Silmarillion - Chapter 20 - Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad

[Estelyn Telcontar]

This chapter begins with what seems to be a postscript to the previous one – a last account of Beren and Lúthien. What purpose does that serve in the context of what follows?

A large part of the account is devoted to the ensuing battle(s). I know there have been discussion of various battles and the tactics used and hope the experts will have something to say here! One thing that does show up several times is the problem of impatience. Had the Elves and Men not jumped the gun, so to speak, their chances would have been better. It is interesting to see how the success goes back and forth from one side to another.

In the end, we read, it is the treason of Men that decides the outcome. That is a bitter tragedy that has repercussions long afterwards.

There is one brief scene that I discovered when researching on music: the funeral dirge of the Dwarves. It must have been chilling to hear – so much so that even their enemies didn’t hinder them.

At the end of the chapter we have hints and forebodings of future events – especially the Fall of Gondolin, and Morgoth’s curse over Húrin and his family.

What part of this battle makes the deepest impression on you? How well do the various combatants play their part? Does the outcome feel discouraging, like part of the “Long Defeat”, to use Tolkien’s words?