Understanding Beren as a Gnome in Tolkien's ‘The Silmarillion’

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, the term 'gnome' is used to describe Beren as a brave and resourceful mortal man, evocative of the qualities attributed to the gnomes or dwarves in his mythos. This article delves into the context and evolution of Beren's character, considering his background and the context in which the term 'gnome' was originally applied.

The Evolution of Beren's Character

The novelized form of Beren and Lúthien is derived from much earlier drafts of the story, showcasing a significant transformation over time. In these early drafts, Beren was originally depicted as an Elf, a different version of his eventual character in the published tale. Lúthien, similarly, was initially portrayed as a fairy. Tolkien struggled to align these characters with the existing connotations, particularly with the term 'gnome,' as it evoked a smaller dwarf-like creature, which was not his intention. Eventually, Tolkien renamed these Elves to Noldoli and then Noldor.

The Context and Early Drafts

The changes in Beren and Lúthien's characters reflect the broader evolution of Tolkien's mythology. The villain in these early drafts, Tevildo, an intelligent cat serving Melkor (later Sauron), was eventually reworked into a human necromancer named Thu, who then became Sauron as we know him. This illustrates the significant alterations made from the earliest versions to those in the published The Silmarillion.

The Publication and Consistency Issues

The standalone Beren and Lúthien, compiled by Christopher Tolkien, presents a mix of early drafts and later manuscripts. While some view it as a money grab targeting those unaware of its content, others see it as a valuable insight into the writing process. Christopher's primary goal was to showcase his father's evolution of characters, which inadvertently highlights narrative inconsistencies, such as Beren's original incarnation as an Elf and his subsequent transformation into a mortal man.

Conclusion

Understanding Beren's character as a gnome in The Silmarillion is crucial for grasping the complex and evolving nature of Tolkien's world. The term reflects both the early draft's intentions and the broader transformation of the story over time.

Keywords