Review: A Passage from the 'Sketch of the Mythology' – Beren and Lúthien
Introduction
J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium is filled with timeless myths that blend epic heroism, deep emotional resonance, and intricate world-building. Among these, the tale of Beren and Lúthien stands as one of the most significant, both within the internal mythology of Middle-earth and in Tolkien’s personal life. The Sketch of the Mythology, an early summary of his evolving legendarium, provides a glimpse into the foundational narratives of The Silmarillion, including the legend of Beren and Lúthien. The passage concerning this story presents an early, condensed version of their tale, showcasing the myth’s core themes and its role within the broader framework of Tolkien’s legendarium.
Summary of the Passage
The Sketch of the Mythology was written around 1926 and serves as one of Tolkien’s earliest attempts to summarize the overarching narrative of his mythology. Within this passage, we see the essential elements of the Beren and Lúthien story already taking shape:
Beren's Origins and His Encounter with Lúthien
Beren, a mortal warrior, finds his way into Doriath after surviving the devastation wrought by Morgoth’s forces. There, he beholds Lúthien Tinúviel, the daughter of Thingol and Melian, and is captivated by her beauty and grace. The passage establishes the fundamental love story, portraying Beren as an exile and wanderer who falls for a being far beyond his reach.
Thingol’s Challenge
As in later versions, Thingol, the King of Doriath, disapproves of the match and sets an impossible task before Beren: to retrieve a Silmaril from Morgoth’s iron crown. This quest is a central motif in the legend, representing both the impossible nature of their love and Beren’s determination to prove himself worthy of Lúthien.
The Journey to Angband and the Theft of the Silmaril
The passage briefly outlines how Beren, aided by Lúthien, makes his way to Angband, Morgoth’s dark fortress. Lúthien’s magical abilities, particularly her singing, are already present in this early version, demonstrating her power to enchant and subdue enemies. Through a combination of cunning and divine intervention, they manage to steal a Silmaril, though their success comes at a great cost.
Beren’s Fate and Lúthien’s Sacrifice
The passage touches on Beren’s grievous injury and ultimate death, as well as Lúthien’s despair. Even in this early iteration, the myth establishes the profound idea of love transcending mortality, as Lúthien chooses to give up her immortality to be reunited with Beren. The concept of a mortal-immortal union and its tragic consequences becomes a major theme in Tolkien’s later works.
Analysis and Themes
Despite its brevity, the passage in The Sketch of the Mythology encapsulates the essential themes of Beren and Lúthien and provides insight into Tolkien’s myth-making process.
Love and Sacrifice
The most powerful theme of Beren and Lúthien is the willingness to sacrifice everything for love. Beren risks his life on an impossible quest, while Lúthien defies her father, the Elven customs, and even death itself to be with him. This early passage already establishes this theme, though later versions would expand on Lúthien’s personal agency and suffering.
Fate and Free Will
The passage suggests a tension between destiny and personal choice. Beren and Lúthien seem doomed from the start due to their different natures, yet their actions challenge the established order. Lúthien’s decision to become mortal—though only hinted at in this early version—foreshadows Tolkien’s later exploration of fate versus free will, a recurring motif in The Lord of the Rings.
The Role of Music and Magic
Lúthien’s enchanting song, which puts Morgoth to sleep, appears even in this early passage, highlighting the importance of music as a mystical force in Tolkien’s world. In later versions, her magic and beauty become even more pronounced, reinforcing the idea that true power can come from art, grace, and defiance rather than brute strength.
The Heroic Quest
Beren’s quest to retrieve a Silmaril represents the archetypal impossible task, a motif common in mythology. This element aligns with classic myths such as the Labors of Hercules or Orpheus’ descent into the underworld. Tolkien’s passage presents this quest as both a test of valor and a symbol of devotion, setting the stage for its later, more refined iterations.
Comparison to Later Versions
The Sketch of the Mythology provides a skeletal framework for Beren and Lúthien, but later versions—particularly The Silmarillion and The Lay of Leithian—expand and refine the details:
Character Development
The passage presents Beren as a typical heroic figure, but later versions add depth to his character, emphasizing his resilience and tragic fate. Lúthien, too, evolves from an ethereal, almost otherworldly figure into a dynamic heroine who actively shapes her destiny.
Narrative Complexity
While this early account summarizes events in a straightforward manner, later versions introduce more nuance, such as Finrod Felagund’s sacrifice for Beren and Huan’s role in aiding them. These elements enrich the story and deepen its mythological weight.
Mythic Language and Poetic Style
The language of the Sketch of the Mythology is more concise compared to the lyrical, evocative style of The Lay of Leithian. As Tolkien refined the tale, he infused it with greater poetic grandeur, making it one of the most beautifully written stories in his legendarium.
Personal and Mythological Significance
This passage is significant not only within Tolkien’s evolving mythology but also on a personal level. Tolkien famously identified with Beren, while his wife, Edith, inspired Lúthien. The story was so dear to him that "Lúthien" was inscribed on Edith’s gravestone, and "Beren" on his own. The Sketch of the Mythology represents an early glimpse into the deep emotional investment Tolkien had in this tale, which would remain a cornerstone of his legendarium.
Furthermore, the story of Beren and Lúthien serves as a foundational myth within Middle-earth, influencing later narratives such as the love story of Aragorn and Arwen in The Lord of the Rings. The echoes of this passage can be felt throughout Tolkien’s works, reinforcing its enduring impact.
Final Thoughts
The passage from The Sketch of the Mythology is a fascinating look at the early formation of Beren and Lúthien, revealing how Tolkien’s ideas developed over time. While it lacks the rich detail and poetic beauty of later versions, it captures the essence of the legend—love, sacrifice, and defiance against impossible odds.
For readers interested in the evolution of Tolkien’s storytelling, this passage is an invaluable piece of history, offering a raw but compelling vision of one of the greatest love stories ever written. It is a testament to Tolkien’s mastery as a myth-maker and his ability to weave personal emotion into grand, timeless narratives.
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