The Complete Travels of Thingol | Tolkien Explained

[@bash_maxwell]

I like how Thingol essentially "married up" but somehow can't abide his daughter's suitor doing the same. Tale as old as time.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

He just didn't want his daughter to marry an animal.

[@galactica0433]

@@valentinkambushev4968 Couldn't have put it better.

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

Since Beren was mortal, it was believed he would eventually die leaving Luthien a widow forever since only under special circumstances can an elf remarry. After the Quest for the Silmaril did Thingol see him as worthy.

[@ravenmoll3685]

​@@valentinkambushev4968huh?

[@pauljohnagustin4079]

For little price do elven kings sell their daughters: for gems and things made by craft.

[@arklinmike]

13:28 The whole - sending Beren into Thangorodrim to get a Silmaril, believing Beren would surely die, reminds me of David sending Uriah into the forefront of battle.

[@J0HNJ0RDAN]

What men will do for a beautiful woman!

[@malalford]

Or the 12 labours of Hercules

[@dapeach06]

Or a million other "fetch quests" in mythology, like Perseus

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

More like King Saul telling David to get 100 philistine foreskins for his daughter's hand 👀

[@thebrowneyesofmandalore]

Thingol is one of my favorite characters from the first age. I find him very fascinating in character in how he portrays Sindar Elves and how his character relates to the Noldor in personality. To me, in the Hobbit film trilogy, the way Thranduil’s character is portrayed is very much reminiscent of Thingol. I don’t know if anyone else has those vibes.

[@tellyhorton3659]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@isaiahach]

that's who i was picturing in my head throughout the video

[@freshbrewedasmr3378]

It makes since since Thranduil actually lived in Doriath

[@Jsay18]

I mean, those realms of Sinda/Silven Elves are actively invoking Doriath in their styling and behavior.

[@lucabestea6844]

I do. Thingol's pride is inherited by Thranduil.

[@smallnumbers36]

I LOVE Beren’s response to Thingol’s request for the Silmaril in exchange for Luthien’s hand: But Beren laughed, “For little price,” he said “do Elven-kings sell their daughters.” Dayyuuuum ❄️

[@valentinkambushev4968]

For me, it actually shows how little men know about elvish history and culture.

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

@@valentinkambushev4968 I think it's just him being cocky and trying to look impressive saying the Quest will be dead easy. Pun intended.

[@12classics39]

@@cormacmacsuibhne2867 Yes, and he also seems to be insulting Thingol for treating Lúthien as though she is someone to be "sold."

[@Jeremy_the_unfallible_n-a]

​@@valentinkambushev4968it also shows that since elves are immortal, they can easily put worldly material things above life and love

[@timothygamble5565]

This man deserves 1 million subs… let’s get him there!

[@fingersTitan]

4k to go. I remember back to Matts 150k.. He's come along way and still growing.

[@stevefontaine1335]

Matt Need Harry Potter Channel.?🙏🙏🙏

[@WilliamScotch]

He does. Love all his content except for when he pretends to enjoy that disgusting low effort show that spits in everything he truly likes.

[@Epic_BostonMobTales]

He def. Does best channel out for Tolkien it's literally a joke this guy isn't over a million subs every video he has does millions

[@Epic_BostonMobTales]

Great video man always look forward to Saturday mornings nerd of the rings is always on the must watch list!!

[@starrynight6268]

Finally a video of Elwe Singollo - Thingol Greymantel, the greatest elven king that ever lived!

[@valentinkambushev4968]

Also, the elf who couldn't read a room to save his own life.

[@YarPirates-vy7iv]

​@@valentinkambushev4968that's effing hilarious! 😅

[@raphael4668]

Fingolfin was kinda better

[@pauljohnagustin4079]

Greatest? But Fingolfin fighting a Valar 1on1

[@barrylyndon5552]

Elves in most fantasy: eeer Im 5'5 and live in the woods like a leaf themed barbarian but I live to be 120 Im so special Fking Thingol: I turned down heaven so I could fk a goddess every knight, Im like 10 feet tall and own an invincible kingdom of splendor where I spend my days raising champions, sleeping with my goddess wife and doting on my 'most beautiful creature to ever exist' daughter

[@haldemarest]

Dwarves: Demand the Necklace they finished making as payment Thingol: Is this some peasant joke I'm too rich too understand.

