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Dates
Location
Made at the Pools of Ivrin, commemorating Beleg's slaying in Taur-nu-Fuin
Origins
Devised by Túrin in memory of his friend Beleg Strongbow
Races
Made by a Man in memory of an Elf
Divisions
Túrin was of the Edain, Beleg of the Sindar
Culture
Elves of Doriath (including Túrin who, though a Man, was raised in Doriath)
Family
Túrin descended from the House of Hador
Source
The Pools of Ivrin lay at the source of the river Narog
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 20 August 2024
  • This entry is complete

Song of the Great Bow

Túrin’s lament for Beleg Strongbow

The Man Túrin Turambar and the Elf Beleg Strongbow were friends and companions from the time of Túrin's fostering in Doriath. After Túrin departed from that land, Beleg later sought him out and joined him to found the Land of Bow and Helm, a bulwark against the Orcs ravaging the western lands of Beleriand.

That land would not survive for long: Beleg and Túrin, the Bow and Helm, were betrayed to the Orcs. Túrin was captured and carried away, while Beleg was left for dead on the heights of Amon Rúdh. Beleg recovered and set out in pursuit of his friend, eventually catching the Orcs in the dark forests of Taur-nu-Fuin in the depths of a thunderstorm. As lightning flashed, Beleg was able to rescue his senseless friend, but when Túrin awakened he momentarily mistook Beleg for one of his captors, and slew the Elf with his own sword.

When he realised what he had done, Túrin was struck dumb with horror. It was only long afterward, being healed by the waters of Eithel Ivrin, that he was able to put his grief into words. He composed a song of lament for his friend, which he named Laer Cú Beleg, or the Song of the Great Bow, in memory of the famed archer who had been his lifelong friend.


See also...

Laer Cú Beleg

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 20 August 2024
  • This entry is complete

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