Welcome to the fourth r/bookclub discussion of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion! This week we're discussing a pivotal section of the Quenta Silmarillion, from Ch. 12. (Of Men), until Ch. 15: (Of the Noldor in Beleriand). Next week, u/rosaletta will be taking the next three chapters.

SPOILERS:

There will be both Tolkien loremasters and first-time readers in these discussions, so let's recap the strict no spoiler policy here at r/bookclub. What do we consider a spoiler? A spoiler is any information that is not contained within the chapters under discussion or earlier chapters. Spoilers include hints about what is to come, such as:

“Just wait till you see what happens next.”

“This won't be the last time you meet this character.”

“Your prediction is correct/incorrect.”

“You will look back at this theory.”

“Here is an Easter Egg...”

“You don't know enough to answer that question yet."

Spoilers also include information from other books, such as Lord of the Rings (LotR) or The Hobbit and unpublished or alternative drafts of The Silmarillion.

The proper way to post a spoiler is to note where the information comes from and then enclose the relevant text with the > ! and ! < characters (with no space in-between). For example: In the Hobbit this becomes important because Gandalf talks about doors.

CHAPTER SUMMARIES:

Chapter 12: Of Men

With the Valar now separated from Middle-Earth, and with the Sun now causing changes in lifespans and mortality, the race of Men awake in the far east of the world. Unlike the Elves, they are not immortal - their spirits go somewhere else after death - and they are more frail, more prone to diseases, and to wounds. In years to come, Men would fight against Morgoth and take the place of Elves as the Eldar faded, but for now they learnt from Dark Elves in the forests.

Chapter 13: Of the Return of the Noldor

Fëanor and his sons land upon Middle-Earth, and the burning of their ships is seen not only by Fingolfin's people, but also by Morgoth. He attempts to ambush the Elves, but his Orcs are overpowered and are utterly routed. However, he has one success: Fëanor pushes ahead too far, is surrounded by Balrogs, and is mortally wounded. Looking upon Thangorodrim, Morgoth's fortress, he knows his oath is impossible, but nonetheless tells his sons to hold to their oath before his spirit burns up his body.

The Noldor begin to encounter the Sindar, who think that they have come as messengers from the Valar. Maedhros, Fëanor's eldest son, agrees to negotiate with Morgoth, but even though they are suspicious and bring more guards than agreed, Morgoth does the same and captures Maedhros. Fingolfin and his people arrive, and, remaining angry at the Fëanorians for their betrayal, they do not unite. Morgoth is somewhat unsure what to do, but is his pleased his enemies are divided.

Fingon, son of Fingolfin, resolves to end the feud. He inflitrates Thangorodrim and finds Maedhros, but is forced to cut off his hand to escape. In thanks for this deed, Maedhros waives his claim to rule over the Noldor, recognising Fingolfin as High King.

Thingol does not trust the Noldor, except for the children of Finarfin, to whom he is related. One of them, Angrod, talks to Thingol (omitting the Kinslaying), and receives his blessing to settle Beleriand. However, the sons of Fëanor do not like that he assumes superiority over them, so, after some barbs, they remove themselves eastwards from the rest of the Noldor.

Many years pass. Alliances are made among the Elves, and Morgoth is unable to do more than brood. The princes Turgon and Finrod are sent instructions by Ulmo to prepare hidden refuges. Inspired by Thingol's city of Menegroth, Finrod builds a city known as Nargothrond with the aid of the Dwarves. Meanwhile, Turgon begins planning to build a city in a hidden valley shown to him by Ulmo.

Morgoth thinks that the Elves have become lazy, so he launches an all-out assault. However, they are ready, and completely destroy his forces; they set a watch on Angband, which lasts four hundred years, but they are unable to capture it. The first fire-drake, Glaurung, seeks to test himself against the Elves, contrary to Morgoth's wishes, but is summarily driven back.

Chapter 14: Of Beleriand and its Realms

Basically a map in written form. They say that a picture tells a thousand words, so here's one.

Chapter 15: Of the Noldor in Beleriand

Turgon succeeds in building his city, which he names Gondolin; Ulmo reminds Turgon that it would eventually fall, no matter what. He asks Turgon to leave behind armour and a sword, so that he would recognise Ulmo's messenger. Turgon obliges, and then he and all his people move to their new city, which thrives for many centuries.

Meanwhile, Finrod is building Nargothrond. His sister Galadriel lives often in Doriath with her love Celeborn; soon, Melian perceives that she is hiding something about the Noldor's departure from Valinor. Galadriel eventually says that they are not messengers from the Valar, and reveals the existence of the Silmarils, but conceals the Kinslaying.

However, rumours of that event does eventually reach the Sindar, and then Thingol. He confronts the children of Finarfin; Finrod is reluctant to blame the his cousins, but Angrod remembers the barbs thrown at him and tells the whole story. Thingol somewhat forgives the peoples of Fingolfin and Finarfin, but not the sons of Fëanor. He forbids the use of Quenya, the language of the Noldor, in his lands; it is replaced by Sindarin.