not be found by the searching Teleri. When the Valar returned to take the remaining Elves to Valinor, only some of them followed Olwë across the [[Belegaer|Great Sea]]. The rest had come to love the lands of [[Beleriand]] and refused to leave without their missing lord.<ref>{{S|Thingol}}</ref>


=== King of Doriath ===
===King of Doriath===
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Elwe Heraldic Device.jpg|100px|thumb|right|Thingol's device by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]]]Over a thousand years passed before Elwë appeared again with his bride Melian. He gathered his people together and founded the Kingdom of [[Doriath]]. His subjects would become the [[Sindar]], or "Grey Elves", and their language was [[Sindarin]]. From then on Elwë was known as King Elu Thingol, and he claimed lordship over all the lands in Beleriand. While Thingol was King of the Grey Elves, who never saw the light of the [[Two Trees]], as an Ambassador for the Valar he was counted as a [[High Elves|High Elf]], and equal to any lord of the [[Eldar]].
[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Elwe Heraldic Device.jpg|100px|thumb|right|Thingol's device by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]]]Over two hundred years passed before Elwë appeared again with his bride Melian. He gathered his people together and founded the Kingdom of [[Doriath]]. His subjects would become the [[Sindar]], or the "Grey Elves", and their language was [[Sindarin]]. From then on Elwë was known as King Elu Thingol, and he claimed lordship over all the lands in Beleriand. While Thingol was King of the Grey Elves, who never saw the light of the [[Two Trees]], as an Ambassador of the Valar he was counted as a [[High Elves|High Elf]], and equal to any lord of the [[Eldar]].<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref><ref name="Princes">{{S|Princes}}</ref>


On Melian's advice, Thingol became an ally of the [[Dwarves]] of [[Belegost]], who carved the caverns of [[Menegroth]] for him. In payment he gave them the great pearl [[Nimphelos]].
On Melian's advice, Thingol became an ally of the [[Dwarves]] of [[Belegost]], who carved the caverns of [[Menegroth]] for him. In payment he gave them, along with many other things, the great pearl [[Nimphelos]].<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>


A thousand years before the first rising of the [[Sun]] and the [[Moon]] the [[Green-elves]] entered Beleriand under [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]], Thingol welcomed them and gave them the lands of [[Ossiriand]], which they named [[Lindon]]. The Green Elves told of the spread of [[Orcs]] and other foul creatures in the north and east of Middle-earth. The Grey Elves began arming themselves.
A thousand years before the first rising of the Sun and the Moon the [[Green-elves]] entered Beleriand under [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]]. Thingol welcomed them and gave them the lands of [[Ossiriand]], which they named [[Lindon]]. The Green Elves told of the spread of the [[Orcs]] and other foul creatures in the north and east of Middle-earth. The Grey Elves began arming themselves.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>


Centuries later Melkor returned to Middle-earth. Now named [[Morgoth]], he had destroyed the Two Trees, killed Finwë, the High King of the Noldor, and stolen the fabled [[Silmarils]]. Seeking to claim dominion quickly, he launched a sudden assault on the lands of the Sindar. The [[First Battle of Beleriand]] went well for Thingol, who prevented any Orcs from invading Doriath, but the Green Elves took horrific losses and the [[Falathrim|Elves of the Coasts]] were besieged.
Centuries later [[Melkor]] returned to Middle-earth. Now named Morgoth, he had destroyed the Two Trees, killed Finwë, the King of the Noldor, and stolen the fabled [[Silmarils]]. Seeking to claim dominion quickly, he launched a sudden assault on the lands of the Sindar. The [[First Battle of Beleriand]] went well for Thingol, who prevented any Orcs from invading Doriath, but the Green Elves took horrific losses and the [[Falathrim]] were besieged.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref>


The Elves of the Coasts were finally saved by the arrival of the Noldor, who launched the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle Under the Stars"). Morgoth's forces were crushed and the Noldor began their long [[Siege of Angband]].
The Falathrim were finally saved by the unexpected arrival of the Noldor, who launched the [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]] ("Battle Under the Stars") in which Morgoth's forces were all but annihilated.<ref name="Return">{{S|Return}}</ref>


