Beleg question from Unfinished Tales

[GuardianRanger]

In Narn I Hin Hurin, (on page 96 of my edition) are the words:

Led by signs that he could read, or by the rumour of the passing of Men among the wild things with whom he could speak,...

Does this mean he could communicate directly with animals? Kind of like Radagast?

What are your thoughts?

 

[Eriol]

Well, Beren certainly could. I think there is a quote somewhere stating that Beleg is the greatest woodsman (or would it be woodself?) of that age. But even if I am mistaken about that quote, if Beren can do it, I see no reason why Beleg can't.

 

[Beleg]

With little hope Beleg departed from Amon Rûdh and set out northward, towards the Crossings of Teiglin, following in the track of the Orcs; and he crossed over the Brithiach and journeyed through Dimbar towards the Pass of Anach. And now he was not far behind them, for he went without sleeping, whereas they had tarried on their road, hunting in the lands and fearing no pursuit as they came northward; and not even in the dreadful woods of Taur-nu-Fuin did he swerve from the trail, for the skill of Beleg was greater than any that have been in Middle-earth

Erm, well Beleg was supposed to be the greatest woodsman in Middle Earth. He was a master trail picker and in that work he would surely need the help of some of the animals that dwelt in that area. I presume that he could speak with the animals. Perhaps, he had learned the gift from Melian who was a Maia.

Thus ended Beleg Strongbow, truest of friends, greatest in skill of all that harboured in the woods of Beleriand in the Elder Days, at the hand of him whom he most loved

 

[Idril]

*sniffle, sniffle* That last quote is so sad Beleg is one of my fave characters.

I just assumed 'his communicating with the animals' was a natural gift/skill especially being a woodsman, and the greatest at that. Sort of like the native Americans - working with nature and being part of the whole (oh dear, sorry if that's not very clear).

 

[GuardianRanger]

Thanks, those were great answers. I was trying to equate Beleg with the Rangers of the North, Aragorn, and Radagast....with his purported work with animals. I had forgotten about Beren and his abilities.