#marach

Hador: okay, I get it now. we’re keeping this one.

Marach (F.A. 282-376) was one of the original leaders of the Edain when they migrated into Beleriand. He was the father of two sons, Malach Aradan the elder, and Imlach the younger. Marach was the great-great-grandfather of Hador Lórindol.

          Marach was the leader of the third and largest group of Men to cross the Blue Mountains into Beleriand. Though originally his people led the way, they were so numerous that they needed to move slowly to keep together, and thus were passed by the peoples of Balan and Halthor. Indeed, Marach’s people had begun their journey long before the other Houses of Men, and it was in part their march that inspired the others to turn westward. Several generations passed between the start of their journey and its conclusion, enough that the original purpose of their travel had been lost, though not their resolve to continue.           The leadership of this people at first belonged to the man Legen and his ancestors, but when Legen was killed in a hunting accident before they ascended the mountains, his partner stepped forth to fill his role, for their sons were far too young to inherit the position. This was Marach, and though at first some were uncertain of his capability to lead while also caring for sons only five and two years of age, Marach soon proved himself to be firm, wise, and worthy of their loyalty.           Though the Green-elves of Ossiriand had turned away the other Men who entered their lands on the far side of Ered Luin, they were intimidated by the tall, warlike people of Marach and dared not confront them. Yet despite the loveliness of the forest, Marach did not wish to tarry long in Ossiriand, for he had heard that the people of Balan, kin to his own folk and speakers of the same tongue, had found a green and fertile land further down the Dwarf Road. He led his people to reunite with their distant kin in the land of Estolad and settled to the southeast of the lands of Baran, son of Balan, who now led his father’s folk.           After some years, many of Marach’s people desired to journey further west, but Marach was content in Estolad and would not lead them hither. Instead his elder son, Malach Aradan who had served the Elvenking of Hithlum in his youth, took a majority of their people to the southern slopes of Ered Wethrin. Marach remained in Estolad until his death, his younger son Imlach at his side

Book 5 will focus on the Dullahan and Croi meeting with their lord and having them join him as allies. I’m very very excited for this one. This is where the courts start getting into the darker side of the fae. Much darker than goblins or brollachan.

(I honestly put Virune in there cuz I CANT JUST PUT EVERYONE IN A LINE)

In the next year Marach led his people over the mountains; they were a tall and warlike folk, marching in ordered companies, and the Elves of Ossiriand hid themselves and did not waylay them. But Marach, hearing that the people of Bëor were dwelling in a green and fertile land, came down the Dwarf-road, and settled in the country south; and east of the dwellings of Baran son of Bëor; and there was great friendship between those peoples. ~ The Silmarillion, Chapter 17 (Marach by AshCorvida, deviantART)