The Silmarillion

by

J.R.R. Tolkien

Beleg Character Analysis

Beleg is one of the wardens of the elf kingdom Doriath and becomes friends with Túrin, Thingol’s young human ward. The two defend Doriath together until Túrin causes the death of an elf named Saeros and flees. Beleg receives permission to follow and protect Túrin with the sword Anglachel, though Melian warns him that the sword is malicious. Beleg helps Túrin lead his band of outlaws against Melkor’s orcs until Túrin is betrayed and captured. When Beleg rescues Túrin from a band of orcs, Túrin, frightened and unable to recognize Beleg in the dark, kills Beleg with Anglachel. Túrin buries Beleg in the morning, composes a song for him, and remembers him as a steadfast friend.
Get the entire The Silmarillion LitChart as a printable PDF.
The Silmarillion PDF

Beleg Character Timeline in The Silmarillion

The timeline below shows where the character Beleg appears in The Silmarillion. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 18. Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...finally invade the people of Haleth, Halmir their lord requests aid from Thingol, who sends Beleg Strongbow and his wardens to destroy the orcs. With Brethil’s protection, Nargothrond gathers its strength.... (full context)
Chapter 21. Of Túrin Turambar
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...an heirloom sent by his mother, and goes to battle to protect Doriath’s borders with Beleg Strongbow. (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...When Thingol hears of what happened, he pardons Túrin and still considers him a son. Beleg leaves Doriath to find Túrin and convince him to return. (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...renamed himself Neithan, the Wronged. While he’s away from his camp, the other outlaws catch Beleg, assuming he’s a spy. Túrin returns and releases him and then swears not to harm... (full context)
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...dwarf-cities of the east, have diminished until only Mîm and his son remain. That winter, Beleg finds Túrin there, bringing the Dragon-helm and healing the sickly outlaws with lembas. (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Mîm hates Beleg and broods with his son at the back of the house. Around that time, Morgoth’s... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
Mîm enters his house again, realizes that Beleg isn’t dead, and tries to stab him with his own sword. Beleg retrieves his sword... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...orc company, camped for the night, and carry Túrin away while the orcs sleep. While Beleg tries to cut off Túrin’s shackles, Anglachel slips and cuts Túrin’s foot. Túrin wakes up... (full context)
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
The orcs depart after the storm, and Gwindor helps Túrin bury Beleg. Túrin doesn’t speak until Gwindor leads him to a spring sacred to Ulmo, where he... (full context)
Unity vs. Division Theme Icon
Fate, Doom, and Free Will Theme Icon
Pride and Arrogance Theme Icon
Inevitable Loss Theme Icon
...will kill him swiftly. The sword answers that it will gladly kill him to forget Beleg and Brandir, who were unjustly killed. Túrin sets the sword on the ground and throws... (full context)