In Middle-Earth the power of Melian and Elwë increased and at that time their only child Lúthien was born and the white flowers of niphredil came forth to greet her as stars from the earth.

At the same time, during the second age of the captivity of Melkor, Dwarves came over the Blue Moutains into Beleriand. They named themselves Khazâd, but the Sindar called them Naugrim, the Stunted People. In the eastern site of Ered Luin they had delved for themselves two big cities, Gabilgathol and Tumunzahar, which the Elves called Belegost and Nogrod. But greatest of all the mansions of the Dwarves was Khazâd-dûm, later called Moria.

"From Nogrod and Belegost the Naugrim came forth into Beleriand; and the Elves were filled with amazement, for they had believed themselves to be the only living things in Middle-Earth that spoke with words or wrought with hands; and that all the others were but birds and beasts."

But the Elves could not understand the language of the Dwarves and because the Dwarves were not willing to teach their language, the Dwarves learned elvish. Even if the friendship was always rather cool, much profit they had one of the other.

"Now Melian had much foresight, after the manner of the Maiar, and when the second age of the captivity of Melkor had passed, she counselled Thingol that the Peace of Arda would not last forever."

At that time Thingol began to think about making himself a kingly and safe dwelling place and he asked the Dwarves to help him. And the Dwarves did help him. Where the Esgalduin flowed down and parted Neldoreth from Region there rose in the midst of the forest a hill and into this hill high halls and chambers were hewn. This place was called Menegroth, the Thousand Caves. And also the Elves helped to build that place and it became the fairest dwelling place of any king that has ever been east of the Sea.

The third age of the captivity of Melkor drew on and slowly evil creatures came into Beleriand. The Dwarves reported Thingol about that and at that time Thingol began to think about arms which his folk had not needed before. The Dwarves began to forge these arms for Thingol and soon the Sindar became well-armed.

"Now as has been told, once Lenwë of the host of Olwë forsook the march of the Eldar at that time when the Teleri were halted by the shores of the Great River upon the borders of the westlands of Middle-Earth. Little is known of the Nandor, who he led away down Anduin."

The Nandor had no arms and the coming of the beasts of the North filled them with fear. Therefore Denethor, the son of Lenwë, hearing about the power of Thingol, led his people into Beleriand, where they were welcomed by Thingol and dwelt in the land Ossiriand, the Land of Seven Rivers. After the coming of Denethor long years of peace followed and not much is known about that time.

Then Melkor destroyed the Two Trees of Valinor with the help of Ungoliant and returned to Angband. The Orcs became stronger and they were sent out from Angband to plunder the land. Thingol was not able to fight against them alone and therefore he called for Denethor and they founght the first battle in the Wars of Beleriand. Only few Orcs returned to Angband. But the victory of the Elves was dear-bought, as Denethor was slain by Orcs.

After that battle Melian put forth her power and fenced a part of the land with an unseen wall of shadow and bewilderment : The Girdle of Melian, that non thereafter could pass against her will or the will of the King. From that time on, it was the time when Fëanor arrived in Middle-Earth, the land inside the Girdle was called Doriath.