=== Thingol and the Noldor ===
===Thingol and the Noldor===
After the First Battle of Beleriand, Doriath was encircled by the [[Girdle of Melian]], an impenetrable fog that guarded the kingdom. While his own kingdom was protected, Thingol was still loath to surrender any other lands in Beleriand to the Noldor as he was suspicious of the aggressive new lords in Middle-earth.
After the First Battle of Beleriand, Doriath was encircled by the [[Girdle of Melian]], an impenetrable fence of enchantment that guarded the kingdom.<ref name="Sindar">{{S|Sindar}}</ref> While his own kingdom was protected, Thingol was still loath to surrender any other lands in Beleriand to the Noldor as he was suspicious of the aggressive new lords in Middle-earth.<ref name="Return">{{S|Return}}</ref>
{{quote|In [[Hithlum]] the Noldor have leave to dwell, and in the highlands of [[Dorthonion]], and in the lands east of Doriath that are empty and wild... for I am the Lord of Beleriand, and all who seek to dwell there shall hear my word.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "Of the Return of the Noldor"}}
{{quote|In [[Hithlum]] the Noldor have leave to dwell, and in the highlands of [[Dorthonion]], and in the lands east of Doriath that are empty and wild... for I am the Lord of Beleriand, and all who seek to dwell there shall hear my word.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "Of the Return of the Noldor"}}


King Thingol's relations with the Noldor were strained, and grew worse decades later when he learned the truth of the [[First Kinslaying|Kinslaying]]. Thingol banned the use of [[Quenya]] in his lands, which led to [[Sindarin]] being the common Elven tongue in Middle-earth. The King of Doriath refused to aid the Noldor in the war against Morgoth, and took little part in the Siege of Angband or the [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame").
King Thingol's relations with the Noldor were strained, and grew worse decades later when he learned the truth of the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë]]. Thingol banned the use of [[Quenya]] in his lands, which led to [[Sindarin]] being the common Elven tongue in Middle-earth. The King of Doriath refused to aid the Noldor in the war against Morgoth, and took little part in the ongoing struggle.<ref>{{S|Noldor}}</ref>


=== The Quest for the Silmaril ===
===The Quest for the Silmaril===
[[File:Felix Sotomayor - Beren at Thingol's Court.jpg|thumb|Felix Sotomayor - ''Beren at Thingol's Court'']]
[[File:Felix Sotomayor - Beren at Thingol's Court.jpg|thumb|Felix Sotomayor - ''Beren at Thingol's Court'']]
Thingol and Melian had one child, a daughter named [[Lúthien]], said to be the fairest woman ever to live. Lúthien fell in love with a man named [[Beren]]. Thingol did not wish for the two to wed, as he valued his daughter very highly and disliked Men.  As a bride-price he asked for a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from the crown of [[Morgoth]], thinking there was no way that Beren could fulfill this demand. It was, however, this very bride-price that killed him.
Thingol and Melian had one child, a daughter named [[Lúthien]], said to be the fairest woman ever to live. Lúthien fell in love with a [[Men|Man]] named [[Beren]]. Thingol did not wish for the two to wed, as he valued his daughter very highly and disliked Men.  As a bride-price he asked for a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from the crown of [[Morgoth]], thinking there was no way that Beren could fulfill this demand.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>


===Fostering of Túrin===
However, when Beren and Lúthien came back from [[Angband]], and when Beren showed him his missing hand which still held the Silmaril in the belly of [[Carcharoth]], he softened his heart towards him. Soon, though, Carcharoth in his anguish and rage from the Silmaril that burned his insides, broke through the Girdle of Melian and entered Doriath. In that hour, Thingol, along with Beren, [[Mablung]], [[Beleg]] and [[Huan]] the Hound of Valinor, began the [[Hunting of the Wolf|hunt of the Wolf]]. Carcharoth was finally slain by Huan, but both Huan and Beren died in the process. After that, Lúthien died also, and coming to the [[Halls of Mandos]] she begged [[Mandos]] that Beren be returned to life. However, it was beyond the power of Mandos to withhold the souls of Men from going beyond the [[Circles of the World]].<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>
Thingol adopted as a son young Man [[Túrin]] who was sent to Doriath when he was seven years old. When he grew up, he was permitted to join [[Beleg|Beleg Cúthalion]] on the marches of Doriath, fighting the [[Orcs]] of Morgoth.


Túrin accidentally caused the death of [[Saeros]], one of Thingol's counsellors who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven he fled. Thingol however gave Beleg a leave to seek out his friend, who in the meantime had joined a [[Gaurwaith|band of outlaws]]. Telling to Thingol that Túrin did not wish to return, Thingol allowed Beleg to go and join his friend and gave him the black sword [[Anglachel]] that [[Eöl]] had forged and given to Thingol in tribute.


