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Gurthang

2019-06-22T23:25:08Z

50.37.88.177:

{{object infobox
| name=Gurthang
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Prepares to Take His Life.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Túrin Prepares to Take His Life" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames="Iron of Death"
| location=[[Taur-nu-Fuin]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Dor-lómin]], [[Brethil]], [[Tol Morwen]]
| owner=[[Túrin]]
| type=Weapon
| appearance=A glowing black blade that could slice through iron; forged from a meteorite
| creator=[[Túrin]] (originally [[Eöl]])
| created=c. {{FA|490}}-{{FA|495|n}}
| createdlocation=[[Nargothrond]]
| destroyer=[[Túrin]]
| destroyed={{FA|499}}
| destroyedlocation=[[Cabed-en-Aras]]
| notablefor=
}}
{{Pronounce|Gurthang.mp3|Ardamir}}
[[Gurthang]] was the sword of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], reforged from [[Anglachel]] the sword wielded by [[Beleg|Beleg Cúthalion]] when Túrin slew him in a tragic turn of events.

It was black and shone with a pale fire. With it Túrin performed great deeds but also senseless acts, and the sentient sword eventually served as Túrin's executioner.
==History==
Túrin was led to [[Nargothrond]] by [[Gwindor]] who had aided Beleg in the rescue. Once in Nargothrond Túrin had Anglachel forged anew. He renamed the blade ''Gurthang'', "Iron of Death". The sword was wielded by Túrin throughout his time at Nargothrond as he became a captain and led the Nargothrondrim into open warfare, a tactic they were not well versed in. His increasing fame with Gurthang gave Túrin a new name: Mormegil 'The Black Sword' of Nargothrond. Túrin's exploits with the Nargothrondrim culminated with the [[Battle of Tumhalad]] which led to the ruin of Nargothrond.

Gurthang was used by Túrin to slay the [[Easterlings|Easterling]] chief [[Brodda]] and it remained with him when he came to [[Brethil]] but wishing to be rid of his past he put Gurthang away. Only when orcs started to threaten Brethil in numbers did Túrin once again take up Gurthang to repulse them. When [[Glaurung]] came to Brethil pursuing Túrin, a desperate council was held in [[Ephel Brandir]] as to how to deal with the threat. Túrin told the [[Haladin]] of the tale of [[Azaghâl]] Lord of [[Belegost]] and how his knife forced Glaurung to flee, Túrin then declared "But here is a thorn sharper and longer than the knife of Azaghâl" and the Haladin cried out "The Black Thorn of Brethil!"

Túrin succeeded in slaying Glaurung with Gurthang at [[Cabed-en-Aras]] but fell into a swoon when he wrested it from Glaurung's belly. He was then told by [[Brandir]] that his wife was in fact his sister [[Nienor]] as recounted by Glaurung and in a rage slew Brandir. Discovering from [[Mablung]] that this was in fact true Túrin returned to Cabed-en-Aras to commit suicide addressing Gurthang with courteous words:

''" 'Hail Gurthang! No lord or loyalty dost thou know, save the hand that wieldeth thee. From no blood wilt thou shrink. Wilt thou therefore take Túrin Turambar, wilt thou slay me swiftly?' "''
''"And from the blade rang a cold voice in answer: 'Yea, I will drink thy blood gladly, that so I may forget the blood of Beleg my master, and the blood of Brandir slain unjustly. I will slay thee swiftly.' "''<ref group=note>Unless one interprets Gurthang's answer as occuring solely within Túrin's mind, there exists another item in the [[legendarium]] which shows an ability to speak: the [[talking purse]] of the troll [[William]].</ref>

Túrin cast himself upon Gurthang and the blade broke asunder. It was buried with Túrin beneath the [[Stone of the Hapless]] and there ends its history.<ref>{{S|Turin}}</ref>

==Etymology==

''Gurthang'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, consisting of the elements ''[[gurth]]'' ("death") + ''[[ang]]'' ("iron").<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gurth'', ''ang''</ref>

{{references|n}}
{{weapons}}
[[Category:Swords]]
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Gurthang]]
[[fr:encyclo:artefacts:armes:gurthang]]
[[fi:Gurthang]]

Gurthang

2019-06-22T23:24:44Z

50.37.88.177:

{{object infobox
| name=Gurthang
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Prepares to Take His Life.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Túrin Prepares to Take His Life" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames="Iron of Death"
| location=[[Taur-nu-Fuin]], [[Nargothrond]], [[Dor-lómin]], [[Brethil]], [[Tol Morwen]]
| owner=[[Túrin]]
| type=Weapon
| appearance=A glowing black blade that could slice through iron; forged from a meteorite
| creator=[[Túrin]] (originally [[Eöl]])
| created=c. {{FA|490}}-{{FA|495|n}}
| createdlocation=[[Nargothrond]]
| destroyer=[[Túrin]]
| destroyed={{FA|499}}
| destroyedlocation=[[Cabed-en-Aras]]
| notablefor=
}}
{{Pronounce|Gurthang.mp3|Ardamir}}
[[Gurthang]] was the sword of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], reforged from [[Anglachel]] the sword wielded by [[Beleg|Beleg Cúthalion]] when Túrin slew him in a tragic turn of events.

