Reluctantly, Turgon allows Aredhel (his sister) to leave Gondolin after several centuries in the heavily fortified castle. He sends three Lords to protect her on her journey. After they leave, Aredhel announces her plan to search for “the sons of Fëanor” (63). They are forced to take a long and dangerous path and Aredhel becomes separated from her guides, who return to Gondolin.

Aredhel survives alone and arrives in Himlad, where she spends some time with the people of Celegorm before becoming restless again. She reaches Nan Elmoth, the home of Eöl, the Dark Elf, who is a good friend of the Dwarves. Eöl spots Aredhel in the woods and lures her into his home and then he “took her to wife” (65). They spend years together and have a son, Maeglin (or Lómion in the forbidden tongue). As Maeglin grows up hearing tales of his ancestors, Aredhel begins to long for her family. Eöl forbids his son from leaving the forest, and an animosity grows between the two.

When Eöl attends a feast hosted by the Dwarves, Maeglin and his mother escape. Eöl returns early and becomes enraged. He chases his wife and child, stopping at the homes of various Lords who do not particularly like him.