The Lifescroll of Song is a compilation of folk songs and ballads compiled by minstrel Skarde from Dale, during the late reign of Eldarion, King of Gondor in IV Age. It details the common histories and legends from the Rhovanion, and is the source of history about that time. A original of the scroll was presented later to librarians from Pelargir. The copy was later taken to the great library of Erebor, and dwarven sages added some reliable parts. In Erebor, Skarde, who was himself a friend of Durin's Folk, wrote down some dwarven songs, which had previously been passed down in oral tradition. Among them, the ballad by Thordralin Azaghâlbad from Thorin's Gate, "The Ranger and the Maiden Fair". It tells of the meeting of Thindaer, son of Caleardor and Linglorel of the Wood. Thindaer was a mortal man, but Linglorel was a Silvan Elf.
It should not be confused with the long poem "Aldamir" that bard Pantlinn shared at the Evendim lake. That version of the tale is part of a purely Dúnedain oral tradition, that Pantlinn must have learnt directly of Thindaer the Ranger in his youth.
Immortal Elf and Ranger young
Who so divided yet are one
Both seek an undivided love
Of one as pure as snow-white dove
She’d shelter each beneath a wing
Yet each to feathers claw and cling
And seek to tear in twain
“A treasure for a treasure” said
The son of noble kings long-dead
“A fitting doom” her father replies
Yet all the while his own race dies
He clings to what he thinks is fate
Across the sea to shorelines great
Yet Linglorel must stay
The dragon Vethug keeps his sleep
His snores are tremors in the deep
The elfs lost jewel’s as chained as she
Both tied to man's ascendency
Though Linglorel shall seek the jewel
The hands of mortals add their tools
For treasure and for love.