It was black and shone with a pale fire. With it Túrin performed great deeds but also senseless acts, and the sentient sword eventually served as Turin's executioner.
==History==
Túrin was led to [[Nargothrond]] by [[Gwindor]] who had aided Beleg in the rescue. Once in Nargothrond Túrin had Anglachel forged anew. He renamed the blade ''Gurthang'', "Iron of Death". The sword was wielded by Túrin throughout his time at Nargothrond as he became a captain and led the Nargothrondrim into open warfare, a tactic they were not well versed in. His increasing fame with Gurthang gave Túrin a new name: Mormegil 'The Black Sword' of Nargothrond. Túrin's exploits with the Nargothrondrim culminated with the [[Battle of Tumhalad]] which led to the ruin of Nargothrond.

Gurthang was used by Túrin to slay the [[Easterlings|Easterling]] chief [[Brodda]] and it remained with him when he came to [[Brethil]] but wishing to be rid of his past he put Gurthang away. Only when orcs started to threaten Brethil in numbers did Túrin once again take up Gurthang to repulse them. When [[Glaurung]] came to Brethil pursuing Túrin, a desperate council was held in [[Ephel Brandir]] as to how to deal with the threat. Túrin told the [[Haladin]] of the tale of [[Azaghâl]] Lord of [[Belegost]] and how his knife forced Glaurung to flee, Túrin then declared "But here is a thorn sharper and longer than the knife of Azaghâl" and the Haladin cried out "The Black Thorn of Brethil!"

Túrin succeeded in slaying Glaurung with Gurthang at [[Cabed-en-Aras]] but fell into a swoon when he wrested it from Glaurung's belly. He was then told by [[Brandir]] that his wife was in fact his sister [[Nienor]] as recounted by Glaurung and in a rage slew Brandir. Discovering from [[Mablung]] that this was in fact true Túrin returned to Cabed-en-Aras to commit suicide addressing Gurthang with courteous words:

''" 'Hail Gurthang! No lord or loyalty dost thou know, save the hand that wieldeth thee. From no blood wilt thou shrink. Wilt thou therefore take Túrin Turambar, wilt thou slay me swiftly?' "''
''"And from the blade rang a cold voice in answer: 'Yea, I will drink thy blood gladly, that so I may forget the blood of Beleg my master, and the blood of Brandir slain unjustly. I will slay thee swiftly.' "''<ref group=note>Unless one interprets Gurthang's answer as occuring solely within Túrin's mind, there exists another item in the [[legendarium]] which shows an ability to speak: the [[talking purse]] of the troll [[William]].</ref>

Túrin cast himself upon Gurthang and the blade broke asunder. It was buried with Túrin beneath the [[Stone of the Hapless]] and there ends its history.<ref>{{S|Turin}}</ref>

==Etymology==

''Gurthang'' is a [[Sindarin]] name, consisting of the elements ''[[gurth]]'' ("death") + ''[[ang]]'' ("iron").<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gurth'', ''ang''</ref>

{{references|n}}
{{weapons}}
[[Category:Swords]]
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Gurthang]]
[[fr:encyclo:artefacts:armes:gurthang]]
[[fi:Gurthang]]

