A dramatic fate overshadows the love of Beren and Lúthien. She belongs to the immortal Elves, while he is a mortal man. In his deep disdain for all humans, her father, a great Elven lord, imposes an impossible task on Beren: before he may marry Lúthien, he must steal a Silmaril from Melkor's crown. Readers can expect the most beautiful story from Tolkien. For this edition, the renowned Tolkien artist Alan Lee has created numerous color paintings and drawings. Fearlessly, Beren sets out to win the Silmaril for his love. In response, Melkor, also known as Morgoth the Black Enemy, unleashes the most terrible creatures—ruthless Orcs and cunning wolves—against Beren. But the love between Lúthien and Beren literally transcends death. This, without exaggeration, is Tolkien's most beautiful story.