Finrod Felagund | Hero of the First Age

[@toonyhable]

Mate, you are really leveling up these videos. The quality is becoming unbelievable. Thank you for your dedication in bringing this story to life for us tolkien fans

[@TheRedBook]

Thank you :) I take longer to make videos now but I think they are better videos. Glad you agree :D

[@TheOneTrueAnthemis]

Absolutely loved the art

[@MichaelMedici61W2]

@@TheRedBookholy crap he’s right! I forgot to ask you about the artwork in this! It was almost like a graphic novel. Seeing them before Sauron like that in his throne room.. the werewolves… it was incredible. Who did it all?

[@Jrobidy2]

Finrods was so humble and willing to listen to others. I’ve always wondered what if he had survived. He truly would’ve been Sauron’s worst nightmare.

[@TheMarcHicks]

The reunification of Finrod & Finarfin, in Valinor, is probably the most beautiful part of his story for me!

[@TheRedBook]

I think it's a nice 'ending' for a noble yet still tragic character. You see all that happens and there's grief but then that hope at the end that actually makes you smile when reading it. Obviously had to be the end of this video!

[@04nbod]

Tolkien: I'm going to name all the male elves after hair Amazon: I'm gonna cut it all off

[@beatleblev]

Hooray for Finrod! This coolest of elves is my favorite among the Noldor. He is, to me, the best example of how the Noldor should have spent their time in exile. First, he knew that Middle Earth was not his home. Unlike Valinor, his halls, his towers, his life in Middle Earth had an expiration date. Perhaps witnessing the death of his friend and follower, Beor, granted some insight into the impermanence and transitory nature of Middle Earth? Second, if he was not here to make Middle Earth his home, then what was left to do, except to try to destroy, defeat, or at least annoy the murderer of his grandfather and the author of his people's troubles. In trying to accomplish this mission he encountered and began to love the Second-born. It was love that compelled the Oath that would lead to the death of his life in Middle Earth. In that death, facing a werewolf naked with only Elven fists and fangs, Finrod joins the company of his father and the two Balrog slayers, Ecthalion and Glorfindel as victors (of a sort) and the most metal of the Noldor. In fulfilling an oath to a friend, Finrod undermined at least part of the Doom of Mandos in that, although his buildings may not have survived, the symbol of his love and fidelity, the Ring of Barahir, rests upon the finger of Aragorn II, King of Arnor and Gondor, and descendant through three ages of Middle Earth, of his friends Beor, Barahir, and Beren. Here's to the coolest of the Noldor! If there had been more Elves like Finrod, perhaps the Second Age would not have been so tragic, and the men of the West might have been wiser and better able to counter the schemes of Sauron the Deceiver.

[@TolkienLorePodcast]

Finrod is one of those characters that I’d really love to have his own story, just because he so deserves it. His role is too peripheral for that but his character is just so awesome (like Faramir in a lot of ways) that I’d love to read about him just for it’s own sake.

[@nickolas.vicente]

I think it's interesting that Finrod and Felagund were two different people, unlike Tinúviel then becoming Lúthien.

[@Enerdhil]

I guess that will have to be an upcoming video on your channel.😁🙏

[@Wanderer_Rogue]

The Red Book is everything you could ever want for any and all Tolkien Legendarium content. The art, music, and in-depth knowledge offered is one of a kind. Thank you for the effort and time you put into bringing us closer to Tolkien!

[@chattylumpkin]

Yes, the artwork is terrific. It's a great way to feature an artist and increase their exposure to a wider audience. I only know of these artists because of this channel.

[@TheRedBook]

The Heroes series returns after a long absence and I discuss one of the greatest of them all: Finrod. I hope you enjoy it. My "Mythology" series is my attempt at making videos focusing more on entertainment and information rather than analysis, my lame attempt to keep up with "Tolkien Lore" channels. Time will tell if it's successful or not Support The Red Book : www.patreon.com/TheRedBook kzbin.info/door/POz2P0OxWp0ij0K4BsLsRwjoin

[@MistaGify]

A masterful summary of Finrod's life! Truly, 1 of the most badass and righteous figures of The First Age! Your video strikes me, that in this age of anti-heroes, there is still room for saint-like heroes. Born into power and privilege, yet using their upbringing for good, even unto death. Who said good characters like Finrod or Superman or Captain America have to be boring or overpowered?! And please, do NOT attempt to "keep up" with other channels. You do you, my friend!

