Underrated Characters: Mablung, Balin, and Mandos

Underrated Characters: Mablung, Balin, and Mandos

 

1.) Mablung 

Mablung was the captain of the guard in Doriath, who slew the werewolf Carcharoth alongside Thingol, Beren, Beleg, and Huan and was tasked with protecting Morwen and Nienor. Interestingly, it was Mablung who removed the Silmaril from Carcharoth’s body, meaning he was one of the few characters who actually held one of the gems in his hand. Even so, it often gets overlooked that he didn’t hesitate to give the Silmaril back to Beren; he wasn’t swayed by greed. 

Furthermore, his apparent failure at the borderline impossible task of protecting Morwen and Nienor, was actually not his fault at all, and he actually did a comparatively good job of damage control for the House of Hurin’s curse (and their general recklessness). Mablung did everything he possibly could have to protect them, even leading an amnesiac Nienor by the hand for miles in an attempt to bring her back to Doriath. Everything that went wrong was completely out of his control, and yet he still took full responsibility for it with honor. 

He even has a meaningful name: “Mablung” translates to “Heavy Handed.” For both of the main tales in which he appears, he specifically (and apparently coincidentally) does something significant with his hand—holding the Silmaril, and guiding Nienor. 

2.) Balin (Lord of Moria)

Balin was a member of Thorin Oakenshield’s company on the quest for Erebor and the Lord of Moria. In The Lord of The Rings, his death is somewhat overshadowed by the impending dangers of Moria. However, Balin was actually one of the best Dwarves in the legendarium. He was the wisest, kindest, and bravest of the company, being the only one to accompany Bilbo down the passage to Smaug’s lair. He also diplomatically represented the rest of the company on multiple occasions, and even returned with Gandalf to visit Bilbo at the end of the story. Though Erebor was already secure, Balin ambitiously led an expedition to retake Moria and managed to rule there for five years before it was destroyed. This is something that would have been extremely strategic and beneficial in preventing the onslaught of the enemy, had there not been an overwhelming number of orcs and a balrog in the basement. 

3.) Mandos/Námo 

Mandos (whose true name is Námo) is the Doomsman of the Valar. He declares prophecies, passes judgements, and watches the spirits in the Halls of Mandos. Since he remembers everything, knows some of the future, and babysits dead people as part of his job, he’s probably the grimmest and most serious of the Valar. However… he’s also kind of funny. He comes out of nowhere saying the most ominous, vague things, at which everyone just stares at him in confusion. For example, when Fëanor said he would be the first of the Eldar to ever be killed as an exaggeration, Mandos—who was not previously part of the conversation—says, “Not the first,” with no further comment. Nobody knew what he was talking about, (after an awkward silence) the spectacle continued, and it was never established whether they ever realized he was talking about Finwë—who was killed by Morgoth, potentially as they were speaking. 

Although Mandos is known for his stern and austere demeanor, he does have a heart. He bent the rules for Lúthien becuase her grief moved him to compassion, and eventually accepts Eärendil’s arrival in Valinor despite his scruples about its legality.