Basic Reading:

The Silmarillion: Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter 18: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin

*Finish this chapter today.

Supplementary Reading:

• Background:

  • The Lost Road: Part Two, Section V. The Lhammas, Chapter 11 (including Commentary)

• Prior Versions:

  • The Shaping of Middle-Earth: Section VII. The Earliest Annals of Beleriand, Years 157 - 158 (including corresponding Commentary)

  • The Lost Road: Part Two, Section III. The Later Annals of Beleriand, Years 257 - 258 (including corresponding Commentary)

  • The Lost Road: Part Two, Section VI. Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter 11: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin, paragraphs 149 and following

  • The War of the Jewels: Part One: The Grey Annals, YS 458 (including corresponding Commentary)

  • The War of the Jewels: Part Two, Chapter 15: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin

Experience:

• Maps:

  • Beleriand: Taur-nu-Fuin, Dor-lómin, Hithlum, River Sirion, Tol Sirion, Nargothrond, River Celon, Doriath, Angband, Forest of Brethil, River Teiglin, Ford of Brithiach, Crissaegrim, Gondolin, Isle of Balar, Dorthonion, Pass of Sirion, Shadowy Mountains, Eithel Sirion, Anfauglith, Firth of Drengist, Iron Mountains

• Character Cards: Beleg Strongbow

• Timeline: First Age 456 - 462

Discussion Questions:

1. What was Maedhros’ motive for making friends with the Easterlings?

2. What was the greatest strength of Morgoth’s strategy?

3. Why does Ulmo continue to help the people of Middle-earth?