Melian the Maia

Early Life

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In Melian's younger days before she came to Beleriand, she served both Vana and Este. She was the most beautiful and skilled in singing of all the maiar.

Gardens of Lorien

Melian dwelt in the gardens of Lórien, where she would tend to the growing trees. In fact, she had much love for the shadows that the mature trees would cast onto the ground. She would often be heard singing later in the day and all those who could hear her would stop working and listen. Even songbirds would be attracted to Melian and nightingales would follow her wherever she went.

Melian and her birds.

Leaving Valinor

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Melian would leave Valinor when the elves awoke in Middle-earth, there she would bring her birds to fill the world with their singing and helped tend to the forests.

Romance

While in Beleriand, Melian would meet an Elven-king known of as Thingol. They were both enchanted by the sight of each other and spent years just staring at each other as they were so enchanted by each other that they were unable to move or speak. Once the enchantment wore off, the two got married and founded the kingdom of Doriath. The couple would have one child together, a daughter named Luthien.

Melian and her husband, Thingol.

Doriath

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The kingdom of Doriath would stand for much time and be safe from the threats of Melkor and his evil spawn, as well as from the threats of the Noldorian elves due to a powerful protection spell that Melian placed over the forest. Due to the spell, no one who was less powerful than Melian would be able to pass through.

Melian placing her protection spell over Doriath.

Fall of Doriath

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Doriath would end up falling after Melian's husband, Thingol, sent a man named Beren on a quest for to obtain a Silmaril. Melian counseled her husband against sending Beren on such a quest, but Beren was sent anyway and was not expected to return. Beren did return and brought a Silmaril with him, with Thingol decided to keep for himself.

Death of Thingol

Melian's husband would die after he was killed by a group of dwarves who desired the Silmaril and the piece of jewelry that he had them attach it to. Shortly after the death of her husband, Melian would return to Valinor, leaving the Silmaril with her daughter, Luthien.