[@thibaud1832]

I like the moment in Fellowship (book) where Strider is camping with the hobbits and they essentially ask him to tell them a bedtime story and he complies, prefacing it with "it’s a sad story, like every story in Middle Earth". The matter-of-factly dark tone and/or undertone in almost every Tolkien’s story is really remarkable, again and again he emphasizes that everything sucks and everything will go on sucking more, just barely hanging to hope in final victory, with tiny glimpses of light here and there. This of course came from the unique combination of his temperament, life experiences and faith.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

Tolkien knew that life was a long road of suffering, with the occasional rest station of happiness.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

The message isnt that everything sucks. There is still good in this world, mister Frodo, and its worth fighting for. I agree with the comment above me, its more an acceptance of the struggles than it is nihilism.

[@thibaud1832]

@@TheSuperappelflap of course. I never said it was nihilism. “Actually I am a Christian,” Tolkien wrote of himself, “and indeed a Roman Catholic, so that I do not expect ‘history’ to be anything but a ‘long defeat’- though it contains (and in legend may contain more clearly and movingly) some samples or glimpses of final victory” (Letters 255).

[@lilitharam44]

I hope he was re-embodied and lived in the Blessed Realm with Melian again. One of my favourite characters from "The Silmarillion."

[@barrylyndon5552]

Me too. The gods celebrate true love between humans and elves, this is the only single true love story between Ainur and mortal. Really should be celebrated just as much (and it helped make Dior, a union of the 3 children of Eru which is quite cosmically special)

[@nortons7040]

My favorite Tolkien's character. He has his ups and downs, but he probably influenced most on the history of Middle Earth. Many of the greatests stories and heroes connected to him - Beren, Luthien, Turin, and many others. Arwen and Aragorn are his descendants. Galadriel was Melian's handmaiden and learned a lot from the Queen. Also thanks to Thingol, who have managed to marry a Maia (Melian), elvish and human kings received angelic blood wich later gave them power to counter Sauron (all magical abilities of Luthien and Aragorn are inherited from Melian).

[@HarrytheDinosaur]

I always thought of Thingol as a sort of Maiar-en elf. He is alone in having seen the Trees among his kin, so he is as wise and powerful as the Noldor. Thingol is the only elf to marry a member of the Ainur, a fact made more impressive by the power of Melian to repel Morgoth. Thingol is the ancestor of a long, powerful bloodline that would eventually contain the likes of Elrond, the Kings of Gondor, and the Numenoreans. He is surely an underappreciated elf in the Tolkien Universe, as some of the most important figures in the Third Age are descendants of Thingol.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

All this wisdom, yet he didn't know when he should hold his tongue.

[@skygazer858]

@@valentinkambushev4968 Frankly, all the elves seem to be a bit full of themselves.

[@Mr10johnny10]

Three Trees? I only know of 2

[@galactica0433]

@@skygazer858 The events of the First Age pretty much beat humility into the Elves.

[@HarrytheDinosaur]

@@Mr10johnny10 Shhh. That NEVER happened.

[@Dr_Cole]

Just a fantastic, comprehensive video on this epic king. I’m so glad that you did not feel compelled to limit this epic life to a ten minute narrative - it would not work. THIS is what we needed!

[@stephaniecowans3646]

It's a never ending source of gobsmackery for me that Tolkien could create such a complex world history with both backstories, names and timelines. And I bow to the time and effort that Matt puts into researching the topics for these videos as if he had been channeling his inner J.R.R. Tolkien. 👏

[@olabisiolaoye6168]

I've been re-reading the Silmarillion and your videos bring these amazing stories to life. Please never stop making these videos!

[@Prepared_Suburbanite]

Absolutely wonderful! What a great tribute to the high King. Thank you again for a super rendition.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Hi, folks! If you haven't already, please hit that Subscribe button and the bell! We're almost to 1 Million and I'm working on a really fun 1M sub stream with some great giveaway items as a special thank you to such wonderful viewers of the channel!!