[@chattylumpkin]

That was nice! Lame attempts? They are not! You have a depth of knowledge that qualifies you to analyze the lore as much as anyone out there. I've sampled quite a few and I know of what I speak. I like to hear different opinions and independent thinking. Tell me you are not comparing yourself to GirlNextGondor. Because she occupies a rarified strata that includes linguistic analysis; much of which goes over my head. Oh, and elves don't hold a candle to Vikings, beard or no beard. Thanks for putting a bright spot in my day!

[@Enerdhil]

I loved the way you brought together all those various elements of his character and storyline into one compact, deep-dive lore video. Thanks for your hard work.

[@TheRedBook]

@@MistaGify - Saint-like is right! Though, still with that burden being carried and not being absolutely perfect. I can imagine that Finrod walking again in Valinor is arguably an even greater figure having passed through death swiftly like Glorfindel. Can only imagine how great Finrod would be. As for keeping up. Poor wording on my part. I take these "Mythology" videos as my most fact-based content over just analysis, a time to make it seem more story-like. But as far as I can take it without making really boring lore content. Basically, my attempt at the broadest appeal possible for those interested in Tolkien.

[@TheRedBook]

@@chattylumpkin - I'd say most of what GnG puts out isn't lore content either. I tned not to call analytical content "lore content". It's my attempt to match the huge channels that focus entirely on it. And my chance to get into the story and be a bit more - cinematic? If I can call it that. A little bit of analysis and my own thoughts but a lot of "This is what happened". It's my attempt to make a broadly appealing series. That's how I view this Mythology playlist. And thank you :D

[@fifi-trixibell1888]

I wept while I watched this, does anybody else feel like this about some of the characters?

[@SMT729]

I feel that way about Finrod and Gil-Galad. Such noble characters.

[@Tar-Elenion]

'the family tree of Finrod is filled with legendary figures' Nice alliteration there.

[@Patrick-qed]

This is excellent. Not only did it have one of my favorite details (that humans called Finrod Nóm), but an excellent discussion that even Finrod wasn't blameless in the Revolt of the Noldor. We all know Finrod was quickly released from Mandos (the halls). I wonder how long Mandos (the Vala) made Finrod wait as penance, 5 minutes? 10? (And, of course, that's in distinction to his brother Aegnor who, we are told in the Athrabeth, will refuse release from Mandos until the end of Arda because of his tragic love for Andreth, but that's beyond the scope of this video.)

[@johns1625]

Finrod was especially gifted. He could understand the language of Men when he first encountered them, ability to blend and disguise physical features of himself and others with Orcs, held his own in songs of power with one of the Ainur, gave up his crown and Kingdom in order to walk headfirst into death, killed a werewolf with his bare hands and teeth.

[@arisgazetas2920]

My favorite elf! Wise, loyal, brave, the best of friends. What’s not to admire?

[@Garghamellal]

This is the best scholarly channel about Tolkien's world.

[@dod1194]

I watch your videos religiously, but this one really stands out, great discussion of a great subject. As an aside, I like the idea that magic in Tolkien's stories is all the invocation of appointed authority (which ultimately stems from Eru). Had the Noldor left Valinor with the blessing of the Valar, then they would have carried that authority with them (as Gandalf did in Moria) and, perhaps, Finrod wouldn't have failed. In the poem, I think we see Finrod invoking an authority that he no longer has the right to call upon, Sauron denies his right to call on the authority of Valinor and Finrod falls.

[@oguzhanenescetin5702]

That is especially true. Best example would be the elven rings. They were created in good intentions yet they couldnt use their rings as long as Sauron had the One Ring. Elven rings were made by his knowledge and held his authority afterall.

[@TheRedBook]

Yeah, that's a good way of looking at it. He would have carried that authority but would also not have been burdened by guilt.