=== The Nauglamír and Thingol's Doom ===
Therefore, [[Ilúvatar]], through [[Manwë]], offered her and Beren to live again, but with Lúthien sharing the [[Gift of Men]]. She agreed, and they both came back to life, and lived the remainder of their lives at [[Tol Galen]], far from the sight of any other mortals.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>
[[File:Henning Janssen - Nauglamir and the Doom of Thingol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Henning Janssen]] - ''Nauglamir and the Doom of Thingol'']]
Some time after Túrin's tragic death, [[Húrin]], Túrin's father and now an old man, was allowed to enter Menegroth with a band in outlaws, where in anger he threw the [[Nauglamír]], the treasure of [[Nargothrond]] before King Thingol and 'thanked' him for aiding his son. This infuriated the outlaws, who tried to take the gold back but were killed by Thingol's guards. Melian, finally pierced through Húrin's madness and grief; shamed by his actions, he left Menegroth a broken man.<ref>{{HM|CH}}</ref>


At that time a desire came into Thingol's heart to take the Nauglamír and place the Silmaril in it, thus melding together two of the greatest creations made by Elves and [[Dwarves]]. He hired some [[Dwarves of Nogrod|Dwarven craftsmen]] to do it for him. But by the time the Dwarves were finished they had became obsessed with the Nauglamír and asked for it as payment for their labor. This infuriated Thingol, who had also grown obsessed with the jewelry and refused to give it as payment. The Dwarves were angered by his harsh words, and killed him. This led to the [[Battle of the Thousand Caves|sacking of Menegroth]] and the eventual [[Sack of Doriath|destruction of Doriath]], which scattered its people.
===Fostering of Túrin===
Thingol adopted as a son a young Man named [[Túrin]], son of [[Húrin]] and akin to Beren himself, who was sent to Doriath when he was seven years old.<ref>{{CH|4}}</ref> When he grew up, he was permitted to join Beleg Cúthalion on the marches of Doriath, fighting the Orcs of Morgoth.<ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref><ref>{{CH|5}}</ref>


Although Thingol had been to Valinor, seen its Trees and was considered a Calaquendi, he only set foot on the Undying Lands on that one occasion and never returned there. <ref name=Thingol/>
Túrin accidentally caused the death of [[Saeros]], one of Thingol's counselors who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven he fled. Thingol however gave Beleg a leave to seek out his friend, who in the meantime had joined a [[Gaurwaith|band of outlaws]].<ref>{{CH|6}}</ref> Telling to Thingol that Túrin did not wish to return, Thingol allowed Beleg to go and join his friend and gave him the black sword [[Anglachel]] that [[Eöl]] had forged and given to Thingol<ref>{{S|Maeglin}}</ref> in tribute.<ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref>


Thingol's heir was [[Dior]], son of Beren and Lúthien.
===The Nauglamír and Thingol's Doom===
[[File:Henning Janssen - Nauglamir and the Doom of Thingol.jpg|thumb|left|[[Henning Janssen]] - ''Nauglamir and the Doom of Thingol'']]
Some time after Túrin's tragic death, Húrin, Túrin's father and now an old man, was allowed to enter Menegroth with a band of outlaws, where in anger he threw the [[Nauglamír]], the treasure of [[Nargothrond]] before King Thingol and 'thanked' him for aiding his son. This infuriated the outlaws, who tried to take the gold back but were killed by Thingol's guards.<ref>{{LT2|IV}}</ref> Melian, finally pierced through Húrin's madness and grief; shamed by his actions, he left Menegroth a broken man.<ref name="Doriath">{{S|Doriath}}</ref>


==Character and traits==
At that time a desire came into Thingol's heart to take the Nauglamír and place the Silmaril in it, thus melding together two of the greatest creations made by the Elves and the [[Dwarves]]. He hired some [[Dwarves of Nogrod|Dwarven craftsmen]] to do it for him. But by the time the Dwarves were finished they had become obsessed with the Nauglamír and asked for it as a payment for their labor. This infuriated Thingol, who had also grown obsessed with the jewelry and refused to give it as a payment, realizing they were coveting the Silmaril. The Dwarves were angered by his harsh words, and killed him. This led to the [[Battle of the Thousand Caves|sacking of Menegroth]] and the eventual [[Sack of Doriath|destruction of Doriath]], which scattered its people.<ref name="Doriath">{{S|Doriath}}</ref>
Thingol's sword was called ''[[Aranrúth]]'' ("King's Ire"). His crown was described in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'' as crafted of gold and studded with red rubies and clear crystal.


