Nimrodel
One of thee saddest legends in Middle-earth surrounded
the parting of the lovers Amroth and Nimrodel. Though a Silvan Elf, Nimrodel (N."Maiden of the white cave") was accounted more beautiful than many of the Eldar. Amroth loved her dearly, but she would not marry him, instead living alone near the stream in Lorien to which she gave her name. In T.A. 1981, the Terror of Khazad-dum was unleashed. Unable to bear the wrath of the Balrog in Moria, Nimrodel fled south to the eaves of Fangorn. Amroth was loath to depart his realm and leave it without a King (he had no heir) in a time of crisis, but his love for Nimrodel prevailed. He found her, barred from entering Fangorn by the Huorns. Amroth begged her to return, but she refused. At last she agreed to marry him if he would take her to a place of peace—the Uttermost West. They traveled separately. Amroth came to the Bay of Belfalas ahead of her, and there found that all but one ship had set sail for the West. That last ship was about to embark, for the autumn winds were coming, and storms on the water were sometimes too wild even for Elvenships. Amroth convinced the captain to wait, hoping that Nimrodel would come. A month passed, and the weather grew steadily worse. There was no sign or word from Nimrodel. At last, one stormy night, the ship tore loose from its moorings and was blown out to sea. Amroth, who had slept onboard, awoke in a panic, and rushed to the gunwhale. The coast was fast receding. Unable to bear leaving his love, he dove into the sea, determined to swim back to shore. He was never seen again. Of the final fate of Nimrodel nothing is known.