Introduction

The legendary story of Beren and Luthien with the Silmarils is one of the most tragic tales in First Age mythology. Imagine a parallel scenario where they succeeded in obtaining all three Silmarils from Morgoth. This article explores how such an alternative ending might have changed the course of the First Age.

The Quest for the Silmarils

Beren, the mortal man, and Luthien, the Elvish maiden, set out on a perilous quest to retrieve the most coveted jewels in the world, the Silmarils. Beren's intent was to sever all three from Morgoth's crown, but with a foiled attempt, only two were taken. While Morgoth's guards were distracted by a wolf and one Silmaril, Beren and Luthien managed to escape with the other two.

Escape and Confrontation

Morgoth's advisor, a wolf, managed to eat one of the Silmarils with Beren's hand. In the ensuing chase, Beren and Luthien, now in possession of two Silmarils, evaded Thingol's hunting party. Beren's heroic deed with the two Silmarils earned him redemption, as Thingol was sympathetic to his efforts and forgave him for the third jewel.

Consequences for Thingol and the Elves

Thingol, the ancient King of Doriath, was torn between harboring the stolen jewels and appeasing the sons of F?anor. The persuasions of Melian, counselor to Thingol, and Galadriel were crucial in convincing him to give the Silmarils to Maedhros and Maglor, the two sons of F?anor most likely to mend relations with the High Elves.

This act of accommodation might have prevented a violent conflict between Thingol and the sons of F?anor, saving many lives and maintaining peace in Middle-earth. Thingol's diplomacy in maintaining a peaceful relationship with Maedhros and Maglor likely averted significant bloodshed.

Impact on the War against Morgoth

Morgoth's wrath, however, would ensure that this peaceful period was short-lived. He would use the captured Silmarils as a means to mobilize his forces, spreading chaos and destruction among both the Elves and the forces of the returning Sons of F?anor.

Though the sons of F?anor were inevitable enemies of Morgoth, the loss of the Silmarils would not alter their ultimate fate. Their war against Morgoth was doomed from the start due to their oath and the overwhelming power of Morgoth himself. The role of the Silmarils, no matter how many of them were lost, did not change the broader course of events in the First Age.

Lessons from the Alternative Scenario

The alternative scenario suggests that the Silmarils, while immensely powerful, are not the sole determinants of conflict in the First Age. The larger dynamic between Morgorth and the Elves, as well as the inherent feuds among the Elves themselves, would have played out regardless of the fate of the Silmarils.

The overarching theme remains: the struggle against Morgoth is a tale of tragedy and loss, with the Silmarils playing a pivotal but not singular role in shaping the narrative. Despite the potential for fewer casualties in a benign resolution, the ultimate outcome of the First Age was sealed by the inevitable confrontation and the unbreakable oaths and destinies of the characters involved.

Conclusion

The legend of Beren and Luthian with all three Silmarils is a fascinating counterfactual, offering insights into the complex interplay of destiny and circumstance. In the end, the narrative themes of loss, conflict, and the struggle against overwhelming evil remain just as compelling, if not more so, in their tragic complexity.

Related Keywords

Silmarils Morgoth First Age Beren and Luthian Sons of F?anor