Sador

From Tolkien Gateway
Sador
Adan
Catherine Chmiel - Turin and Labadal.jpg
"Turin and Labadal" by Catherine Karina Chmiel
Biographical Information
Other namesLabadal (S, "hopafoot"), Onefoot, Sadog
PositionWood-man, servant
LocationDor-lómin
LanguageSindarin
DeathF.A. 496
Dor-lómin
Physical Description
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Sador
"An honest hand and a true heart may hew amiss; and the harm may be harder to bear than the work of a foe."
Húrin about Sador in The Children of Húrin, "The Childhood of Túrin"

Sador was a carpenter and servant of the Húrin, and the childhood friend of Húrin's son Túrin.

History[edit | edit source]

Sador was a woodman who fought in the Dagor Bragollach. He came too late to the battle field however, and was only able to bring back the fallen Hador. He was then stationed at Eithel Sirion, and was there when Húrin took command. But he tired of war, and returned to his woods, at which point he accidentally severed his right foot. He remarked to Túrin that, "a man that flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a short cut to meet it". The remaining part of his leg had shrunken from lack of use. [1]

One of Sador's talents was wood-working. Sador became a "house-man in the service of Húrin"; in spite of being a simple servant, Sador was wise and shared with young Túrin many insights about the nature of Men, Elves, and fate.[1]

Sador worked in the outbuildings, fixing things around the house which were usually of little importance. He was Túrin's best friend during his youth, and the boy would often help Sador by fetching materials and tools to spare him from walking. When Túrin brought him gifts he "found" lying around, Sador would tell the boy to return them, and taught him he shouldn't steal even if it is to give. Sador enjoyed Túrin's company and would often carve for him figures of men and beasts, although Túrin enjoyed Sador's stories the most.

On Túrin's birthday, his father gave him an Elven knife of great worth. Túrin pitied Sador and decided to give the gift to him. Sador accepted the gift as it would be rude not to, but he knew he would be unable to repay Túrin for such a gift.

Túrin's mother, Morwen, did not care for Sador and called him "self-maimed by his own want of skill, and he is slow with his tasks, for he spends much time on trifles unbidden." But Túrin noted that his act of generosity resulted in Sador being treated more kindly. At this time Sador set out to carve a great throne for the hall of Húrin.[2]

After Túrin departed, Sador remained in the house of Morwen, though he wished he may have joined the battle to die a valiant death. Upon Túrin's return from Nargothrond many years later, Sador joined in the rebellion against the Easterlings who had taken over the land. He was then wounded and perished.[3]

Quotes[edit | edit source]

Give with a free hand, but give only your own.[1]

A man who flies from his fear may find he has only taken a shortcut to meet it.[1]

False hopes are more dangerous than fears.[4]

So most men teach, and few men learn.[4]

Let the unseen days be. Today is more than enough.[4]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

sador is a Sindarin word which translates to "steadfast, trusty, loyal".[5]

Other names[edit | edit source]

Sador had several names including:

  • Labadal, Sindarin for "hopafoot", given to Sador by Túrin.[1]
  • Onefoot, an epithet referring to his lack of a right foot.[6]
  • Sadog, alternative version written by Tolkien, possibly just an error in typing.[7]

References