Beleriand is the fictional continent largely destroyed at the end of the First Age in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium.
Beleriand lies in the western part of Middle-earth during the events described in The Silmarillion. It contains important regions and kingdoms, including Doriath, Nargothrond, Gondolin, and the Falas. Many major figures of Tolkien’s mythology live or fight there, including Beren, Lúthien, Túrin, and the Elven kings of the Noldor.
The continent is the main setting for the wars against Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. These conflicts culminate in the War of Wrath, in which the Valar and their allies defeat Morgoth. The war is so destructive that most of Beleriand sinks beneath the sea.
Beleriand should not be confused with Eriador, which includes the Shire and Rivendell in the Third Age. Rhovanion is the broad region east of the Misty Mountains, and Harad lies south of Gondor. Later maps therefore show a changed coastline rather than intact First Age Beleriand.