The Fantasy Review explores: How Did Galadriel’s Brother, Finrod, Die in Tolkien’s mythology?
Eldest son of Finarfin and brother to Angrod, Aegnor and Galadriel, Finrod was an Elven king of the Noldor and ruler of Nargothrond. A keen traveller and known for his wisdom, Finrod was well loved amongst the Elves.
All of the events in this article occur in the First Age of Middle-earth. This is the story of how Galadriel’s brother, Finrod, dies.
The Discovery of Men
Finrod was the first of the Noldor to meet Men. These people were the followers and kin of Bëor (Balan), who had led the first Men across the Blue Mountains into Beleriand. He stayed with the Men for a long time, teaching them Sindarin and advising them to settle in Estolad.
During the Wars of Beleriand, Finrod fought in the Fen of Serech and was surrounded by the enemy. Barahir, descendant of Bëor, saved his life. In appreciation, Finrod swore an oath to come to help Barahir and his kin whenever they needed it.
The Promise is Kept
Ten years after Finrod swears the oath to Barahir, the latter’s son, Beren sought Finrod’s help on the Quest for the Silmaril. Finrod agreed, bringing only a company of ten with him (most Elves were strongly persuaded to stay behind).
On this quest, Beren and Finrod were captured by Sauron. Sauron and Finrod had a battle with songs of power, and despite Finrod’s great power, he was mortally wounded in the duel.
“In Valinor, the red blood flowing
Lay of Leithian
Beside the sea, where the Noldor slew
The Foamriders, and stealing drew
Their white ships with their white sails
From lamplit havens. The wind wails,
The wolf howls. The ravens flee.
The ice mutters in the mouths of the sea.
The captives sad in Angband mourn,
Thunder rumbles, the fires burn-
And Finrod fell before the throne.”
Sauron had every member of Finrod and Beren’s company killed by werewolves, until the Elven King broke free of his chains to save Beren from a werewolf. He killed the beast with his hands and teeth, and died, having now stayed true to his oath.
Finrod’s Legacy
Because of his bravery, courage, and selflessness, the Valor had Finrod released from the Halls of Mandos and re-embodied in Valinor soon after his death. He spends the rest of time under the trees in Eldamar, reunited with his fallen kin.
