Brethil

Brethil was a dense woodland of western Beleriand in the First Age, lying between the river Sirion in the west and another river in the east. To the south lay Amon Rûdh, inhabited by the Petty-dwarves. A great road passed through the forest, linking it to the northern regions of Beleriand.

Originally within the realm of Thingol of Doriath, Brethil was later granted to the Haladin, the Second House of the Edain, on the condition that they guard the crossings of the rivers against Morgoth’s forces. The Haladin became its chief inhabitants, living in scattered homesteads rather than towns.

The Haladin were joined by some of the Drúedain, who had earlier dwelt with them elsewhere and shared a close bond with their people.

During the Battle of Sudden Flame, the people of Brethil suffered heavy losses. Húrin of the House of Hador found refuge there after being cut off in battle and were later sent secretly to Gondolin.

At the end of the First Age, Brethil was lost beneath the sea with much of western Middle-earth.