[@SaturnGrl]

Gotta love how elves are generally praised for their benevolence, beauty, strength, and prowess...yet hardly anyone talks about how they were utter douchebags in the early hundreds of years of Middle Earth. The actions of Feanor, the Kinslayings, the vows of the Sons of Feanor, Eöl and Maeglin, Thingol's over-the-top-protective daddy syndrome...

[@marcobongiorni657]

I think that, when you have a maiar wife, the most beautiful and priceless jewel that combine the best of the two most skilled races in jewel making and the most beautiful daughter ever existed or that probably will exist, "over-the-top-protective daddy sindrome" is the least that can happen to you...mandatory i would say

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

​@@marcobongiorni657mandatory indeed. A daughter is one of if not the most precious things a man can have in life. And if someone wants to marry her, he would have to indeed be worthy (Hence the quest for the Silmaril). Let's not forget that Elrond did the same thing to Aragorn saying only a king would be worthy of Arwens hand.

[@johnisaacfelipe6357]

the fact that you consider thingol as a douchebag is more a reflection of your own issues than anything else.

[@barrylyndon5552]

Thingol I think was alright. He was a really over protective dad, but that's not so bad in those days. Otherwise he didnt some extreme bro-tier stuff with Turin and whatnot. Only really dickish move was hurling racial insults at the dwarves during their argument... which got him killed

[@Klodhvig]

Over the tens of thousands of years that's still only like 10 elves. Why should the entire elven race be judged for the actions of 10?

[@valentinkambushev4968]

When I was reading the part where Thingol insults the Dwarves, I was saying: "Dude, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! Just because they are from 'uncouth race' doesn't mean they can't bash your head with an axe!"

[@jannerwingfeather]

I would SO SOOO much love to see the 1st age in a full length/ TV series, there is just SO much amazing content for story’s and incredible characters!

[@michaelsmyth3935]

I read The Silmarillion during Sophomore year study hall. Beren and Luthien, incredible tale, amongst incredible tales.

[@greenmountainpokemon2112]

I absolutely love the longer format 1st age videos!

[@jfk8540]

wow almost 1 million subs… i first stumbled on tolkien tube in march of 2020…. ive watched most of the major channels, and you are by far my favorite. your passion, video quality, and light shines through so brightly! the images and music. you use are of the utmost quality and you deserve the success you’ve created for yourself

[@thegungadfly8930]

Nicely paced and perfect balance between exposition and quote. With selected artwork and these portrayals you could build a fine book on the “Great people’s of Middle Earth”.

[@Thummpur26]

Get this man to a million! His content is the best!

[@the_Valinor_tourist]

Strangly, my favourite character from the Silmarillion. Such an ambiguous, life-like character.

[@albertlamar5938]

I thought Elwe was one of the first born elves. Did not know he as descended from others. Will have to re-read the S. Many thanks for your, as always, loving and well presented visit to Middle Earth.

[@ryancruz1876]

Elwe was likely from one of the first several generations of elves to be born, but he is almost definitely not one of the unbegotten.

[@lisarobinson5999]

@@ryancruz1876 Well said. The whole thing is broken down nicely in "The Nature of Middle-Earth". I also really like Tolkien's reasoning in NOME regarding the Unbegotten and the Ambassadors (Ingwe, Finwe, Elwe). How it made more sense for those 3, being younger, to go to Valinor than the 3 Unbegotten Fathers due to the latter's primary instinct was to... well... get it on with their Unbegotten Wives and to make elf babies. This left them kind of emotionally and intellectually stunted and thus the younger big 3 of Ingwe, Fine and Elwe (Thingol) were better suited to go since they were not locked in an immortal state of puberty.

[@fgdj2000]

I love these retellings of Tolkien Lore of yours. Between the music, the great artwork and your calm and engaging voice (with mostly masterful impressions 😉) I find these always utterly enchanting.

[@johanabigasova6770]

"...for fair and noble as he had been, now he appeared as it were a lord of the Maiar, his hair as grey silver, tallest of all the Children of Ilúvatar; and a high doom was before him."

