The Fate of Beleriand: Why It Sank into the Sea in Tolkiens Legendarium

The legendary region of Beleriand in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth was a significant setting for many of the events in the First Age. It took a catastrophic fate to sink into the sea, primarily as a result of the War of Wrath, an epic struggle between the Valar and the Dark Lord Morgoth.

Why Beleriand Had to Sinking into the Sea

Divine Intervention

The forces of the Valar, led by Erendil, intervened to defeat Morgoth, who had been defeated in his previous form but continued to pose a threat. The intervention involved the Valar unleashing their full power, which had devastating effects on the region. The resurrected Morgoth was deemed too great a danger to leave in the land, and the Valar sought to remove him entirely from Middle-earth.

Geological Catastrophe

The war itself was a cataclysmic event that reshaped the land in ways that went beyond the immediate victory over Morgoth. Tremendous upheavals, including violent earthquakes, reshaped the continent, leading to the sinking of a significant portion of Beleriand into the sea. The battlefield of the final battles was transformed, leaving an indelible mark on the geography and history of Middle-earth.

Morgoth's Defeat

The defeat of Morgoth was a symbolic cleansing of the land from the darkness he had brought. His defeat marked an end to an era of chaos and ushered in a new chapter of peace. However, the decision to sink Beleriand was not a choice taken lightly. The Valar were willing to endure great upheavals if it meant ensuring the safety and peace of Middle-earth in the long run.

Historical Perspective and Continuity

It is important to note that Beleriand did not sink into the sea all at once. The process was gradual and occurred over thousands of years. In Tolkien's mythos, this process continued to occur even after the initial sinking, making the region a part of the ongoing narrative of the Middle-earth legendarium.

Connections to Modern Europe

Tolkien himself drew comparisons between the geography of Middle-earth and modern Europe, as evidenced by statements such as those made by Aragorn and éomer in the Return of the King. This connection helps us understand the dynamic nature of the region's geography:

“Halflings!’ laughed the Rider that stood beside éomer. ‘Halflings! But they are only a little people in old songs and children's tales out of the North. Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight’

‘A man may do both’ said Aragorn. ‘For not we but those who come after will make the legends of our time. The green earth say you That is a mighty matter of legend though you tread it under the light of day!’

This exchange highlights the ongoing nature of the region's history and the way in which it continues to impact the lives of those who dwell in Middle-earth.

Taking Action Against Morgoth

The valiant efforts of the Valar in capturing Morgoth were not immediate. The first attempt to contain him in the far north resulted in immense destruction that left the region forever changed. However, the Valar realized that they had no choice but to take decisive action despite the potential consequences to the world of Arda. The involvement of the Valar in the War of Wrath was limited to the counsel and inspiration of the Maiar, who played a significant role in the final battles.

Conclusion

Beleriand's submersion into the sea was an intricate and symbolic event in the grand narrative of Tolkien's legendarium. It serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between the forces of light and darkness, and the profound effects of one's actions on the world and its future.