Canto X...

In Canto IX of the Lay of Leithian, the story more or less reaches its final form and the ''synopsis'' given in The Silmarillion is derived closely from it, with a few subtle differences here and there (the chief being the omission of Sauron's voice in the dungeon, which is found only in the poem - lines 2592-2609). We have now reached Canto X and we may as well look at some of it. Since this is supposed to be a kind of ''synopsis'' of the content of The Silmarillion, this presents some difficulty, but I believe that the legends of the First Age really ought to be read in verse.

Songs have recalled the Elves have sung

in old forgotten elven tongue

how Lúthien and Beren strayed

by the banks of Sirion. Many a glade

they filled with joy, and there their feet

passed by lightly, and days were sweet.

Though winter hunted through the wood,

still flowers lingered where she stood.

Tinúviel! Tinúviel!

the birds are unafraid to dwell

and sing beneath the peaks of snow

where Beren and where Lúthien go.

(The Lay of Leithian, Canto X, lines 2856-2867)

Huan, being faithful, returned to his master Celegorm, yet their love was less than before.

In Nargothrond, things had gone ill since the fall of Felagund. For thither now returned many that had been prisoner in Sauron's Isle, and they lamented bitterly the loss of their lord, the most beloved of the Gnomes, and there arose a tumult that the Sons of Fëanor could not still. The people said that a maiden, the daughter of Thingol and Melian, had dared that which the proud Sons of Fëanor had not dared to do, and they all perceived that it was treachery that had guided the choices of Celegorm and Curufin. Therefore, they were released from their dominion, and the hearts of the people returned to Orodreth, Felagund's brother of the House of Finarfin. But Orodreth was good and wise, like his brother Felagund, and he would not have the brothers slain in this evil mood, as many desired (for that way the Doom of Mandos would be bound closer upon them all), but he would not grant them rest, and he thrust them out, saying that there would thenceforth be little love between Nargothrond and the Sons of Fëanor.

And so, Celegorm and Curufin rode forth from Nargothrond, northwards into Dimbar (for they purposed to find their kindred in the east), but none even of their own people would go with them, for all perceived that the Curse of the Noldor lay heavily upon the brothers and that evil went with them; yet still Huan followed the horse of his master. Into Brethil they came, and there, they espied Beren and Lúthien from afar...