Character Bio - Brandir

Hello,

My name is Brandir, but I am known by many other titles as well. The son of Handir and Belidis, the leader of the Men of Brethil, Brandir the Lame. It's true that I wear multiple hats as the leader of Haleth, and that it is my duty to fulfill all of these roles as Middle Earth draws ever closer into a dark age. It's been a hard road, and the journey to get here has felt long. My path may not have been the same as others before me, but I understand my role in it, and that it is mine to see through to the end.

I grew up in Brethil all my life, surrounded by the protective nature of our forest and of our people. While many of my peers around me would learn to hunt and fight, I, on the other hand, did not. Having broken my leg at a young age and being unable to use it thereafter, I was unable to participate in these same activities, instead being instructed in the ways of healing and of the history of the Haleth house. As a result, I have never been a fan of war or fighting, believing instead in the triumph of nobler pursuits, of the prevalence of logic and reason. In these ways I think I am a bit like the Valar Yavanna, with an inherent appreciation of the earth and living things. War, in my opinion, is a terrible way to destroy it. 

When my father was killed, however, I had no choice but to accept the leadership of my people. I made the commitment to become the official sixth Chieftain of the Haladin out of fear that if I didn’t accept it, someone else who shouldn’t would in my stead. In this way, I believe that a true leader shouldn’t be defined by the wide-spread knowledge of their accomplishments or by their pride, rash nature, or arrogance. Rather I believe that the true definition of a leader is their guidance and wisdom that naturally shines through - the type of leader who doesn't need to yell, but to simply speak, and this is what I have sought out to be.

As the head of a community of warriors seeking to battle, it has been a bit of a challenge adjusting to the everyday onslaught of new sieges against Morgoth’s evil rule throughout Beleriand. Our community is not at the service of the Elves nor the Dark Lord, and through fighting has increased around us, I have sought to instead seek out peace in the midst of the darkness. Even though my own father was killed under Morgoth’s rule at the hands of the Orcs, I know that the pursuit of vengeance would be both unnecessarily reckless and dangerous for my people. With the wooded protection of Brethil and Ephel Brandir, as well as the strength of the Haleth house, I am confident that we will be able to emerge victorious throughout the shadows of this time.