[@istari0]

So, when Thingol re-emerged from the forest with Melian, he was actually taller than he had been before? I hadn't heard that before. I always thought Thingol's granting of certain lands to the Noldor was rather convenient, seeing as the Noldor were already living in those lands (or at least some of them) and Thingol had no way of evicting or controlling the Noldor anyway. Unfortunately, despite all that he did do, he is best known for the huge mistakes he made that ultimately led to Doriath's ruin.

[@pronkerpronker6708]

Your posts reawaken memories of reading the Silmarillion so long ago - upon first publication - so thanks for 1. the maps, 2. reenacting some great lines and 3. the amazing artwork. Cannot wait for your next vid!

[@christy734]

You have done such a great job here, with your story telling. The maps and artwork are also impressive! Have you ever considered creating your own board game, from the character tokens and background maps for children and their families? Perhaps, you could even team up with the lego company?

[@colinleat8309]

As a Fantasy/SciFi Illustrator, I have to say I Love the artwork! Yet another wonderful video Matt! Thank you so much for your channel. Peace and love brother! 🤘😁🖖🇨🇦

[@aleanapineda882]

Thingol: **returns from his long disappearance with Melian** His followers: dude…😐

[@Creamy13]

Thingol never heard of bros befores hos

[@barrylyndon5552]

"We arent going to heaven anymore because I found a goddess wife" "... feels slightly irrational but whatever"

[@trikyy7238]

Thingol was as proud as the Noldor. That was his undoing.

[@noahchain817]

I have been waiting for this video! My favorite Tolkien character (along with Melian)!

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

Brilliant 😍 video. We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.

[@lordofthehouseofstormcrows8615]

Ah yes, the most stubborn being in all ME. More than Feanor. (IMO) Love how Beren is not intimidated by the king. The way Beren makes him eat his words..He should've listened. Awesome job Mellon. Keep up the great work. ECTHELION!!

[@TheBenzooh]

as time has gone on, i am really interested in the elves who did not go to valinor. like ossiriand green elves, but sindar are cool aswell.

[@andrewvincent7299]

I love how in Tolkien's works that oaths, honor, duty, and bonds of fellowship are so important. These are some of the highest virtues men can aspire to. This is truly something the showrunners of the ROP don't understand. They are writing the show with their own modern lens instead of the one that Tolkien saw through.

[@geomit4416]

Great work once again. It would be interesting to see a video of the languages of Arda from you.

[@barrylyndon5552]

I think he called himself the 'Lord of Beleriand' one too many times. That's the kind of title that gets you killed, he's the lord of a decent portion because his wife could hide it well sure, but Morgoth is the lord of Beleriand in those days and before him, it was Fingolfin. Thingol was more like a duke of Beleriand and he kinda forgot that

[@feandil666]

Well done the story of the Children of Hurin, man, it's the best tale of Tolkien we haven't seen live yet.

[@andersonic]

Such a long and apparently honorable life just to fatally stumble on greed and pride after being alone with a Silmaril. Did Tolkien ever address whether the light of Valinor could ever be kept outside its lands? What future did Feanor imagine if he had successfully reclaimed them? Did the Silmarils serve Morgoth any purpose except to draw Elves into fruitless battles? Did Earendil's journey and plea only succeed because he surrendered the Silmaril?

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

Any Elf who saw the Light of Valinor brought it with them in their hearts. Before the Return of the Noldor, Thingol was the only Elf in Middle Earth who saw them everyone could tell. I imagine Fëanor would have stayed in Middle Earth and ruled a kingdom as that was the intention of many Noldor like other members of the House of Finwë. Morgoth took the Silmarils pretty much as trophies because now the Light of the Two Trees could only be seen if you look at his face. I don't think he surrendered the Silmaril. He used it to guide his ship to Valinor and plead to Valar to save Middle Earth.

[@calyonrubio6173]

I always feel so ironical and poetic the last moments of Thingol.

[@arrax96]

Keep going, man! Your channel continues to be a great joy with every video you make. Thank you!

