Review: Beren and Lúthien in The Quenta Noldorinwa

評論：《諾多族的歷史》中的貝倫與露西恩

Introduction

Among the many iterations of Beren and Lúthien, The Quenta Noldorinwa represents an important stage in the evolution of this legend. Written as part of The History of Middle-earth, this early prose narrative predates The Silmarillion and provides a condensed yet vital account of the tale. While it lacks the poetic grandeur of The Lay of Leithian, it serves as an essential bridge between the earliest sketches and the more refined versions that would follow.

This review will explore the depiction of Beren and Lúthien in The Quenta Noldorinwa, examining its themes, narrative structure, and significance in Tolkien’s evolving legendarium.

引言

在眾多版本的貝倫與露西恩故事中，《諾多族的歷史》代表了這則傳說發展過程中的一個重要階段。作為《中洲歷史》的一部分，這段早期的散文敘述早於《精靈寶鑽》成書，雖然內容較為精簡，卻提供了一個關鍵且不可或缺的版本。

儘管它缺乏《蕾西安之歌》的詩意壯麗，本版本卻是從最初的草稿發展至後來更精緻敘事之間的重要橋樑。它見證了托爾金對這個傳說的逐步雕琢，並展現了故事在不同時期的演變與深化。

本評論將探討《諾多族的歷史》中對貝倫與露西恩的描寫，分析其主題、敘事結構，以及它在托爾金不斷發展的神話體系中的重要性。

Summary of the Passage

The version of Beren and Lúthien found in The Quenta Noldorinwa follows a more straightforward, historical approach compared to later poetic retellings. The key elements of the story remain intact but are presented in a more condensed form:

Beren’s Flight and His Arrival in Doriath

Beren, a fugitive of war after the destruction of his homeland by Morgoth’s forces, wanders into Doriath, the hidden kingdom of Thingol and Melian.

There, he first encounters Lúthien Tinúviel, whose beauty and grace captivate him. Unlike later versions, where her enchanting song plays a major role, this version focuses more on her lineage and status as an Elven princess.

Thingol’s Challenge and the Quest for the Silmaril

Displeased with the idea of a mortal marrying his daughter, Thingol imposes an impossible challenge: Beren must retrieve a Silmaril from Morgoth’s crown.

The narrative in The Quenta Noldorinwa treats this demand with a more matter-of-fact tone, portraying it as an almost political move rather than a grand mythical challenge.

The Journey to Angband and Lúthien’s Role

Beren embarks on his perilous journey, with Lúthien eventually joining him in defiance of her father’s will.

Unlike later versions that emphasize her transformation into a bat and her use of magic to lull Morgoth into slumber, this version presents her role in a more subdued manner.

The fundamental themes of love, courage, and fate remain, but they lack the poetic depth and lyricism that characterize The Lay of Leithian.

The Hand of Doom and the Aftermath

Beren’s attempt to take the Silmaril is successful but at great cost. His hand is bitten off by the great wolf Carcharoth, an event that cements his tragic fate.

The tale concludes with his eventual return to Doriath, where he presents the Silmaril—though not in the way he had intended.

