The Silmarillion

Thingol is King of the Grey Elves, “the fairest and the most wise and skilful of all the Elves of Middle-earth” (42). They are known as the Sindar. During the age of the Chaining of Melkor, a Sindar named Lúthien is born, the only child of Thingol and Melian. During the second age of the captivity of Melkor, the Dwarves arrive from over the Blue Mountains. They call themselves Khazâd, but the Elves call them Naugrim, the Stunted People, and Gonnhirrim, Masters of Stone. The Dwarves have carved great halls and mansions from many mountains, the greatest of which is Khazâd-dûm (also named the Dwarrowdelf or Hadhodrond) in the Misty Mountains. The Elves are amazed by the appearance of the Dwarves, who quickly learn Elvish. The relationship between the two is “cool” (42) but profitable.

Melian tells Thingol that they need to build a fortress, as evil will inevitably come to Middle-earth. They hire the Dwarves of Belegost and pay them in pearls and wisdom. They build a huge mansion named Menegroth, the Thousand Caves, decorated with images of Valinor. Many years pass, and Melian and her family are happy in their new home.

During the third age of the captivity of Melkor, however, the Dwarves “became troubled” (43). They tell Thingol that there is a gathering darkness in the north. The evil creatures eventually come as far as Beleriand, though quickly turn back. Thingol decides to build arms. These weapons are also built by the Dwarves, and they allow the Sindar to repel the “creatures of evil” (43). The weapons were kept in the fortress, in case they were ever needed again.

Hearing of Thingol’s success, Lenwë of the host of Olwë (who had not marched with the Eldar) gathers together his woodland Elves who are struggling to fight against the evil creatures. They go to Beleriand and are welcomed as long-lost family. During this time of peace, one of Thingol’s people devises a written language and teaches it to the Dwarves, who spread it among themselves.

As the noontide of Valinor draws to a close, Melkor escapes to Middle-earth. Ungoliant arrives in Thingol’s kingdom but is held at bay by the power of Melian. Ungoliant flees south to the mountains that become known as the Mountains of Terror. Melkor returns to Angband and begins to multiply the Orcs into a great army. The army attacks Beleriand and, eventually, Thingol manages to repel them back to Angband with the help of the Dwarves. The war has shattered the peace of Thingol’s kingdom, and it is never the same. Melian places a magical barrier around their lands, but outside of that, bands of Orcs roam freely.