[@KellyClowers]

"Travels" - stands in one place for literal years 😂

[@Jefffafa334]

Yesss Been waiting waiting on a Thingol vid 🙏

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

Stories of the First Age always make me emotional.❤

[@ryankwon8785]

Love and friendship defeated Morgoth in the long run, not the violence and war the Sons of Feanor brought.

[@biglawngnome]

Wow. That was a pure work of art. The way you so seamlessly had interwoven the story of Anglachel, Beren and luthien, then back to Turin and Anglachel again was genius. My question though is when did Anglachel have its name changed to Gurthang? Was that after Turin died by it? Anyway great job again, 1 million subs definitely deserved 🎉

[@lukefranklin7363]

Before, it was renamed Gurthang when Turin came to nargothrond, shortly after accidentally killing Beleg

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

A Worthy video from NOTR. Keep doing the Great Work. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@galactica0433]

Thingol should never have given away Anglachel. That sword would have drunk the Dwarves dry. Eol was a beast and my personal favourite First Age Elf, Thingol the close second.

[@christinawanner6749]

Thank you for the wonderfull Movie.❤ Thingol was are one or my favorite characters of Middkeearth. I'm was so sad over his daeth. Have a nice time I'm enjoy your Movies

[@bholdr----0]

So many names... Thingol Greycloak, Tinwë Linto, Elwë Singollo, etc ...My favorite was one of the oldest: 'Tinwelint', which just sounds straight out of ancient mythology, though I'm not sure about the etymology. Anyway, great post.

[@cdazza]

After Thingol took Turin as his foster son, you say that this was never again done by an elf lord to a mortal man. But didn't Elrond take Aragorn, and the heirs of Isildur before him, as foster sons?

[@romaliop]

He took them in to protect and educate them, but they were already his real kin anyway as distant offspring of his brother Elros. Not to mention that many of them probably still had their real fathers around somewhere leading the dunedain.

[@northrendicecrown631]

Of elf lord to man ( Elrond to Aragon ) he served as his father and raised him after his mothers death

[@Erokuson64]

Thingol truly was a large player in the First Age and before.

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

Thingol's also have sword called Aranruth ("King's Ire") which later became the sword of the Numenorean kings.

[@MJC1891]

I named my pup after him. Loved thingol story.

[@ImSenpaiViking]

Ah yes, another great inclusion to my playlist I listen to when I fall asleep❤

[@mjury67]

This is one of your best!

[@naturallawprinciples]

Definitely one of the greatest elven characters/storylines.

[@ixeyeb]

Through all of these amazing tales. The hound Huan has to be the most amazing, killed just about every Warewolf of Sauron's and even defeated Sauron when he turned himself into a serpent but still could not break free from Huan's teeth. That was the best of all good boys!! What a dog!!

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

I bet Aulë felt really bad about what his children did to Thingol. I can see Melian holding a grudge against him forever.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

To be fair, he was kinda asking for it.

[@12classics39]

Thingol is one of the best examples of those tragic characters in folklore who bring about their own destruction...and yet Tolkien manages to give that plot element even more complexity. By forcing his daughter and her boyfriend to steal that Silmaril, Thingol directly caused not only the deaths of all the Elves who were killed by Carcharoth in Doriath, but also his own death at the Dwarves' hands. Yet also, it is because of him that that very Silmaril was taken from Morgoth and ended up on the brow of his great-granddaughter's husband, shining as a star of hope for the rest of eternity, and giving off a light that, through Galadriel's Phial, saved Frodo and Sam and thus saved all of Middle-earth from Sauron.

[@lilangel97712]

I couldn't find any on Goldberry. Could you do one about her specifically. My husband said she was believed to be the last Ent wife, and I was curious because I hadn't heard that before.

[@agentgrech812]

Now do a video on all of the different branches of men and put them into categories. E.g like the high men, middle men, men of darkness, pre numenorean peoples etc

[@shaunholt]

Amazon be like: "What is that thing, Gollum?" ???: Thing, Gollum? ... Thingol! That shall be my name!

