After Morgoth overran the highlands of Dorthonion, its lord Barahir refused to abandon his land. With a ragged and desperate band, he resisted the occupying forces of the Dark Lord, but his followers dwindled until only twelve remained. Those twelve were famed in song for their heroism, and among their number was Radhruin, a servant of Barahir's house who remained faithful until the end. That end came when the outlaw band was betrayed by Gorlim, and all but Barahir's son Beren were slain at Tarn Aeluin. Radhruin's name seems to mean 'east-fire', and is perhaps a poetic reference to the sunrise.