Túrin

2019-06-22T23:23:22Z

50.37.88.177: /* Legacy */

{{Sources}}
{{disambig-more|Túrin|[[Túrin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-two|the tragic hero of the [[First Age]]|[[Kings of Gondor|King]] of [[Gondor]]|[[Turambar (King of Gondor)]]}}
{{Edain infobox
| name=Túrin Turambar
| image=[[Image:Alan Lee - Túrin Turambar.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Túrin Turambar" by [[Alan Lee]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Neithan]], [[Gorthol]], [[Agarwaen]], [[Thurin]], [[Adanedhel]], [[Mormegil]]; Turindo; Bane of Glaurung<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>, Wildman of the Woods, Dagnir Glaurunga, Woodwose
| titles=Prince of [[Dor-lómin]]
| position=
| location=Dor-lómin, [[Doriath]], [[Talath Dirnen]], [[Brethil]]
| affiliation=[[Gaurwaith]]
| language=[[Sindarin]], some [[Mannish]] dialect
| birth={{FA|464}}
| birthlocation=[[Dor-lómin]], [[Hithlum]]
| rule=
| death={{FA|499}}
| deathlocation=[[Cabed-en-Aras]]
| age=35
| notablefor=slaying of [[Glaurung]]; destruction of [[Nargothrond]]
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| parentage=[[Húrin]] & [[Morwen]]
| siblings=[[Lalaith]] & [[Nienor]]
| spouse=Nienor
| children=One; unborn at Nienor's death
| gender=Male
| height=Tall<ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref>
| hair=Dark<ref name="Childhood">{{CH|1}}</ref>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Turin"/> or blue<ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>
| clothing=[[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], elven mail, grey tunic and cloak<ref name="Outlaws">{{CH|6}}</ref>
| weapons=[[Anglachel]]/[[Gurthang]]
| steed=
}}<center>{{quote|He was dark-haired as his mother, and promised to be like her in mood also; for he was not merry, and spoke little, though he learned to speak early and ever seemed older than his years. Túrin was slow to forget injustice or mockery; but the fire of his father was also in him, and he could be sudden and fierce. Yet he was quick to pity, and the hurts or sadness of living things might move him to tears.|''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', [[The Childhood of Túrin]]}}</center>
'''Túrin Turambar''' ({{FA|464}}–[[First Age 499|499]]) was a tragic hero of the First Age whose life was dominated by the curse of the [[Morgoth|Enemy]]. His deeds became the tale called ''[[Narn i Chîn Húrin (tale)|Narn i Chîn Húrin]]'' ("The Tale of the Children of Húrin").

== History ==
[[Image:Alan Lee - The Childhood of Túrin.jpg|thumb|left|[[Alan Lee]] - ''The Childhood of Túrin'']]
Túrin was the only son of [[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]] and [[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]. He had a younger sister ''Urwen'' whom everyone called [[Lalaith]], but she died in childhood of a plague, the first grievous event in Túrin's life caused by Morgoth's curse. After Húrin was captured in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] ("Battle of Unnumbered Tears"), Túrin remained with his mother Morwen, who hid him from the [[Easterlings]] that [[Morgoth]] had sent to [[Hithlum]], fearing they would kill Túrin or enslave him. Húrin's capture and failure to return home was the curse's second grief.

Túrin was friends with [[Sador]], their household servant whom he helped in his works. Sador taught him many things, and carved for him several things from wood.
===Upbringing in Doriath===
When Túrin was nine years old Morwen sent him to [[Doriath]], away from his beloved mother and best friend, causing his heart to break for the third time since the curse was cast on him. She sent with him [[Gethron]] and [[Grithnir]], long time servants in Húrin's house. Shortly after their departure from Dor-Lómin, Túrin's second sister, [[Nienor]] was born. The road there was long and difficult, and the three travellers came close to dying of hunger and cold in the very outlying woods of their destination, but they were rescued by [[Beleg]]. In Doriath he was adopted by King [[Thingol]] as a son, being that his father Húrin was held in high honor in those lands. Thingol and Melian sent messengers inviting Túrin's mother to come live in Doriath, which she declined much to Túrin's grief.
In Doriath Túrin learned many things, such as hunting, woodcraft, archery, swordfighting and speaking [[Sindarin]]. As he grew older, however, he became restless. He began inquiring about the Men of the North, as Thingol and Morwen frequently exchanged news for Túrin's sake. Through these messages he learned about his sister Nienor, although he never saw her. As Morgoth's hold on the North increased and news from Hithlum grew scarce, Túrin sought to travel there to join the fight against the Dark Lord and find out about his kin. He asked the King's permission to join [[Beleg|Beleg Cúthalion]] in the northern marches of Doriath, fighting the [[Orcs]] of Morgoth. He wore the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], which was sent by his mother and brought to him by Thingol's messengers, and the Orcs began to fear him more than any other.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead'']]
Túrin accidentally caused the death of [[Saeros]], one of Thingol's counsellors who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven he fled, eventually meeting up with a band of outlaws, the [[Gaurwaith]] that dwelt south of the [[Forest of Brethil]]. There he identified himself only as '''''Neithan''''' ("The Wronged"). Túrin killed their leader [[Forweg]] and became their leader in his place. During his rule he stopped the outlaws from raiding houses of Men, and only hunted Orcs.

In the meantime Beleg Cúthalion obtained leave by Thingol to seek out his friend. Beleg found Túrin's outlaws at Amon Rûdh and when he could not persuade his friend to leave the outlaws, he left to return to Doriath. While they were parted, and after such a long time living in the wild, Túrin's band captured [[Mîm]] the [[Petty-dwarves|Petty-dwarf]]. Mîm was forced to share his halls on [[Amon Rûdh]] with them.