[@willharper1326]

This was just incredible in every aspect. Finrod has long been one of my favorite characters, and I loved everything you said about the importance of his role. Fantastic video , once again. The art was phenomenal! I loved the piece of Sauron and the wolves on one side, and Finrod with his companions on the other.

[@TheRedBook]

Thank you :) and yes that was artwork commissioned exclusively for this channel. I'm very happy with his work, he made a few pieces for this one - minas tirith, isle of werewolves, finrod at start and end of video, oath to barahir, throne room with wolves. Brings the written word to life.

[@willharper1326]

@@TheRedBook I’ve been re-reading The Children Of Hurin. I was in The Fall Of Nargothrond chapter, when I watched your video. Even though Finrod is obviously not in that book, your video made me realize just how tragic that part of the story is, and exactly what is being lost.

[@thestraightroad305]

That was my favorite art as well. Superb episode.

[@milankjoseski8317]

Please do a video on the conversation between Finrod and Andreth. It is one of the most important conversations regarding the nature of Elves and Men. No Tolkien channel has done one and I think you would do it justice the most.

[@ladyalaina42]

I agree. 2 UT vids have been done but I think Steven could do the story better.

[@oliverflanagan6438]

Brilliant, beautiful video as always sir. Thank you as always

[@ThunderhawkVeronicaLazerwolf]

Whoa! Thanks!! I love your narrative!!

[@MichaelMedici61W2]

Thank you for a great video, and an awesome history lesson from a person who has like many other people a lot of trouble with reading the Silmarillion. What an epic character. If there was only a corporation or company with basically endless amounts of income and resources and a true and unwavering commitment and love of Tolkien’s work that would get behind it all so that we could have spin-offs of all these incredible stories on screen 🤔

[@ralphdamianiart]

Amazing video, my friend!

[@skatemetrix]

And not only did Finrod return to his father, but he also reunited with his Aman sweetheart Amarië.

[@TheRedBook]

Yes, unfortunately I could not fit Amarië into this video but I suspect she will appear when I do an Archives video on Finrod and his development through Tolkien's writings. She's obviously important when it comes to his family tree!

[@skatemetrix]

@@TheRedBook Yeah, it's a very small detail- but it makes all the more sweeter when Finrod returns to what is in effect heaven on Earth.

[@sainiharika]

He’s my favourite next to Fingolfin.

[@TheSaneHatter]

I've never really been able to say that there's a character in the Legendarium that I relate to, but Finrod has come to be one of thsoe that I *respect* the most: he's easily my favorite elf. And here, you've managed to bring in some genuinely new and valuable insights that I never before considered, especially regarding the "words of power" contest. (Now there's a kind of magic that I'd have gladly learned from him!)

[@josephraffurty9293]

The artists that provide their work for your videos do such an amazing job. Very much appreciate their work. Would you be interested in doing a video focusing on the artists?

[@TheRedBook]

I don't know what I'd talk about but I'd be interested in hearing ideas 😅

[@josephraffurty9293]

@@TheRedBook A couple ideas I had were 1. Maybe a top 5 favorite artworks you have used and why they are unique or interesting. 2. Or perhaps a video about artists you have used who will do commissioned works. Maybe with their permission, you can recommend some artists in case others would like to use their work.

[@dcbluenose1873]

Best Tolkien channel out there right now.

[@SWOTHDRA]

@@dcbluenose1873 🧢

[@johanabigasova6770]

Finrod Felagund, first of reborn elves and my favourite elf.

[@AnnieBlackmore]

Thank you so much for another great video of deep thought and insight. What about doing a heroes video about my favourite elf Cirdan? I think there is a lot of interesting stuff to say about him.