故事摘要

《諾多族的歷史》中的貝倫與露西恩版本相較於後來的詩意敘述，採用了一種更為直接且具歷史敘述風格的手法。故事的關鍵要素依然存在，但呈現方式更加簡潔明瞭。

貝倫的流亡與抵達瑞亞斯

貝倫的家園因魔苟斯的軍隊侵略而毀滅，成為戰爭中的逃亡者。他在顛沛流離之際，來到了由辛葛與美麗安統治的隱密王國——瑞亞斯。

在這裡，他首次見到了露西恩·緹努維爾，被她的美麗與優雅所深深吸引。不同於後來的版本，這個版本較少強調她迷人的歌聲，而是更加關注她的血統及作為精靈公主的身份。

辛葛的考驗與精靈寶鑽之任務

辛葛對於凡人迎娶自己女兒的想法極為不悅，因此他設下了一個幾乎不可能達成的挑戰——貝倫必須從魔苟斯的王冠上取下一顆精靈寶鑽。

在《諾多族的歷史》中，這項試煉的描述較為平實，顯得更像是一場政治手段，而非如後來版本般充滿傳奇色彩的神話挑戰。

前往安格班的旅程與露西恩的角色

貝倫開始了這趟危險的旅程，而露西恩最終違抗父親的旨意，選擇與他同行。

與後來版本不同，此版本並未強調露西恩變身為蝙蝠，或她施展魔法使魔苟斯沉睡的情節。她在故事中的作用雖然依然重要，但描寫方式較為低調內斂。

愛情、勇氣與命運仍然是故事的核心主題，但缺乏《蕾西安之歌》所展現的詩意深度與抒情性。

毀滅之手與後續發展

貝倫成功奪取了精靈寶鑽，但也付出了慘痛的代價。他的手被巨狼卡哈洛斯咬斷，從而注定了他的悲劇命運。

故事最後，他回到了瑞亞斯，向辛葛呈上精靈寶鑽——但並非以他最初所期望的方式。

Analysis and Themes

The Shift in Narrative Tone

Compared to later versions, The Quenta Noldorinwa tells the tale of Beren and Lúthien in a more structured and almost historical manner. This version does not focus as much on the emotional depth of the characters but rather on their actions and the broader significance of their deeds.

The passage reads like an annalistic account, detailing key events without the rich internal monologues or lyrical embellishments found in The Lay of Leithian.

This reflects Tolkien’s earlier approach to his mythology—one rooted in the idea of compiling a "history" rather than crafting immersive narratives.

Love and Sacrifice

Despite its condensed nature, The Quenta Noldorinwa retains the fundamental theme of love overcoming impossible odds. However, the way this love is portrayed differs:

In later versions, Lúthien is a more active participant, displaying profound agency in her decision to rescue Beren. Here, while she still plays a key role, her actions are described with less emphasis on her inner strength and determination.

Beren remains the tragic hero, yet the depth of his suffering and endurance is not as pronounced as it would be in later versions.

The Role of Fate

Fate is an ever-present force in Tolkien’s legendarium, and Beren and Lúthien exemplifies this theme:

The Quenta Noldorinwa presents their fate as inescapable, yet the later versions allow more room for their own choices and defiance of destiny.

The idea of Doom (or fate) is emphasized in a manner akin to Norse mythology—Beren is a man doomed to suffer, and Lúthien’s love for him does not alter his fate but only delays its finality.

The Evolution of Lúthien’s Character

One of the most striking differences between The Quenta Noldorinwa and later versions is the characterization of Lúthien:

In this version, she is still an important figure but lacks some of the agency she gains in The Lay of Leithian.

Her defiance of Thingol is present but not as dramatic; she appears less as an independent force and more as a figure who accompanies Beren rather than taking an equal role in the quest.

Later versions, especially The Lay of Leithian, transform her into a more active heroine, where she not only aids Beren but takes control of her destiny in a way few other Elves ever do.

分析與主題

敘述語調的轉變

與後來的版本相比，《諾多族的歷史》以更具結構性且接近歷史記載的方式講述了貝倫與露西恩的故事。本版本並未過多關注角色的內心情感，而是更專注於他們的行動以及這些行動所承載的宏大意義。

此段落的敘述風格類似編年史，以事件為核心，缺乏《蕾西安之歌》中豐富的內心獨白與抒情描寫。

這反映了托爾金早期的神話構建方式——他最初的構想是編撰一部「歷史」，而非創作沉浸式的敘事作品。

愛與犧牲

儘管敘述較為簡潔，《諾多族的歷史》仍保留了「愛情戰勝不可能的困境」這一核心主題。然而，這種愛的表現方式有所不同：

在後來的版本中，露西恩是一位更加積極的參與者，她的決定與行動展現出強烈的主動性，甚至主導了拯救貝倫的過程。

在本版本中，雖然露西恩仍然扮演關鍵角色，但對她內在力量與決心的刻畫較為淡化。

貝倫仍然是悲劇英雄，但他的苦難與堅韌並未像後來版本那樣深刻地被描寫。

命運的角色

命運是托爾金神話世界中永恆的主題，而貝倫與露西恩的故事正是這一概念的最佳詮釋：

在《諾多族的歷史》中，他們的命運是無法改變的，宿命論色彩更為濃厚。

在後來的版本中，角色的選擇與抗爭為故事增添了更多可能性，使命運的力量不再顯得絕對無情。

命運（Doom）在這一版本中的表達方式類似於北歐神話——貝倫註定要受苦，而露西恩對他的愛並不能改變他的結局，僅僅延緩了悲劇的到來。

露西恩角色的演變

《諾多族的歷史》與後來版本的最大差異之一，在於露西恩的角色塑造：

在本版本中，她雖然仍然是故事的重要人物，但缺乏後來版本中展現出的強大主動性。

她對辛葛的抗命雖然仍然存在，但並不如後來版本那樣戲劇化。在這個版本中，她更像是貝倫的陪伴者，而非與他平起平坐的英雄。

到了後來的版本，尤其是在《蕾西安之歌》中，露西恩被塑造成更為積極的女英雄，她不僅幫助貝倫，甚至掌控了自己的命運，展現出極少數精靈能夠擁有的自主意志與勇氣。

Comparison to Later Versions

The Quenta Noldorinwa vs. The Lay of Leithian

The latter is a poetic, deeply emotional retelling with grander mythological resonance, whereas The Quenta Noldorinwa remains a more historical and concise account.

