Of Finrod and Bëor by losselen

Notes by Barahir of Ithilien of a surviving alternative translation

A manuscript of this translation of The Lay of Felagund was brought from the library of Elrond in Imladris by King Elessar in FA 22. Copies were made of much of Elven-lore in Imladris, to be studied and preserved in the North and South Kingdoms. A second translation of Finrod and Bëor survives as well, but only in smaller fragments. The beginning is rendered thus:

In eastern lands there once a wood
that under Ered Luin stood,
dense with boughs and thickets grey;
and in its eaves did Finrod stray.

Unhorsed he wandered under trees
by flowers nodding in the breeze
he trod the valley’s secret ways
in woodlands of the Elder Days.
He walked in streaming waters cold
when spring was young upon the mould.
He silent passed its walls of stone
in Thargelion, he walked alone.

As dusk and dawn both passed him by
in wheeling stars in eastern sky
rose bright the Sun and cold the Moon.
The ever-changing night and noon
alike fell yet on Finrod-king:
Of marks of lordship, save a ring
in flowing gold-work, he wore none;
though of his ring now songs are sung.

This version seems to end at the death of Finrod and makes no mention of the later deeds of the House of Bëor.