Helyanwen was born in the year 23 of the First Age in Doriath. Her parents were an elusive pair. It is said both her mother and father were skilled warriors, though it is not known who they worked for. She was the only child of the two. Helyanwen was orphaned at a young age. Having no other known relatives, she was adopted by a kind yet lonely scholar by the name of Mareth. When Helyanwen came of age, she became an apprentice scholar under the tutelage of her adoptive mother, at the court of King Thingol. She spent many a year happily learning and preserving lore, whilst enjoying the extravagant life at court - a far cry from what a life with her fighter parents would have been like.

It is in the palace she met he who would be her husband. Morvrethil, along with his superior Beleg Cuthalion, were summoned to an audience with the king. Helyanwen's eyes met with Morvrethil's, and thus love was kindled. The two met again, though in unforunate circumstances. The Dwarves after the Silmaril raided the palace and killed the king. Mareth was slaughtered in the fray and a frightened Helyanwen locked herself in a room. She thought all hope was lost and was simply waiting to be finished off. However, it was not a Dwarf who came to her, but Morvrethil.

The two Elves fled to Tol Galen, where Beren and Luthien had made their home. From there they journeyed to Ossiriand, where they remained for a time. It was from the Green Elves (Laiquendi) they discovered the death of Beren, Luthien and their son Dior. To Ered Luin they journeyed, heavy-hearted. Having lost everything, they had to build anew. In time, Helyanwen wedded Morvrethil in Duillond. In Ered Luin their first child was born - their son Luingil. The family took in Esgalnor as their own when his parents, their close friends, had perished in an accident. Helyanwen herself was adopted, and new full well the benefits of giving a child another chance at a family life.

Many long years passed and Helyanwen travelled to Imladris, where she took a turoring job. There she birthed the last two children - a son and the youngest child and only daughter, Elhiril. Happy with teaching and being a mother, she has been able to rebuild her life. She has put the sacking of Doriath behind her, though she still misses her homeland dearly.

Unfortunately in recent days Morvrethil perished whilst on duty. Often Helyanwen can be seen in Imladris to her own thoughts. Once shining with an air of happiness about her, Helyanwen is now subdued, often preferring her own company. Her thoughts ever linger to her dead husband, and her children who are far away in foreign lands.