PART 2B: THE TRAGIC TALE OF NARMALETH, DAUGHTER OF LAERDAN
Thibinoriel took a few sips of wine from her goblet then continued her story.
~Events of the Third Age~
'Sauron was slain by Elendil and Gil-galad at the culmination of the War of the Last Alliance. Although his physical form was destroyed, Sauron's spirit endured.
The Úlairi went into hiding, but again appeared around the thirteen-hundredth year of the Third Age. Their chieftain established the kingdom of Angmar about this time, and took the title of Witch-king. Carn Dûm was his capital.'
'Do you think he is the figure on the left of the sculpture?' asked Neldordil.
'It is possible, but I believe it may be another,' Thibinoriel answered.
'Another? Please tell me!' pleaded the Sylvan Elf.
Thibinoriel took another sip of wine before continuing:
'Among the Witch-king's army was one who called herself "Amarthiel, the Champion of Angmar". She wreaked great havoc in the campaign to destroy the Dúnedain of the North. However, she was believed to have been slain at Fornost when the Witch-king's forces were defeated. Evidence has come to light that she did not.
The Witch-king himself escaped, appearing later in Mordor. He and the other Úlairi captured Minas Ithil and made it their home. It was at that time that it became known as Minas Morgul.
Another arose to rule Angmar in the Witch-king's absence, a wraith of great power, yet not one of the Nine, named Mordirith. He took the title Steward of Angmar. I believe he is the figure on the left of the colossus.'
'What became of this Mordirith?' asked Neldordil.
'It is said that he was slain by Narmaleth, who had denounced her evil guise, but that she died, also,' said Thibinoriel sadly.
'A tragic ending for one greatly gifted among the Eldar,' remarked Neldordil. 'But in so doing she redeemed herself from the evil she had wrought. Am I right about this, Thibinoriel?'
'Yes,' she answered, 'I believe you are.
'Why is this tale only told in whispers?' asked the curious Neldoril.
'All the Eldar know of the legacy of Fëanor,' explained Thibinoriel. 'While he was undoubtedly gifted beyond all others, he turned to evil, causing much grief and bloodshed among our people. It would be difficult for us to endure the fact that yet another Noldo had turned to evil even though she, perhaps, redeemed herself in the end.'
'I understand,' said Neldordil solemnly. 'I will not repeat this story to any other.'
'Thank you, Neldordil,' said Thibinoriel. 'I believe that to be the best course of action.'
~The End~