At Doriath, Beleg asked to be able to join his friend. Thingol allowed this and also gave him the black sword [[Anglachel]], and [[Melian]] gave him ''[[lembas]]''. Beleg returned to Túrin that winter, healing those of the band that had become sick with cold. Beleg brought with him the Dragon-helm, and the area around Amon Rûdh became known as '''[[Dor-Cúarthol]]''', the "Land of Bow and Helm" (since Beleg was known as a mighty bowman). There Túrin took the name '''''Gorthol''''', "The Dread Helm". Many warriors joined them, and much of [[West Beleriand]] was freed from evil for a while.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Beleg is Slain.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Beleg is Slain'']]
Eventually Túrin was betrayed by Mîm, and he was captured and all his men slain. Beleg survived and rescued Túrin from the Orcs in [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] with the help of [[Gwindor]], an escaped slave of Morgoth, but Túrin accidentally killed Beleg with Beleg's sword Anglachel. Gwindor led Túrin, dazed, to the [[Pools of Ivrin]], where he came back to his senses.

===Nargothrond===
Gwindor then led Túrin to [[Nargothrond]], where once he had lived. In Nargothrond Túrin hid his name, calling himself '''''[[Agarwaen]], son of [[Úmarth]]''''' ("Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"). He had Anglachel reforged and named it [[Gurthang]] ("Iron of Death"). [[Finduilas]], daughter of [[Orodreth]], fell in love with him, but he avoided her because she had previously been the beloved of his friend Gwindor. Túrin declined to tell her his name, so that she called him '''''Thurin''''' ("The Secret"). He was also called '''''Adanedhel''''' ("Man-Elf") because he was so like an Elf, though he was a [[Men|Man]].

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety.jpg|thumb|250px|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety'']]
His identity did not remain hidden for long. Gwindor revealed to [[Finduilas]] that 'Agarwaen' was in fact Túrin, and 'Úmarth' his famous father [[Húrin]]. When news of this reached Finduilas' father, King [[Orodreth]], Túrin was given great honour and standing, but the revelation of Túrin's identity would also bring home Morgoth's curse.

Túrin became a chief counsellor of the weak Orodreth, and was extremely influential in Nargothrond. He encouraged the Nargothrondrim to abandon their practice of secrecy, and they built a great bridge before the gates. Because of his prowess with Gurthang, he himself became known as '''''Mormegil''''' ("Black Sword").

Morgoth sent the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Glaurung]] to Nargothrond. Túrin was caught by the powerful gaze of Glaurung, and stood by idly as Finduilas was dragged away, calling to him, a captive for Morgoth. Glaurung deceived him into believing Morwen and Nienor were suffering in Dor-lómin, and Túrin abandoned Finduilas to seek out his kin. In actuality Morwen and Nienor were safely in Doriath, as Túrin's own efforts had made the way passable.

Once in Dor-lómin, Túrin found his old home empty. He went to the halls of the Easterling lord [[Brodda]], who had taken Húrin's kinswoman [[Aerin]] as a wife and had taken Húrin's lands and possessions. From Aerin, Túrin learned that Morwen had left, and in his rage he killed Brodda, thereby also sealing Aerin's fate. As Túrin left again, Aerin burnt herself alive in her halls, and the remainder of the [[House of Hador]] now was persecuted even more cruelly.

Túrin next tried to find Finduilas, but by the time he picked up the Orc's trail he came too late: the woodsmen of [[Brethil]] informed him she had been killed as they had tried to rescue the prisoners of Nargothrond. Túrin collapsed on the mound she was buried in, and was brought to Brethil.

===In Brethil===
In Brethil Túrin again took up his life, now calling himself '''''Turambar''''' ("Master of Fate") in an act of bravado, deciding that his curse was now finally over. One day he found a naked young woman on Finduilas's grave, and calling her ''[[Níniel]]'' he later took her as his wife.

Túrin's happiness ended when Glaurung came near Brethil. Túrin with two others set out to kill the dragon, but he was the only one to reach the drake. With his black sword he killed Glaurung at [[Cabed-en-Aras]], but was hurt and fell in a swoon. As Níniel came to search for him, Glaurung with his last words revealed to her she was Túrin's sister. Horrified, Nienor Níniel killed herself.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Prepares to Take His Life.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Túrin Prepares to Take His Life'']]
When Túrin awoke he was told by [[Brandir]], lord of the [[Haladin]] of Brethil what had happened, and he killed Brandir, refusing to believe. When he learned from [[Mablung]] of Doriath who had come to seek him that Brandir had told the truth, he killed himself on [[Gurthang]], his black sword.

