The Tale of Baron and Luthian

Throughout this series we have discussed a number of different elements and themes within Tolkien's works,

such as honor, greed, revenge, betrayal, and friendship.

But perhaps the most important aspect that has been left mostly unmentioned is that of love.

The love between Baron and Luthian was considered by Tolkien to be the center of his legendarium,

and would later go on to inspire the story of Eragorn and Arwen and Lord of the Rings.

The tale of Baron and Luthian in many ways embodies the key aspects of fantasy literature,

as well as drawing strongly from Tolkien's own life.

Barron was born in northwestern Middle Earth, the son of the last chieftain of one of the houses

of men that had resisted Morgoth instead of joining him.

Morgoth's armies swept across his homeland during his youth, destroying their kingdom and

killing most of their people.

Barron, his father, and ten followers managed to escape the destruction, and lived as outlaws in the Highlands, performing many acts of bravery against Morgoth.

Eventually, however, one of the followers was deceived and captured by Sauron, and betrayed the location of the group.

Only Baron managed to live as he was out on an errand at the time.

He swore an oath to avenge his father and managed to recover his father's ring from the orcs,

an elven artifact and heirloom of his people.

Barron continued to live as an outlaw, harassing Morgoth and his forces and earning great

renown for himself.

Eventually, however, he was forced to abandon his homeland completely, and went into the

nearby Elven Kingdom of Doriath, where he met Luthian.

Luthian was born in Doriath during the years of the trees, the daughter of King Thingol,

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