Gorlim

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The main part of this article relates to a version of Middle-earth's history that is considered canon by many Tolkien fans (see: Middle-earth canon); it may contradict parts of The Silmarillion or other texts. This subject's portrayal in other versions is discussed in the concept and creation section.

In J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, Gorlim was the son of Angrim and one of the twelve companions of Barahir.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details about The Silmarillion follow.

In the Tale of Beren and Lúthien in The Silmarillion it is told how Barahir, last lord of the Men of Ladros (Dorthonion), remained as an outlaw in his own land after it was lost to Morgoth in the Dagor Bragollach.

Gorlim had a wife named Eilinel whom he had left when he went off to war against Morgoth. He returned from battle to find his house destroyed and plundered, and his wife gone. However, he maintained a hope that Eilinel was not dead or captured, and occasionally would return from Barahir's camp at Tarn Aeluin to his old house, seeking his wife. This soon became known to Sauron, the chief servant of Morgoth in Dorthonion. One night, as he returned to the house, he saw Eilinel at the window, weeping and calling his name. He called back to her, but at that moment she disappeared and he was captured by orcs.

He was brought captive before Sauron, who sought to know Barahir's hiding-place. He violently tortured Gorlim until he agreed that he would tell Sauron where Barahir was hiding if he could be reunited with Eilinel. Sauron accepted, and Gorlim betrayed Barahir. After he had revealed all, Sauron revealed to Gorlim that Eilinel was long dead, and that what he had thought was his wife was a phantom of Sauron intended to trick him. But Sauron remembered that he had agreed to reunite Gorlim with his wife, and put Gorlim to death.

After Orcs had slain all of Barahir's remaining men but for his son Beren, who was out hunting, Gorlim appeared as a spectre before Beren, and confessed his deeds, giving Beren a chance to reclaim the Ring of Barahir, heirloom of his house, and escape alive.

Gorlim is referred to as Gorlim the Unhappy in the tale.