== Etymology ==
==Etymology==
His [[epessë]] (honorary name) was ''Thingol'' (''[[thind]]'' "grey" and ''[[coll]]'' "mantle") which means "Greycloak".<ref name=Thingol>{{S|Thingol}}</ref>
His [[epessë]] (honorary name) was ''Thingol'' (''[[thind]]'' "grey" and ''[[coll]]'' "mantle") which means "Greycloak".<ref name=Thingol>{{S|Thingol}}</ref>


[[Quenya]] tradition names him ''[[Elwë]]'' and ''[[Singollo]]''.
[[Quenya]] tradition names him ''[[Elwë]]'' and ''[[Singollo]]''.


== Genealogy ==
==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | HOB | | MEL |y| ELW | | OLW | | ELM |HOB=[[House of Bëor]]|MEL=[[Melian]]|ELW='''THINGOL'''<br/><small>''{{YT|1050}} - {{FA|502}}''</small>|OLW=[[Olwë]]<br/><small>''{{YT|1050}} -''</small>|ELM=[[Elmo]]}}
{{familytree | HOB | | MEL |y| ELW | | OLW | | ELM |HOB=[[House of Bëor]]|MEL=[[Melian]]|ELW='''THINGOL'''<br/><small>''{{YT}} - {{FA|502}}''</small>|OLW=[[Olwë]]<br/><small>''{{YT}} -''</small>|ELM=[[Elmo]]}}
{{familytree | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | BER |~|y|~| LUT | | | | | | | | | | |BER=[[Beren]]<br/><small>''{{FA|432}} - {{FA|503|n}}''</small>|LUT=[[Lúthien]]<br/><small>''{{YT|1200}} - {{FA|503}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | BER |~|y|~| LUT | | | | | | | | | | |BER=[[Beren]]<br/><small>''{{FA|432}} - {{FA|503|n}}''</small>|LUT=[[Lúthien]]<br/><small>''{{YT|1200}} - {{FA|503}}''</small>}}
Line 95: Line 95:
{{familytree/end}}
{{familytree/end}}


==See Also==
* [[:Category:Images of Thingol|Images of Thingol]]
{{references|note}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
{{seq-head
| race=sindar
| race=sindar
| house=House of Thingol
| died={{FA|502}}
}}
}}
{{seq
{{seq
| prev=Position created
| prev=Position established
| pvac=None
| pvac=None
| list=[[King of Doriath]]
| list=1st [[King of Doriath]]
| dates={{YT|1152}} – {{FA|502}}
| dates={{YT|1152}} – {{FA|502}}
| next=[[Dior]]
| next=[[Dior]]
}}
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{seq-end}}
 
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Thingol|Images of Thingol]]
 
{{references|note}}
 
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:High Elves]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:House of Thingol| ]]
[[Category:House of Thingol| ]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[Category:Teleri]]
[[Category:Rulers in Beleriand]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[Category:Rulers in Beleriand]]

Revision as of 08:56, 20 September 2015

"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.
Thingol
Sinda
Kimberly - Nauglamir Thingol.jpg
"Nauglamir Thingol" by Kimberly
Biographical Information
Other namesElwë (Q), Elu (S);
Singollo (Q),
"King Greymantle";
"The Hidden King"
TitlesKing of Doriath,
"Lord of Beleriand"
LocationDoriath
LanguageDoriathrin (Sindarin dialect)
Birthbetween Y.T. 1050 and 1102
Cuiviénen
RuleY.T. 1152 - F.A. 502 (3,836 years)
DeathF.A. 502[note 1] (aged between 4,813 and 4,315 years)
Menegroth
Family
SiblingsOlwë, possibly Elmo[1]
SpouseMelian
ChildrenLúthien; fostered Túrin
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightTallest of the Children of Ilúvatar[2]
Hair colorSilver[2]
WeaponryAranrúth
GalleryImages of Thingol

Thingol ([ˈθiŋɡol]), also known as Elu (S, pron. [ˈelu]), was the King of Doriath and a High King of the Sindar. Known as Elwë during the first years of the Eldar, he was the older brother of Olwë and Elmo.[note 2] He was also a good friend of Finwë, King of the Noldor. His hair was silver and he was the tallest of all Elves and Men.[2] As the de facto "Lord of Beleriand", Thingol would become a central figure of the First Age, instigating the Quest for the Silmaril, the greatest victory of the Age, but ultimately the cause of his own doom.