Túrin was buried near Finduilas' grave, and on his tombstone the Haladin wrote in the [[Angerthas Daeron|Cirth of Doriath]]:

<blockquote>TÚRIN TURAMBAR DAGNIR GLAURUNGA (''Túrin, Conqueror of Fate, Slayer of Glaurung'')</blockquote>

Beneath that they also wrote:

<blockquote>NIENOR NÍNIEL</blockquote>

though her body could not be found.

==Legacy==
Morwen and Húrin later met at this site for the last time, and Morwen was also buried there. The mound survived the [[War of Wrath]], as [[Tol Morwen]] was the westernmost isle off the coast of [[Lindon]] in the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s.

It was prophesied by the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Mandos]] that at the end of time Morgoth would wage a [[Final Battle]] against the [[Valar]], and that Túrin Turambar would deliver the death blow, exterminating evil forever.<ref>{{LR|Quenta}}, p. 333</ref>

Túrin was a first cousin of [[Tuor]], father of [[Eärendil]]. There are many parallels between the circumstances of their lives (both lost their fathers in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, were raised in part by Elves, spent time as outlaws and as prisoners, and were war-leaders in the greatest [[Noldor|Noldorin]] fortresses), but the outcome of Tuor's life was quite different. (Even Túrin's coloring was dark, enhancing his resemblance to the Noldorin Elves but further setting him apart from his fair-haired cousin.) The two never actually met, but Tuor did once see his cousin in passing (not an everyday occurrence in the wilds of [[Beleriand]]).

Whether the tragedies in Túrin's life were the result of Morgoth's curse or of his own arrogance, or some combination of the two, is a subject of some debate among scholars. Túrin is one of the few heroes of the [[Elder Days]] to have committed suicide (although this "suicide" could also be interpreted as submitting to being executed by [[Gurthang]]) and several of the others (such as Aerin, Húrin and Nienor) are connected with his story.

== The Many Names of Túrin ==
* ''[[Adanedhel]]'' = "Man-Elf"<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 164</ref>
* ''[[Agarwaen]], son of [[Úmarth]]'' = "Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 159</ref>
* ''[[Gorthol]]'' = "The Dread Helm"<ref>{{CH|8}}, p. 146</ref>
* ''[[Mormegil]]'' = "Black Sword"<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 160</ref>
* ''[[Neithan]]'' = "The Wronged"<ref>{{CH|6}}, p. 101</ref>
* ''[[Thurin]]'' = "The Secret"<ref>{{CH|10}}, p. 165</ref>
* ''Turambar'' = "Master of Fate"<ref>{{CH|13}}, p. 196</ref>
* Wildman of the Woods<ref>{{CH|13}}, p. 194</ref>
* Woodwose<ref>{{UT|Doriath}}</ref>

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | BRE | | | | HAL | | HAD | BRE=[[Bregolas]]|HAL=[[Halmir]]|HAD=[[Hador|Hador Lórindol]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | |!|}}
{{familytree | BEL | | BAR | | HAR |y| GAL | BEL=[[Belegund]]|BAR=[[Baragund]]|GAL=[[Galdor (Lord of Dor-lómin)|Galdor of Dor-lómin]]|HAR=[[Hareth]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.|}}
{{familytree | | | | | MOR |y| HUR | | HUO | | |MOR=[[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]|HUR=[[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]]|HUO=[[Huor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | TUR | | LAL | | NIE | | | | TUR='''TÚRIN TURAMBAR'''|LAL=[[Lalaith]]|NIE=[[Nienor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|J| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree/end}}
==Etymology==
''See: [[Túrin (disambiguation)]] and [[Turambar (disambiguation)]]''

It's possible that during Túrin's lifetime ([[First Age]]), the name was pronounced as "Túrind" before simplified in the following centuries. The [[Quenya]] form of his name is [[Túrindo]].

== Inspiration ==
Unpublished drafts of the story, later edited by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and published in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series, tell the story in greater detail. These have been carefully edited together with other drafts to form ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', released in 2007.