[@oguzhanenescetin5702]

I always wondered what was the point of Finrod and Saurons duel? It was heroic and had great deal of character build obviously but what would happen if Finrod won? Sauron would watch them as 11 orc led by an interestingly powerfull orc and then silence? One might say this would cause Sauron to lose the mastery of his island similar to how Luthien was able to collapse the tower only after Saurons power was left. I cant think of another possibility as nothing really changed in Saurons favor expect for learning their respective races and nothing would have changed in Finrods case expect my theory. What do you think? Edit: Never mind I guess I find the answer. Lost Tales makes it clear Finrod could have collapsed the entire fortress had Sauron not twisted its “code” he was figthing for islands authority. "With the entry of Felagund into the eloping legend and the Elvish watchtower on Tol Sirion (Minas Tirith: The Silmarillion pp. 120, 155 -- 6) captured by the Necromancer, the spell is displaced: for it cannot be thought to be the work of Felagund, who built the fortress, since if it had been he would have been able to pronounce it in the dungeon and bring the place down over their heads -- a less evil way for them to die." - Christopher Tolkien, Lost Tales 2

[@johns1625]

I interpreted it as Finrod standing up against Sauron in the only way he actually could, in order to bide time and wear Sauron out a bit and maybe daunt the surrounding orcs so that Sauron would have no time to force answers out of Beren as to their true identities. Always fight back in any way you possibly can type of thing.

[@johns1625]

Also, the end there with "...And Finrod fell before the throne", maybe if Finrod had actually won, Sauron would have been incapacitated to some degree so they could turn and escape? Maybe incapacitating Finrod is the only reason Sauron was able to strip them of their disguise? I don't think the actual Orcs would try to stop them after witnessing that.

[@oguzhanenescetin5702]

@@johns1625 True. Sauron however could never learn their identitiy as even after their fight and the defeat of Finrod, he couldnt learn it. Finrod would still hide his identity if he didnt get into the fight in the first place this leads me to think that Finrods magic was more aggresive and he had more intentions to defeat Sauron rather than keeping his forms. I believe orcs wouldnt dare to attack them aswell, if Finrod had achieved the impossible of course

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Epic summary as ever. Who would stand firm beside me (as Barahir once stood beside Felagund) in honour of *Phil Dragash's* unabridged reading of The Silmarillion?

[@WraYth-1776]

Do not stop making these videos. They are the best. Maybe the next could be Doriath, Thingol, & Melian.

[@SmoughTown]

Brilliant my friend - I personally really like this content. The art is stunning as well

[@TheRedBook]

Thank you kindly :D your latest stuff has been great too. Awesome commissions as well. I'm stuck with artwork unless I open the chequebook and get animations 😂

[@SmoughTown]

@@TheRedBook hahaa I feel you dude, but you've inspired me to possibly use art in a similar fashion. Thank you!

[@TheRedBook]

That sounds cool. Definitely great artists out there who would want to get involved in that. Seems most of the Souls channels use the in game footage over artwork. I love Souls games but know a lot more about Tolkien. Would love to make videos about these other stories.

[@anderpradosolaso3948]

Utterly outstanding. Thanks

[@Ka_T_ya]

Epic character and epic video,as always !

[@garethmiguel]

A joy to watch, thanks!

[@TheRedBook]

Thank you very much :)

[@fr.andygutierrez5356]

Superb… simply superb exposition of this great figure. Cheers, and thank you for the labor of love that it took to put this together!

[@Valdagast]

[Finrod] went among them while they were sleeping and, picking up a harp which Bëor had laid aside, played music upon it such as the ears of men had not heard. _Johnny B Goode starts playing_

[@josephraffurty9293]

Very much love this series on the heroes of the first age! I think this and your podcast are my favorites (love all your videos btw). Finrod’s sacrifice is so significant and so tragic. Such a great character. Excellent video looking at his contributions to the first age. Looking forward to your video on Beren!

[@Mar032891]

Thank you so much for breaking down my favorite character in middle earth history

[@thebrotherskrynn]

Felagund is such a great character, really wish that he was more than a simple tertiary character and that we got a tale properly all about him. That said, he seems to be a figure destined for immense tragedy and greatness from the very start when he first appears.

[@granterickson9105]

Excellent addition

[@aleksander8497]

Love the Silmarillion. My only real criticism among the host of excellent elvish characters, is the names. Too many names starting with F. Finrod, Finarfin, fingon, etc

[@SWOTHDRA]

True

[@IanHeins]

Nice work dude thanks

[@stitch3163]

Superb once again, Steven!