History

Ambassador of the Valar

Thingol was born at Cuiviénen[note 3] in the days before the Sun and the Moon, when Middle-earth was lit only by starlight.

After the Chaining of Melkor, the Vala Oromë took three Elves, Ingwë, Finwë, and Elwë, to Valinor to convince the Elves to join the Valar in the Blessed Realm. Upon their return, the Elven ambassadors convinced many to join them on the Great Journey to the West. During the thousand mile journey, the Elven host separated into three groups, the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri.[3]

The Teleri, led by Elwë and his brother Olwë, were the largest and the slowest group, and were the last to reach the western shores of Middle-earth. The Noldorin Elves had already left for Valinor, and the Teleri were forced to wait for a time in Middle-earth.

Elena Kukanova - Nan Elmoth - Elwe and Melian

During this time Elwë wandered into the Forest of Nan Elmoth, where he met and fell in love with Melian the Maia. Caught in an enchantment of their own making, Elwë and Melian could not be found by the searching Teleri. When the Valar returned to take the remaining Elves to Valinor, only some of them followed Olwë across the Great Sea. The rest had come to love the lands of Beleriand and refused to leave without their missing lord.[4]

King of Doriath

Over two hundred years passed before Elwë appeared again with his bride Melian. He gathered his people together and founded the Kingdom of Doriath. His subjects would become the Sindar, or the "Grey Elves", and their language was Sindarin. From then on Elwë was known as King Elu Thingol, and he claimed lordship over all the lands in Beleriand. While Thingol was King of the Grey Elves, who never saw the light of the Two Trees, as an Ambassador of the Valar he was counted as a High Elf, and equal to any lord of the Eldar.[5][2]

On Melian's advice, Thingol became an ally of the Dwarves of Belegost, who carved the caverns of Menegroth for him. In payment he gave them, along with many other things, the great pearl Nimphelos.[5]

A thousand years before the first rising of the Sun and the Moon the Green-elves entered Beleriand under Denethor. Thingol welcomed them and gave them the lands of Ossiriand, which they named Lindon. The Green Elves told of the spread of the Orcs and other foul creatures in the north and east of Middle-earth. The Grey Elves began arming themselves.[5]

Centuries later Melkor returned to Middle-earth. Now named Morgoth, he had destroyed the Two Trees, killed Finwë, the King of the Noldor, and stolen the fabled Silmarils. Seeking to claim dominion quickly, he launched a sudden assault on the lands of the Sindar. The First Battle of Beleriand went well for Thingol, who prevented any Orcs from invading Doriath, but the Green Elves took horrific losses and the Falathrim were besieged.[5]

The Falathrim were finally saved by the unexpected arrival of the Noldor, who launched the Dagor-nuin-Giliath ("Battle Under the Stars") in which Morgoth's forces were all but annihilated.[6]

Thingol and the Noldor

After the First Battle of Beleriand, Doriath was encircled by the Girdle of Melian, an impenetrable fence of enchantment that guarded the kingdom.[5] While his own kingdom was protected, Thingol was still loath to surrender any other lands in Beleriand to the Noldor as he was suspicious of the aggressive new lords in Middle-earth.[6]

"In Hithlum the Noldor have leave to dwell, and in the highlands of Dorthonion, and in the lands east of Doriath that are empty and wild... for I am the Lord of Beleriand, and all who seek to dwell there shall hear my word."
The Silmarillion, "Of the Return of the Noldor"

King Thingol's relations with the Noldor were strained, and grew worse decades later when he learned the truth of the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. Thingol banned the use of Quenya in his lands, which led to Sindarin being the common Elven tongue in Middle-earth. The King of Doriath refused to aid the Noldor in the war against Morgoth, and took little part in the ongoing struggle.[7]

The Quest for the Silmaril

Felix Sotomayor - Beren at Thingol's Court

Thingol and Melian had one child, a daughter named Lúthien, said to be the fairest woman ever to live. Lúthien fell in love with a Man named Beren. Thingol did not wish for the two to wed, as he valued his daughter very highly and disliked Men. As a bride-price he asked for a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth, thinking there was no way that Beren could fulfill this demand.[8]