Lúthien’s role is more passive in The Quenta Noldorinwa, whereas The Lay of Leithian makes her the true driving force of the story.

The Quenta Noldorinwa vs. The Silmarillion

The version in The Silmarillion refines the prose, adding more depth while keeping a balance between poetic grandeur and historical narration.

Lúthien’s agency is much more developed, and the narrative focuses more on the deep emotional stakes of the tale.

The Quenta Noldorinwa vs. The Sketch of the Mythology

Compared to the even earlier Sketch of the Mythology, The Quenta Noldorinwa is already more advanced in terms of structure and detail.

However, it is still in an intermediate stage before Tolkien fully embraces the emotional and lyrical power of the legend.

與後續版本的比較

《諾多族的歷史》 vs.《蕾西安之歌》

《蕾西安之歌》以詩歌的形式進行敘述，情感更加深刻，並賦予故事更強烈的神話共鳴，而《諾多族的歷史》則保持了較為歷史性且簡潔的敘述方式。

在《諾多族的歷史》中，露西恩·緹努維爾的角色較為被動，而《蕾西安之歌》則使她成為真正推動故事發展的核心人物。

《諾多族的歷史》 vs.《精靈寶鑽》

《精靈寶鑽》對故事進行了進一步打磨，使散文風格更加精煉，並在詩意與歷史敘述之間達成平衡。

露西恩·緹努維爾的主動性在《精靈寶鑽》中更加明顯，敘述也更側重於故事的情感張力，突顯貝倫與露西恩的深情與犧牲。

《諾多族的歷史》 vs.《神話綱要》

與更早期的《神話綱要》相比，《諾多族的歷史》在結構與細節上已有顯著進步。

然而，它仍處於中間階段，尚未完全展現托爾金後期對這則傳說賦予的豐富情感與抒情力量。

Personal and Mythological Significance

Even in this earlier form, the tale of Beren and Lúthien holds immense significance within Tolkien’s legendarium. It serves as:

A prototype for later legendary romances, such as Aragorn and Arwen in The Lord of the Rings.

A personal story for Tolkien himself, inspired by his love for Edith, as reflected in their gravestone inscriptions.

A foundational myth of Middle-earth, influencing later histories, including the fall of Númenor and the destiny of Elrond’s lineage.

個人與神話的重要性

即便在這較早的版本中，貝倫與露西恩的傳說在托爾金的傳奇世界中仍具有深遠的重要性。此故事的影響涵蓋以下幾個層面：

它是後續傳奇愛情故事的原型，例如《魔戒》中的亞拉岡與亞玟。

這段傳說對托爾金本人而言具有極為個人的意義，靈感源於他對愛妻伊蒂絲的深情，這點也體現在他們墓碑上的銘文。

這是中洲世界的奠基神話之一，影響了後續的歷史發展，包括努曼諾爾的衰亡以及愛隆血脈的命運。

Final Thoughts

The account of Beren and Lúthien in The Quenta Noldorinwa represents a critical stage in the development of one of Tolkien’s most cherished myths. While it lacks the poetic splendor of The Lay of Leithian or the refined prose of The Silmarillion, it remains an invaluable piece of Middle-earth’s literary history.

For those studying the evolution of Tolkien’s storytelling, this version offers fascinating insight into how his mythology grew over time. It may not be the definitive version of Beren and Lúthien, but it is a crucial stepping stone toward the masterpiece it would eventually become.

最終感想

《諾多族的歷史》中對貝倫與露西恩·緹努維爾的記載，標誌著托爾金最珍愛的神話之一發展過程中的關鍵階段。雖然它缺乏《蕾西安之歌》的詩意壯麗，也不如《精靈寶鑽》的敘述精煉流暢，但它仍然是中洲文學歷史中極為珍貴的一環。

對於研究托爾金故事發展的人而言，這個版本提供了寶貴的洞察，讓我們見證他的神話如何隨時間演進。雖然這並非貝倫與露西恩·緹努維爾故事的最終定稿，但它是通往最終傑作的重要基石，值得所有托爾金愛好者細細品味。