Into Beleriand
In the year 311 FA (First Age), the Second House of the Edain entered Beleriand, one year after Finrod encountered the Beor (The First House of the Edain). The Haladin settled first in Thargelion, where they were ignored by the Noldor of Caranthir and lived lived in isolated homesteads until they were attacked by Orcs. Led by Haldad they retreated to Ascar and Gelion where they built a stockade and were beseiged until they were resuced by Caranthir.
In the year 370 FA, the survivors were lead by Haleth to Estolad, then moved on past the dangerous land of Nan Dungortheb to Talath Dirnen and finally Brethil which was granted by Thingol of Doriath, after he was persuaded by Finrod Felagund, on the condition that they defend the Crossing of Teiglin.
Brethil - the name means 'Silver Birch' - is the dwelling place of the Haladin - the Second House of the Edain (Beor and Hador being the other two). It is here that Haleth led her peoples across Beleriand suffering much hardship and losses along the way at the hands of fell creatures. Because of their valiant contributions to the Elves in their struggle against Morgoth, Finrod Felagund persuaded King Thingol of Doriath to give the forest to the peoples of Haleth so long as they strove to keep Orcs from entering, a task they have performed well.
The forest provides for many of the needs of the wood folk - wood of course for building and fires, abundant plant life about the fertile river valleys, and plenty of fish and game for food, as well as shelter from the creatures of Morgoth that roam beyond the borders. Many of the folk live in or near the fortified stockade atop the high hill of Amon Obel amidst the forest from where they can survey the lands in all directions.
"Where are Haldad my father, and Haldar my brother? If the King of Doriath fears a friendship between Haleth and those who have devoured her kin, then the thoughts of the Eldar are strange to Men." - Haleth, The Silmarillion
While they prefer to live their lives quietly, somewhat isolated from the perils of the outside world, they are often engaged in combat against Orcs and other evil creatures who dare trespass. As well they have good relations with the other two houses of the Edain, the Sindarin Elves of Doriath and the Noldor of Nargothrond. It is here that Turin son of Hurin came to live, when he took the name 'Turambar', meaning 'Master of Doom.'
Taken from the -BRETHIL files.
The Haladin
While the more peaceful side of Brethil life was never focused upon by Tolkien, we know that the Haladin are a nature-loving people, and prone to wandering off through their forest at random, for the simple enjoyment of nature. In fact, their love of all things has been compared to the wonder of the early Elves, who explored the world since its creation. We know that the folk of Brethil did not care for large crowds (except on occasion, of course) and were content among small numbers of friends and family. Despite their nomadic tendencies, the Haladin were also proud of themselves and their land, unwilling to be ruled by any save those as stout-hearted as Haleth or her family. Also, the Haladin were proud and confident of their protection of the forest, and held high morals, such as the keeping of oaths and promises. They hated orcs above anything else, and generally burned orc corpses in huge pyres to cleanse the forest of their stench.
Living in Brethil
"Now the Haladin did not live under the rule of lords or many together, but each homestead was set apart and governed its own affairs, and they were slow to unite." -The Silmarillion
Communities (as most cultures call them) do not exist in Brethil, with the exception of Amon Obel, or lodges hidden deep within the wood, safe and protected. More often than not, the Haladin make their homes (sometimes with several Druedain) in secluded, log shelters, or tents and makeshift shelters, especially if constantly traveling. Generally these were built at the base of large trees to add another element of protection. Small groups of very close friends will stay together for long periods of time, and (if necessary) construct a lodge or small cluster of homes in which to stay. One of the more stable resting spots was near the river Sirion, but frequented only by alternating groups of Haladin who hunted orcs there.
Fighting the Enemy
"The people of Haleth were at first untouched by the northern war, for they dwelt to the southward in the Forest of Brethil; but now there was battle between them and the invading Orcs, for they were stout-hearted men and would not lightly forsake the woods that they loved. And amid the tale of defeats of the time the deeds of the Haladin are remembered with honour;" - The Silmarillion
In relation to other cultures, the Haladin (and their Druedain friends) are held in very high regard. Other humans were glad of their assistance, and valued their abilities highly. The elves considered them a people of honor, and full of valor. However, the folk of Brethil rarely traveled outside their forest in times of peace, waiting quietly instead for any sporadic orc attacks. The orcs, on the other hand, were frightened of the forest. They thought its inhabitants had magical powers, and even their most specially trained warriors would hesitate before stepping under the Brethil leaves. Also, they did not like to learn new practices or customs, instead keeping with their own (which other cultures found odd). They spoke other languages haltingly, if at all, though they were quite fond of teaching their own tongue to outsiders. Friends were hard to make between outsiders and Haladin, but once a relationship grew, the Brethil folk would always remember and keep it alive.
