Yeah, but we already know that Beren didn't feel an unquestioned duty to defend all Elves and Men. Ones that showed him aggression were dealt with aggressively. For example, Curufin and Celegorm.

Thingol was definitely hostile towards Beren at first. It was only after Beren returned with the Silmaril and Lúthien that Thingol began to respect him. It's not specifically said, but I get the idea that it wasn't a very long time after Beren and Lúthien returned that Carcharoth attacked. So Beren didn't have a long time to get over the fact that Thingol was feeling somewhat hostile towards him. I think that it was his own feeling that in having won Lúthien, he now had a duty towards Thingol as a son does to his father.

Something along those lines--I don't believe that it was just instinct. Beren kind of disproved the notion that he would instinctively defend any Elf or Human earlier.

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My guess would be because Thingol is the most important King in Beleriand. Just becuase he can wield a sword as good as the next Elf its no reason not to defend him. All the kings of Beleriand were good at fighting, but that doesn't mean all their servants stand aside and let them defend themselves.

Also not forgetting that for Thingol's approval Beren was willing to attempt the greatest task of all the Children of Iluvatar, to go into Angband and retrieve a Silmaril from the Iron Crown. If Beren thought little of Thingol I doubt he would have been willing to do that. And up until that point Beren's task had not been completed.

Good point, LoA--you phrased that very nicely. It does come across that Beren put Thingol's opinion in high esteem, and consequently, Thingol himself. I don't know that I've reasoned it out like that before, so thanks for presenting it from your point of view. ^_^

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I think also the fact that it was one of Morgoths great beasts may hav e contributed; it says of Beren "He longed for knife or sword to end his pain, and dreaded only thralldoms chain." Its entirely possible that part of him saw the slaying of such a beast as a worthy deed, and a great doom. Remember he's spent most of his life fighting Morgoth and his servants; he wont step aside willingly and let someone else fight on his behalf.
Besides, it bit off his hand

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"This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck? "

I haven't read through everyone's posts, but from what I have read, it seems to me that I'm the first with this theory.

See, I think it's quite possible that Beren acted purely on instinct. Here is a beast that serves Morgoth, attacking the Elven king. Wouldn't you do your best to protect him? Thingol might not like Beren, and I can't imagine that Beren was altogether too fond of Thingol either, but they were united in facing this enemy, and I'd say it's only natural that they defend each other...

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by Lembas