[@victorlongon]

An amazing character indeed, but this story just shows the Beren, among elves or mortals is the most badass of all Tokien's tales. A mortal man just goes to Morgoth to take the most craven artifact ever. Perhaps the only character braver than him waa Fingolfin. Tokien is such a master storyteller. ❤

[@marciofelipejustino2563]

O MAIOR REI ELFICO DOS SINDAR PODEROSO E SÁBIO.❤❤❤❤

[@elendiarelandarelendur8499]

Concordo com você👍

[@loganw1232]

Love your content Nerd of the Rings. Wondering, if you get Gimli to do a podcast with you, would you be able to get the remaining actors or some to do an audio book of the Lord of the Rings? At least one of the books?

[@glennlaroche1524]

Huon, Hound of Valinor, bestestest boye eVeR.

[@DaBombadillo]

Hey there I just have one question: Were the dwarves awakened before men? Doesn’t this contradict what Eru said to Aule about not allowing dwarves to awaken before his children? Thank you

[@yashenumulla4068]

Eru meant his first children which are elves

[@austinbates6305]

Hey NOTR! Where would put fall of numenor in your reading list? Will you do an update video to your reading list?

[@UltimateSpider1385]

Hey, do an origin video on The Ring of Barahir.

[@liinkan86]

Could you do a video about the Vanyar?

[@Saorael]

That those who enter interspecies unions suffer "strange fates" seems to apply to Thingol, the first, as it were, to make such a tryst.

[@DarialKuznetsova]

How Thingol and Melian kinda vanish from view, reminds me of the Finnish term 'metsänpeitto', the 'cover of the forest'. You search and search, but can't find them, and they cannot find you.

[@charishackman6678]

Can you please do a video about Finwe?

[@Byenie0912]

must have been stressful to learn that half of your elves didn't even make it past the misty mountain and then another batch wandered off again before crossing the blue mountains makes sense that he just decided to call it quits and left with a ho instead of completing the journey with his bros sindar elves also seems to have a type... strong powerful partner... thingol with melian... celeborn with galadriel... aragorn with arwen... legolas with gimli....

[@antonijoshurbanoski6544]

Finally ❤️

[@frantisekberan5793]

love your videos

[@talesoftheeldar8688]

Do some first age what ifs?

[@Endme264]

God id love to see beren an luthien made by a capable and passionate director

[@Ben-z8s6x]

Which of these artist links has the more well-defined maps?

[@ChiaraSiasat]

Love Thingol except when he decides to not listen to his much wiser Queen who is a Maiar 😅😅😅😆

[@tylerwilliams3897]

Is there enough material for video on Green Elves?

[@Mr10johnny10]

Travels: Bro walked to a forest

[@ScottHess]

It never made sense to me that an elf lord with Thingol’s backstory would then follow up by being jealous over his daughter and a trinket.

[@Mr.Monopoly1221-bma]

yay i always like first age vidoes

[@Raz.C]

The Guarded Realm is a poetic translation of Doriath. The literal translation is Land of the Fence.

[@blacksheep9505]

Nerd of the Rings would have already had 1 million subs if Rings of Power was half way decent.

[@rataretrodos]

Yes more middle earth lore!!!!

[@thundererodinson1668]

*BRO PLZZ do a video of King Hurin*

[@Debbielein8190]

Exactly what I need now for bed ( again ❤ )

[@КириллБахметев]

Thingol wasn't 'born long before the First Age', since the First Age began with the Awakening of the Elves.

[@myriadmediamusings]

One of the most important FA elves no doubt, but I honestly always found Thingol to be a bit of an ass and a tool, from his outrageous demand for Beren to how he didn’t take good care enough of Hurin’s family, and that whole thing with the Silmaril that got him killed by irate dwarves. We got so little of any positives of Thingol in the Silmarillion that I wonder what Melian saw in the guy when they had that romp in the forest that was totally not a sexual euphemism.

[@valentinkambushev4968]

He was a great elf, but he didn't know when to keep his mouth shut, which eventually killed him.

[@danielgreen2788]

The O.G. The Legend.

[@gargoyles9999]

Thingol: this Maiar bussy got me actin unwise

[@xenon9717]

💀

[@w-james9277]

Do you think he reunited with Melien in Valinor?