Arondir

Arondir was a Silvan Elf of the Second Age.

Biography

Arondir grew up in Beleriand, perhaps near the Mouths of Sirion, before its destruction. By the Second Age he was stationed in the Southlands of Middle-earth, for the Silvan Elves watched the land's inhabitants to ensure they did not revert to evil as their ancestors had done in serving Morgoth. Arondir remained in the Southlands for 79 years, during that time becoming acquainted with and falling in love with the woman Bronwyn, who lived in Tirharad, though her son Theo viewed the Elf with suspicion.

After being confronted by Rowan in Tirharad's tavern, Arondir briefly spoke to Bronwyn before leaving quickly to avoid attention. He returned to the watchtower of Ostirith with Médhor, who warned him of the dangers of pursuing a relationship with a human, though Arondir dismissed his concerns. It was then that a messenger from High King Gil-galad came, bearing news that the occupation of the Southlands was to end. Noticeably perturbed, Arondir was visited by the Watchwarden Revion, who urged him to be encouraged at the thought of returning home.

Instead of leaving with his fellow Elves, Arondir returned to Bronwyn, just as a farmer brought his cow to Bronwyn for medical attention. Arondir discovered that instead of milk, a foul black substance came from the cow's udders, and, alarmed, he left to investigate where the cow had been grazing. Bronwyn accompanied him towards Hordern. They reached the settlement at dusk to discover it had been burned and ransacked, though no casualties or survivors were to be seen. In one of the houses the two discovered a tunnel opening, which Arondir entered to investigate further. After being forced to crawl part of the way, Arondir was suddenly grabbed by Orcs and taken prisoner. He was taken to a large trench, where he discovered the other Silvan Elves to be imprisoned as well, and made to dig. This endeavor was learned to be the mysterious individual Adar's mission to find a sword-hilt forged by Morgoth.

At length, Arondir and the other Elves refused to cut down a tree in the way of the Orcs' excavation, and the overseer Magrot killed Médhor as punishment. This incited a revolt, which, after much bloodshed, ended with the deaths of Revion and several others, though Arondir mortally wounded Magrot. Arondir's execution was stayed in order that he might be presented to Adar himself. Adar ended Magrot's suffering before speaking to Arondir, and while he avoided revealing his identity, spoke of his time in Beleriand before its destruction. Adar then released Arondir so that he might relay his ultimatum to the people of Tirharad, that if they would not swear fealty he would destroy them.

Upon hearing the news, the man Waldreg led around half of Tirharad's former inhabitants to accept Adar's offer, leaving the remainder in the watchtower of Ostirith. Arondir remained with them, and was given the dark sword-hilt by Theo, who had found it some weeks prior. Bronwyn desired to give Adar the hilt in hopes he would spare them, though Arondir attempted to dissuade her.