[@SophiesDriver]

I'm 10 minutes into this video. You have presented a lot about Finrod that I was only vaguely aware of. I have two questions. As much of a faithful, glorious hero that Finrod is, why do so many fans fall all over themselves praising and revering Feanor? It seems to me that based on their nature and deeds, Finrod is much more worthy a heroic figure, worth revering, than is Feanor. Am I wrong?

[@istari0]

Fëanor is a very intriguing character and certainly his enmity towards Morgoth is 2nd to none but in my view, he is a villain more than he is anything else.

[@SWOTHDRA]

Feanor made jewels so beatifull, the GODS wanted them

[@ironblue4593]

Glad hero series came back, great video

[@TheRedBook]

Took way too long to bring it back but the Finrod video was daunting :D too much stuff to cover and a lot got taken out of this one too but I'm happy with it.

[@paulgalligan1916]

Excellent work thank you 👏🙌

[@TheRedBook]

Very welcome!

[@joseraulcapablanca8564]

Good stuff as ever Steven.

[@redmarshall6635]

loved this thanks for the work!

[@RushavMohanty]

I've always considered Finrod as a Promethian figure. Lots of parallels in the role they play in Man's fate.

[@TheRedBook]

Funny you should say that, in my original script for this one I talk about Prometheus. A few characters are quite Promethean (I include Feanor as well in many ways). I'd probably bring this up in a future Finrod video or even an analysis of all Promethean figures in the Legendarium.

[@RushavMohanty]

@@TheRedBook That. Would be. Awesome.

[@hazbojangles2681]

Amazing video Steven!

[@thedarknesscallingme]

Another reason that Finrod took no wife whilst in Middle-Earth was because he had a lover called Amarie who before the exile was not permitted to marry Finrod and didnt follow him to Middle-earth, however upon his resurrection he lives again in Valinor and they are together once more.

[@TheRedBook]

Indeed but that part of his story did not fit into this type of video. That's for another day.

[@TheMercian13]

I come to Scotland for work to find one of my favourite content creators has released another banger. Great video sir.

[@bryanboobaby]

Do long story on the wars

[@TheRedBook]

Which wars?

[@mhmt1453]

He is obviously the best and noblest elf for Tolkien. One of my personal favorites. I cannot understand why Tolkien didn’t reincarnate him. As a candidate for such a fate, he would not have spent a whole lot of time in the Halls of Mandos! For this reason, I think that the reincarnation of Glorfindel was an oversight that Tolkien had to resolve after the fact. By his own criteria, Finrod should’ve come back by the Second Age, but this also would’ve brought an extremely overpowered character into the story that could easily tipped the scales. A few more Finrod tales would’ve been cool though.

[@tabby_cat]

Finrod returned to life, but stayed in Valinor.

[@samuelvine]

Hey, is there any information about where the spirits of dead Balrogs go after their deaths? Did Durin's Bane go to the Halls of Mandos or return to Illuvitar, or join its master beyond the gates of night? Thanks!

[@TheRedBook]

It's not really given but they are self-incarnated Maiar that have relied on their physical forms for thousands of years and have been evil figures in that time. It's quite possible that they are just diminished spirits as we see with Saruman and Sauron at the end of The Lord of the Rings. To join their master, they'd have to be forced through the Door of Night but I find it mor likely that they are just diminished spirits attempting to take shape again.

[@mypeeps1965]

Here's an idea for you to explore. Saruman is the "New Shadow". After all, he did make his own ring and was denied into the west after his death, could he after time, reconstitute himself/spirit (enough), to avenge himself against mankind? It makes too much sense to me. He did study and covet what Sauron possessed. Did Saruman learn enough Ring Lore to achieve this? Take care. Someone else will steal this idea I'm sure, but whatever. I hope this idea is worth exploring. Take care,

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

Heroes of the First Age ❤

[@carltuckerson7718]

Yeah, I think Finrod is my favorite character. The way they portrayed him in that very first photo from the amazon show ruined the entire thing for me (never watched a single episode). I knew I wouldn't be watching if that was how they would be casting Finrod.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I watched the whole of that dreadful series despite my shock and despair at its abysmal quality. Thankfully such was the weakness of that rendition that it has not diminished or diluted my own long-standing mental imagery of Tolkien's tales.

