The Girdle of Melian
 

I've recently become a bit confused about the extent of the Girdle of Melian. Does it include Arthorien/Ridhrim, the small part of Beleriand between Aros and Celon in the east?

On the one hand, there are references to the Girdle protecting "Neldoreth and Region" which would seem to exclude Arthorien. Also, the Aros is frequently talked about in a general way as being the border of Doriath on the eastern side.

However, on the map in HoMe XI, there is a dotted line extending from Aros to Celon in the north, and Christopher interprets this as an extension of the Girdle of Melian. This would imply that Arthorien is in fact within the Girdle.

I suppose one could say that since Nivrim (the west march) is within the Girdle, the "Neldoreth and Region" phrase is not to be taken strictly. Nonetheless, a single dotted line (especially amid the whole Dwarf road confusion) is very little evidence.

A minor point, I know, but I'm still very interested to here people's opinions.

I would have to say that one's decision on the extent of the Girdle would hinge on the acceptance of Christopher's interpretation of said dotted line. Personally, I'm a bit 'iffy' on it.

[ March 26, 2003: Message edited by: Bruce MacCulloch ]

I came up agaist the same confusion on the Aelin-uial entry.

Some references seemed to place it on the borders, some within, some less likely.

No help, only commiseration.

I did hover find a detail re: Curufin and the pass of Aglon that had been overlooked [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] .

I dont know if Im confused, but I remember that there was a part were Sauron's spells and the Girdle of Melian met, and Tolkien says that its a wild and weird land.

Why? Do you know what were the characteristics of that frontier that scared travellers so much?

When I remeber rightly, than lived in Arthorien mostly Elves of Nandorin origin who after the Battle under the Stars and the death of thier ruler denethor searched the security of Doriath. If that is true, then it seems necessary for me that the Girdle of Melian included Arthoriath, becuase other weise the Nandorin-Elves would have settled further away from the not protected border.
There were alway not protected marches of Doriath: Dimbar and Brethil for example. But I don't think Arothiach was one of these.

Respectfully
Findegil