The supposed resemblance of Túrin to figures from medieval tales can be confirmed by part of a letter Tolkien wrote to [[Milton Waldman]] concerning the publication of his works:

{{quote|There is the ''Children of Húrin'', the tragic tale of Túrin Turambar and his sister Níniel — of which Túrin is the hero: a figure that might be said (by people who like that sort of thing, though it is not very useful) to be '''derived from elements in Sigurd the Volsung, Oedipus, and the Finnish Kullervo'''.|[[Letter 131]]}}

{{quote| Again one may detect certain literary influences: the hero’s [Túrin’s] fight with a great dragon [Glaurung] inevitably suggests comparison with the deeds of '''Sigurd''' and '''Beowulf''', while his unknowing incest with his sister and his subsequent suicide were derived quite consciously from the story of '''Kullervo in the Kalevala'''.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]}}

Túrin shares several common traits with all of the characters below, like coming closer to their fate when attempting to evade it. Another significant trait is their gifted but hot tempered nature and strong will paired with their reluctance to heed wise counsels that would save them from their fate.
===Oedipus===
'''[[Wikipedia:Oedipus|Oedipus]]''' was a prince of Thebes, but his parents heard a prophecy that he would cause their demise. To evade it, they order a shepherd to kill him. However the shepherd spares the baby and gives him to a childless family. Oedipus grew ignorant of his heritage; he then heard a prophecy according to which he will kill his father and marry his mother. He left in self-exile to take himself away from his (foster) parents.

However this brought himself closer to Thebes and his actual parents. On his way, he kills a man who unknown to him, is his actual father, the King of Thebes, fulfilling therefore part of the prophecy. Then he enters the city and after defeating the Sphinx, the people name him to replace the lost King of Thebes; furthermore, Oedipus marries the King's widow, who is in fact his mother.

Years later, while investigating the death of the former King, he realizes all the truths in his life: the King was the very man he had killed, and furthermore, he and his Queen, were his parents. Oedipus blinds himself and leaves in self-exile while his mother/wife strangles herself.

===Kullervo===
In the [[Kalevala]], '''[[Wikipedia:Kullervo|Kullervo]]''''s tribe is killed by his uncle, and himself is separated by his family, something that fills him with hate and desire for revenge. As a slave, he uses magic to kill his masters and returns to his tribe; afterwards he seduces a girl, who commits suicide after discovering she is his lost sister.

Then he repeats his vows: he refuses to hear any words of reconsideration and gets a broadsword which he uses to slay the enemy tribe. On his return, he sees all his family dead. He asks the magic sword to slay him, which replies, and then he falls on it.

*''See also: [[Kalevala#Túrin Turambar and Kullervo|Túrin Turambar and Kullervo]]''

===Sigurd===
'''[[Wikipedia:Sigurd|Sigurd]]''''s mother marries a King and Sigurd himself is fostered by a Dwarf. The Dwarf tells him about the hoard of the dragon Fafnir (who is his brother) and remakes a broken heirloom sword for him. Sigurd slays Fafnir by waiting for him in a pit, stabbing him with the sword as he passes over it. The gold he wins, however, is cursed.

===Balin===
'''[[Wikipedia:Sir Balin|Sir Balin]]''' was a knight of the King Arthur's court in ''Le Morte d'Arthur'' who possessed a magic sword. By this he was unknowingly cursed to slay his own brother. Through a well-meaning act of his, he is further cursed to make the most dolorous strike ever made by man, save only the piercing of Christ's side. Later, while in King Pellam's castle, he kills Pellam's brother and maims Pellam, ruining the castle and making all the surrounding lands into a wasteland, much as Túrin slayed Brodda in his own house and how his pride brought about the destruction of Nargothrond. Eventually, he kills his brother Balan, but is mortally wounded in doing so, and outlives him by only a few hours. They were then both laid in one grave.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Túrin|Images of Túrin]]
*''[[The Children of Húrin]]''
*''[[The Story of Kullervo]]''

{{References}}
* ''[[The Children of Húrin]]''
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Túrin Turambar]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Coming of Men into the West]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Narn i Hîn Húrin]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', [[Turambar and the Foalókë]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Grey Annals]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Wanderings of Húrin]]
* ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 131]]
* ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'' by [[Humphrey Carpenter]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Turin}}
{{gaurwaith}}
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:House of Haleth]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]

[[de:Túrin]]
[[fi:Túrin]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/1a/peuple_de_hador/turin]]

Elven characteristics

2019-06-19T06:04:55Z

50.37.88.177: /* Eye colour */

[[File:Piotr Fox Wysocki - Last Elf.jpg|thumb|''Last Elf'' by Piotr Wysocki]]{{quote|The Elves have their own labours and their own sorrows, and they are little concerned with the ways of hobbits, or of any other creatures upon earth.|[[Gildor Inglorion]]<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>}}
The [[Elves]] were the fairest creatures in [[Arda]], a far more beautiful race than [[Men]], and generally tall (about six feet). {{fact}} Among them, [[Calaquendi|those]] who had gone to [[Valinor]] were the fairest and had the greatest skill of body.