However, when Beren and Lúthien came back from Angband, and when Beren showed him his missing hand which still held the Silmaril in the belly of Carcharoth, he softened his heart towards him. Soon, though, Carcharoth in his anguish and rage from the Silmaril that burned his insides, broke through the Girdle of Melian and entered Doriath. In that hour, Thingol, along with Beren, Mablung, Beleg and Huan the Hound of Valinor, began the hunt of the Wolf. Carcharoth was finally slain by Huan, but both Huan and Beren died in the process. After that, Lúthien died also, and coming to the Halls of Mandos she begged Mandos that Beren be returned to life. However, it was beyond the power of Mandos to withhold the souls of Men from going beyond the Circles of the World.[8]


Therefore, Ilúvatar, through Manwë, offered her and Beren to live again, but with Lúthien sharing the Gift of Men. She agreed, and they both came back to life, and lived the remainder of their lives at Tol Galen, far from the sight of any other mortals.[8]

Fostering of Túrin

Thingol adopted as a son a young Man named Túrin, son of Húrin and akin to Beren himself, who was sent to Doriath when he was seven years old.[9] When he grew up, he was permitted to join Beleg Cúthalion on the marches of Doriath, fighting the Orcs of Morgoth.[10][11]

Túrin accidentally caused the death of Saeros, one of Thingol's counselors who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven he fled. Thingol however gave Beleg a leave to seek out his friend, who in the meantime had joined a band of outlaws.[12] Telling to Thingol that Túrin did not wish to return, Thingol allowed Beleg to go and join his friend and gave him the black sword Anglachel that Eöl had forged and given to Thingol[13] in tribute.[10]

The Nauglamír and Thingol's Doom

Henning Janssen - Nauglamir and the Doom of Thingol

Some time after Túrin's tragic death, Húrin, Túrin's father and now an old man, was allowed to enter Menegroth with a band of outlaws, where in anger he threw the Nauglamír, the treasure of Nargothrond before King Thingol and 'thanked' him for aiding his son. This infuriated the outlaws, who tried to take the gold back but were killed by Thingol's guards.[14] Melian, finally pierced through Húrin's madness and grief; shamed by his actions, he left Menegroth a broken man.[15]

At that time a desire came into Thingol's heart to take the Nauglamír and place the Silmaril in it, thus melding together two of the greatest creations made by the Elves and the Dwarves. He hired some Dwarven craftsmen to do it for him. But by the time the Dwarves were finished they had become obsessed with the Nauglamír and asked for it as a payment for their labor. This infuriated Thingol, who had also grown obsessed with the jewelry and refused to give it as a payment, realizing they were coveting the Silmaril. The Dwarves were angered by his harsh words, and killed him. This led to the sacking of Menegroth and the eventual destruction of Doriath, which scattered its people.[15]

Etymology

His epessë (honorary name) was Thingol (thind "grey" and coll "mantle") which means "Greycloak".[16]

Quenya tradition names him Elwë and Singollo.

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
House of Bëor
 
Melian
 
THINGOL
Y.T. - F.A. 502
 
Olwë
Y.T. -
 
Elmo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beren
F.A. 432 - 503
 
 
 
Lúthien
Y.T. 1200 - F.A. 503
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dior
F.A. 470 - 506
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


See Also

Notes

  1. His death is placed under the year 502 in The Grey Annals, but according to the story introduced into The Silmarillion by Christopher Tolkien it should have rather occurred immediately after the reforging of Nauglamír, while the Sack of Doriath remained in the following year.
  2. Elmo is a later addition by Tolkien and is not in the published The Silmarillion.
  3. This information is from the Cuivienyarna, part of Quendi and Eldar, a late revision of the legendarium by Tolkien. The Silmarillion does not clarify whether Elu Thingol awoke at Cuiviénen or was born there. See Awakening of the Elves.

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Thingol and Melian"
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Sindar"
  6. 6.0 6.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Noldor in Beleriand"
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "The Departure of Túrin"
  10. 10.0 10.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Túrin Turambar"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "Túrin in Doriath"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "Túrin among the Outlaws"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Maeglin"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "IV. The Nauglafring"
  15. 15.0 15.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Doriath"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Thingol and Melian"
Thingol
House of Thingol
Died: F.A. 502
None
Position established
1st King of Doriath
Y.T. 1152F.A. 502
Followed by:
Dior