Melian was one of the Maia, serving Vána and Estë in Valinor. Her name means ‘love-gift’ in Quenya.

In the First Age she met Elwë in Beleriand, and because of her love for him, she took on elven form. Together they founded the kingdom of Doriath.

She bore Elwë one child, Lúthien.

For years Melian remained in Doriath, instructing Lúthien and Galadriel. When she was separated from Lúthien and Elwë was killed, she abandoned her body, and withdrew from Doriath to Lórien.

Melian was wise, and very beautiful. When she sang she was always accompanied by nightingales.
Encyclopedia entry originally written by admin