Elves had keener senses, sight and hearing than Men, were slender, graceful yet strong, but were resistant to extremes of nature, illness and disease. However many [[Noldor]] died at the crossings of [[Helcaraxe]].

Practical considerations, including a number of occasions where Men were mistaken for Elves (most notably [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]]), suggest that the points of difference between Elves and Men must have been subtle.

== Pointed ears ==
Whether Elvish ears were pointed or not is open for speculation,<ref name=Dunkerson>{{webcite|author=Conrad Dunkerson|articleurl=http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/Ears.html|articlename=Do the Elves in Tolkien's stories have pointed ears?|dated=|website=[http://tolkien.slimy.com/ The Tolkien Meta-FAQ]|accessed=15 February 2012}}</ref><ref name=Martinez>{{webcite|author=[[Michael Martinez]]|articleurl=http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2011/09/21/do-tolkiens-elves-have-pointy-ears/|articlename=Do Tolkien’s Elves Have Pointy Ears?|dated=21 September 2011|website=[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/ Middle.earth.Xenite.org]|accessed=15 February 2012}}</ref> but it should be noted that there are no explicit references to pointed Elvish ears in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' or ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.

In the ''[[The Etymologies|Etymologies]]'' (a linguistic manuscript from ca. 1937-8 published posthumously) is stated that "the [[Quendi|Quendian]] ears were more pointed and leaf-shaped than [[Men|Human]]."<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 368 (roots LAS1 and LAS2)</ref><ref>{{VT|45a}}, p. 26</ref> In another linguistic manuscript (from ca. 1959-60), the [[Elvish]] connection between ears and leaves is again noted: "[[Amon Lhaw]]. ¶SLAS-, ear. ''[[lass|las]]'', leaf. ''slasū'' > Q ''[[hlaru]]'', S ''[[lhaw]]''."<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 77</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[John Garth]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/ml.martinez/posts/10155820042196038?comment_id=10155821234781038&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D|articlename=Facebook discussion|dated=3 February 2017|website=FB|accessed=5 February 2017}}</ref>

Answering to a question on [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] ears, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote that these were "only slightly pointed and 'elvish'".<ref>{{L|27}}</ref> Some fans take this to mean that Elvish ears were pointed, while others argue that it is an ambiguous statement.<ref name=Dunkerson/><ref name=Martinez/><ref>{{webcite|author=Various|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheTolkienSociety.EducationalCharity/permalink/10154773899876068/|articlename=Tolkien Society Facebook group discussion|dated=|website=FB|accessed=5 February 2017}}</ref>

== Hair colour ==
In general, the [[Vanyar]] were golden-haired, with the name ''Vanyar'' meaning "the Fair" in [[Quenya]] and refering to their light-coloured hair.{{Fact}} Other Elves - including the [[Noldor]], [[Sindar]], and [[Avari]] - had dark brown or even black hair.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 118, 125</ref><ref group=note>[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] notes in one manuscript that "''no Elf had absolute black hair''" ({{PE|17}}, p. 125)</ref> [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]] and her remote descendant [[Arwen|Arwen Undómiel]], both described as the fairest of all Elves, were dark haired. Additionally, a silver hair colour existed among the [[Teleri]] and in the royal houses of the Sindar, with [[Thingol]], [[Círdan]] and [[Celeborn]] all described as having silver hair.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}: Sindar</ref>

In some cases elves had atypical hair colour, either due to simple happenstance or intermarriage between clans. A prime example is the royal house of the Noldor and their descendants: [[Míriel Serindë]] of the Noldor, the first wife of [[Finwë]] and mother of [[Fëanor]], is described as having silvery hair.<ref>{{MR|P3I6}}</ref> Fëanor himself possessed "raven-dark" hair,<ref>{{S|Feanor}}</ref> but not all the sons of Fëanor shared this trait; [[Maedhros]] and the twins [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]] had auburn hair (though Amrod's hair grew darker after childhood).<ref name=Sons>{{PM|XI7}}</ref>{{rp|355}} This rare red-brown hair colour was a trait of Nerdanel's kin for her father, [[Mahtan]], had the ''epessë'' Rusco 'fox'.<ref name=Sons/>{{rp|353}} [[Finarfin]], the youngest son of Finwë, and his descendants had golden hair on account of Finwë's second wife, [[Indis]] of the Vanyar. Finarfin's daughter [[Galadriel]] displayed an extremely rare hair colour nowhere else observed; golden-silver hair, said to be dazzlingly beautiful ("the light of the [[Two Trees]], [[Laurelin]] and [[Telperion]], had been snared in her tresses").<ref name=Galadriel>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Another Noldo with noteworthy hair colour was [[Glorfindel]], whose hair is described as "shining gold" in colour.{{Fact}} [[Idril]], the daughter of [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], had golden hair inherited from her mother, [[Elenwë]] of the Vanyar.{{Fact}} Furthermore, golden hair was seemingly not limited to the Vanyar. [[Thranduil]], father of [[Legolas]] and a Sindarin Elf, is described as having "golden" hair in ''[[The Hobbit]]'',<ref>{{H|8}}</ref> but his son Legolas's own hair colour is not recorded. The golden hair colour is sometimes implied among the other Elves: [[Amroth]], a Sindarin Elf of Lothórien is one such case, whose hair is described as "bright" and shining like a spark of gold in the sun.<ref name=Galadriel/> In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', a very similar reference is made for an [[Galadhrim|Elf of Lothórien]] who had hair that "glinted like gold" in the sun.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref>

