Melian was a Maia, one of the Ainur, and her singing was renowned in Valinor. She went to Middle-earth to fill the silence with her voice and the songs of birds.
At this time, the hosts of the Noldor and the Teleri were separated by forests, and Elwë went often through the forests to visit his friend Finwë. It was during this time that he heard the singing of Melian, and—enchanted and forgetful of his purpose—he followed the sound until he came upon her in a clearing in Nan Elmoth. Enamored by her, he took her hand, and a spell was set upon him that they stood together for many years, during which he forgot his people and abided with her.
The people of Elwë sought him but did not find him, and Olwë his brother then took the kingship of the Teleri and led them to Aman. Elwë never made it to Valinor, and he and Melian became king and queen of Doriath. His people were the Sindar—the Grey Elves—and they were known for Melian’s power and the fact that, of all the Sindar, Elwë alone had seen the light of the Trees. In later years, he became known by the Sindarin name Elu Thingol.
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