Beleg Strongbow
| Biography: Beleg Strongbow | |
|---|---|
| Birth - Death | First Age F.A. 430 – F.A. 485 |
| Race: | Elf - Sindar |
| Gender: | Male |
| Beleg Strongbow | |
| Info: | Sindarin archer and huntsman of Doriath, friend of Túrin Turambar |
Beleg Strongbow was a Sindarin Elf who served King Thingol of Doriath. He was regarded as the finest archer and huntsman of his time and became a close friend and comrade of Túrin Turambar, eventually falling victim to the tragic fate that surrounded him.
History
Together with Mablung of the Heavy Hand, Beleg was one of the chief captains of the Sindar, commanding the Marchwardens along Doriath's northern borders near Brethil. He carried a black bow, from which his surname Strongbow derives. Beleg had great skill with his bow, which he named Belthronding.[1] In F.A. 458, following Orcish invasions from the north, Beleg led Elven forces from Doriath to confront the enemy near Brethil. The Elves, emerging from the forest, surprised and routed the Orcs, halting their advance for several years. Alongside Mablung, he joined the hosts of the Noldor in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. He also participated in a wolf hunt with Thingol, Mablung, Beren, and a great hound.
Beleg became a close companion and mentor to Túrin Turambar. He first encountered Túrin when the boy arrived in Doriath and later followed him into exile after Túrin fled. Finding his bow unsuitable for the mission, Beleg took a sword from Thingol’s armory to aid Túrin, despite warnings of the blade's dangerous nature. Beleg was captured and tortured by Túrin’s outlaws near Amon Rûdh in a misunderstanding. He later returned to the outlaws with news from Thingol, offering Túrin pardon and a chance to return, which Túrin initially declined. Beleg continued to support Túrin and his band, healing the wounded and defending their refuge.
Beleg pursued Túrin after the band was attacked and the outlaws defeated. With the help of Gwindor, an Elf escaped from Morgoth’s captivity, Beleg located the Orc camp where Túrin was held. During the rescue, Beleg cut Túrin’s bonds with his sword. Startled and believing he was under attack, Túrin instinctively seized the sword and accidentally killed Beleg. Beleg was buried along with his bow by Túrin and Gwindor. A lament, the Song of the Great Bow, was composed in his memory. Beleg is remembered as one of the greatest archers and warriors among the Sindar. His loyalty, skill, and tragic death highlight the entanglement of heroism and fate in the First Age, particularly in the life of Túrin Turambar.
In-game mentions
- Item:Amon Beleg carries his name
- Beleg's Shrike carries his name
- Item:Black-wood Bow is inspired by Beleg's bow, Belthronding
References
- Tolkien, J.R.R., The Silmarillion
- Tolkien, J.R.R., The Children of Húrin