[@SWOTHDRA]

Id say his uncle is the greatest, fingolfin

[@TheRedBook]

I have another video like this about Fingolfin :)

[@GandalftheGray]

But… is he more powerful than Fingolfin? Just kidding 😅. Another masterpiece. The production on this video is awesome. And the way it was delivered helped me develop a much deeper appreciation for Finrod

[@SWOTHDRA]

He isnt. Fingolfin would have one shotted Sauron with ease

[@starrshamek5449]

I know Finrod disobeyed but in my opinion I think Finrod made up for that by living a better life until his death. I always liked Finrod.

[@paulvmarks]

The real story of Finrod is so much better (deeper) that the nonsense that Amazon produced.

[@Enerdhil]

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 Here is Tolkien highlighting another Biblical principle in his lore.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

But do you know why a ship floats but a rock cannot??

[@istari0]

Finrod being the first Elf to encounter mortality in the form of Men dying of old age and the like implies the Elves never realized that Dwarves die as well. Well, they are a very secretive people after all.

[@Enerdhil]

Dwarves lived to be 250 years old, didn't they?

[@istari0]

@@Enerdhil I believe that is correct.

[@Enerdhil]

You can give the impression you are immortal for about 200, maybe 220 years, but eventually aging will show.

[@Enerdhil]

Something I was wondering about.... Nargothrond was originally a Dwarf Abode, maybe even a kingdom. I don't remember Tolkien telling us about why Mîm and his son and maybe some of their people left the Caves. It seems very suspicious. Is it possible the Elves, maybe of Doriath tried to kill them all off, thinking they were evil creatures? We really never learn exactly what happened to them. Yet this is the only way Thingol could have given Finrod the Caves and Finrod could have claimed the caves as his own realm. I guess the Dwarves of Nogrod had no problem working for him because they likely never communicated with the Petty Dwarves and either did not know what happened to them or saw their handiwork when they arrived, but said nothing because of the treasure of gems Finrod was willing to pay them for their work. We never learn which House of the Dwarves the Petty Dwarves are of. What do you think happened to the Dwarves of Nargothrond?

[@istari0]

@@Enerdhil The only explanation I can come up with is that older Dwarves never dealt with Elves so the Elves never saw one die of old age.

[@davidlmseixas8387]

So many stories of heroes are told within the Tolkien Legendarium, mostly renouned for dealing death to their enemies and for being great slayers of darkness, or not. How many can be claimed to have given the gift of Life? Finrod, son of Finarfin, that´s who. Amazing biography of the most beloved among the Noldor, and All Free Peoples of Middle Earth. Cheers!

[@OneFlyingTonk]

I took a long while to make this comment...months actually, because I couldn't put what I wanted to write in short words, but I can now. Having read everything tolkien related...I wonder if as Beren delayed in the Halls of Mandos awaiting for Lúthien, ¿would have he seen his friend? ¿Would have Mandos allowed Beren and Finrod to re-unite one last time before their fates departed forever? To the one elf who would put himself and his kind away in order to help and protect the Atani, raise a drink, and cheers.

[@SWOTHDRA]

Humans dont go to the halls of mandos I think

[@hecate235]

Finrod was everything Feanor should have been, and was not. Kind, wise, compassionate, and humble. A creator and builder of alliances and friendships, not just towers and strongholds. No wonder Galadriel finally left Middle Earth as the Third Age ended -- if only to see her brothers again. I think the reason she didn't return to Valinor at the end of the First Age was that she saw, dimly at first, she would have a hand in reuniting the lines of Men and Elves in Aragorn and Arwen,; and two, she would have a role to play in Sauron's downfall and so avenge her brother.

[@WraYth-1776]

Well he certainly never said a boat floats because it looks to the sky. The absolute vandalism.

[@Hanukes]

Pls turin turambar in the next vídeo

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

An Elf died to save a mortal Man.

[@shehassee]

Finrod, one of my favorite characters in all of Tolkien’s legendarium. He has done wrong big time in ROP.

[@SWOTHDRA]

Was he in ROP? Lol

[@rimservices]

Finrod is definitely a Christ figure, godlike being sacrificing himself for the future of the free world manifested in the line of Beren and Luthien