#estolad

Maedhros (Himring and the March of Maedhros, Northeast Beleriand)

I’ve spoken about snow leopards of the March multiple times and these elusive creatures endear themselves to Maedhros over time. They are, rugged, adaptable and vicious, their beauty stark, utilitarian and violent.

Horses are the primary domestic animal in northeastern Beleriand down to Estolad and some are sired from those brought from Valinor while some were tamed from wild horses in Beleriand. Horses of Eastern Beleriand retain their winter coat for more of the year than their kin and this is especially true of the March. Maedhros grows a strong bond with several of the horses

Personally, I enjoy associating Maedhros with foxes as the name Russandol is related to the word for fox.

Maglor (Maglor’s Gap, Northeast Beleriand, South of the March)

Maglor does not take much inspiration from the songs of animals however he does enjoy their music; songbirds especially larks, crickets and tree frogs in Valinor.

Later on he will grow to dislike songbirds altogether. Their voices feel mocking.

In the Gap, he is amused by the long earred hedgehogs that can be seen in the plains

Celegorm and Curufin (Himlad, East Beleriand, Northeast of Doriath)

During prosperous years horses and hounds are both abundant in Himlad. Wolfhounds and thick coated mountain dogs (similar to St. Bernard’s and Burmese Mountain dogs of today) are favorites of Celegorm

Celegorm is fond of many creatures. Hounds and hunting hawks of course, elk and bears.

He also loves the large monitor like lizards he saw in the warmer areas of Western Beleriand.

Curufin is very fond of his own horse. He likes insects with delicate wings. Lacewings and dragonflies for example. These are not as common in Himlad however

I have some ideas about diversity in dogs and horses of Valinor and Beleriand that are probably best left for another day but in short I think there is selective breeding and some diversity in breeds though nowhere near as much as today here.

Caranthir (Thargelion, Northeast Beleriand, slightly South of the March and the Gap, North of Ossiriand)

Caranthir if asked would frequently say he was not a lover of animals. He does develop a fondness for the wading birds of Lake Helevorn as well as the gray wolves he occasionally sees closer to the montane forests. They do not bother him and in turn he leaves them be.

Amras and Amrod (Estolad, East Beleriand, East of Doriath and West of Thargelion and Ossiriand) Both twins have a love of birds of prey that dates back to their first explorations of hunting in Valinor. Falconry is practiced among them and their people. Golden eagles are most valued for this but are rare. Saker falcons and merlins are more common.

‘This tale is very famous among the Elves,’ she begins, ‘and rightfully so, because it is a tale about the bravest Prince in Beleriand.’ The answering smiles confirm it is the right choice, and Aredhel continues. ‘Long ago, before the Sun and Moon rose in the sky, there lived a Prince across the Great Sea whose name is Findekáno.’

‘Before the Sun and the Moon? That is a long time ago!’ Zimrahin exclaims. ‘How old is Findekáno?’

‘This winter, he shall turn two thousand six hundred and sixteen years old.’ Aredhel purposefully stretches out the numbers, waiting for six little eyes to widen in astonishment. She is not disappointed. ‘But, if you were to meet him, he would look no older to you than your fathers. Anyway, Findekáno had a best friend, Maitimo, and they were rarely apart in their youth, traveling and studying together every moment they could. There was great love between them.’

Aredhel lowers her voice for this next part, ‘But one day, a very powerful Dark Lord got jealous of the friendship among the Elves and decided to ruin their joy.’

‘It must be Morgoth, the Great Enemy,’ says Malach, unperturbed. The Edain, it seems, do not spare their children from the woes of their people.

‘Yes, it was Morgoth before anyone knew him for who he was. He spread many lies, causing strife among Findekáno and Maitimo’s families. But ever more intent on evil, he also stole the Light of the World and took it to his dark fortress in Angband.’

Seeing how her audience does not blink in anticipation, Aredhel carries on, deciding what parts should be skipped in a story for children. ‘Maitimo was brave and decided to cross the Great Sea and take back the Light of the World, but Morgoth captured him and took him to his fortress also.’

‘Did he die?’ Little Imlach squeaks and Aredhel does her best to ignore the shiver that runs down her spine.

‘No, he was very strong, and when Findekáno discovered that his friend had been captured, he decided to go and rescue him. He left in the middle of the night, alone, with very few things, and went to Morgoth’s fortress.’

‘Did he carry a weapon?’ Asks Imlach again.

‘He most certainly did. A very fine bow of yew.’

‘Was he not scared?’

‘Imlach, if you do not stop asking questions, we will never hear the end,’ his older brother gently reprimands him.

‘He was scared,’ Aredhel answers the question anyway, ‘but he knew he must save his friend and reunite their people. Now, the Moon and the Sun had risen up in the sky, and all of Morgoth’s creatures were scared of the light. Findekáno used this to hide and climb high on Thangorodrim, but try as he might, he could not find Maitimo. Then, in defiance of the Orcs, he took his harp and sang a song that his grandmother had taught him in Valinor.’

‘Why did he have a harp with him on the Dark Mountain?’ Comes from Imlach again.

‘Imlach!’ Both Malach and Zimrahin exclaim at once, shushing the little boy so he does not interrupt the story yet again, for which Aredhel is grateful because she herself still fails to understand why Fingon had decided to take a harp of all things.

‘In any case, Findekáno sang and suddenly, above him, someone answered his song. It was Maitimo, who was chained to the mountain by Morgoth. But Findekáno still couldn’t find a way to his friend, and he was very sad, so he prayed to the Vala Manwë, who is most merciful. Manwë sent Thorondor, the King of Eagles, the mightiest of all birds that have ever been.’

‘Thorondor allowed Findekáno to climb on his back and brought him up to Maitimo. Then Findekáno released his friend from his chains and saved him. Once returned, they renewed their friendship and they are now great Lords among the Elves: Fingon, Prince of Hithlum, and Maedhros, Lord of Himring. They fought Morgoth together and locked him in his fortress so that he can never leave again!’

As the story ends, many voices cry out in excitement unanimously, and Aredhel finally notices that many have gathered to hear the tale, young and old.

‘One day, I will go and fight the Morgoth with Prince Fingon,’ Malach says with determination.

‘And when I grow up, I will go and join Lord Maedhros,’ Imlach rises and swings the wooden toy sword he always carries with him.

Marach comes then to gather his young warriors and winks at Aredhel playfully. ‘But to do that, my sons, you must first sleep and grow tall and strong.’

‘What of you, Zimrahin?’ Aredhel asks the girl as they remain by themselves. ‘Would you like to see the kingdoms of the Elves?’

Zimrahin chews her lower lip as she thinks. ‘I like being home and listening to stories,’ she says at last, simply.

Someone calls Zimrahin’s name, and the girl places a wet kiss on Aredhel’s cheek before she scurries away.

I like being home. Aredhel sits with the thought for a long while, even as the people around her scatter and the village falls dark and quiet. She thinks of her brothers, her friends, and all the places she has called home.

For the first time since leaving Gondolin, Aredhel begins craving a home.