==Eye colour==
When Tolkien describes Elven eyes, they tend to be grey. This is certainly true of Lúthien and her descendants, including [[Elrond]] and his children ([[Arwen]], [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]) as well as [[Aragorn]] and the Dúnedain. [[Voronwë]], who guided the man [[Tuor]] to Gondolin, also had grey eyes.

Though he was half-Noldorin, [[Maeglin]] is said to have dark eyes (possibly from his father [[Eöl]], who was not of the Noldor), while [[Olwë]] (the brother of Lúthien's father [[Thingol]], and a Telerin king) had blue eyes. However, "dark" eyes could be either dark grey or brown. It should also be noted that Tolkien describes light-coloured eyes repeatedly as "grey" and rarely as "blue", which is actually how pure grey eyes appear under certain lighting conditions. The eye colour of most other Elves is not mentioned, and so would be difficult to generalize.

==Other characteristics==
The Elves were like [[Ainur]] in spirit; they loved all beauty of nature, especially water, the [[Sea]] and the [[stars]], since they were the first things they saw; as a consequence [[Ulmo]] and [[Varda]] were the [[Ainur]] closest to them. They were marked by an insatiable curiosity and a desire of learning and creating.

They detested all evil and were usually more resistant to being corrupted than Men, unless evil tricked them with fair form, like [[Annatar]]. Conversely, their work harmed evil, like [[lembas]] and the [[Elven rope]] that brought pain to [[Gollum]]'s skin. They were, however, susceptible to greed, pride and jealousy, as exemplified by the story of the House of [[Fëanor]], or the jealous and unjustified hatred of [[Saeros]] toward [[Túrin]]. <ref name=UT2>{{UT|2}}</ref>

The Eldar could manipulate '''''[[sanwe-latya]]''''' ([[Quenya]] for "thought-opening" or "telepathy") which allowed them to communicate with thought ([[Ósanwe]]).

Like Men and Dwarves, Elves did sleep. In ''[[The Two Towers]]'', it says of [[Legolas]], "[He] already lay motionless, his fair hands folded upon his breast, his eyes unclosed, blending living night and deep dream, as is the way with Elves."<ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Also, unlike Men, Elves were ambidextrous.<ref>{{VT|49a}}</ref>

Although Elves were generally considered the most powerful of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], there are accounts that some Men from the Great Houses of the First Age were physically stronger, though less agile. It is told that the [[Helm of Hador|Dragon Helm]] was given to [[Fingon]], but "in all Hithlum no head and shoulders were found stout enough to bear the dwarf-helm with ease", so the High King gave it to [[Hador]], a Man.<ref name=UT2/>

{{References|n}}

[[Category:Elves]]

Elven characteristics

2019-06-19T05:51:56Z

50.37.88.177: /* Hair colour */

[[File:Piotr Fox Wysocki - Last Elf.jpg|thumb|''Last Elf'' by Piotr Wysocki]]{{quote|The Elves have their own labours and their own sorrows, and they are little concerned with the ways of hobbits, or of any other creatures upon earth.|[[Gildor Inglorion]]<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>}}
The [[Elves]] were the fairest creatures in [[Arda]], a far more beautiful race than [[Men]], and generally tall (about six feet). {{fact}} Among them, [[Calaquendi|those]] who had gone to [[Valinor]] were the fairest and had the greatest skill of body.

Elves had keener senses, sight and hearing than Men, were slender, graceful yet strong, but were resistant to extremes of nature, illness and disease. However many [[Noldor]] died at the crossings of [[Helcaraxe]].

Practical considerations, including a number of occasions where Men were mistaken for Elves (most notably [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]]), suggest that the points of difference between Elves and Men must have been subtle.

== Pointed ears ==
Whether Elvish ears were pointed or not is open for speculation,<ref name=Dunkerson>{{webcite|author=Conrad Dunkerson|articleurl=http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/Ears.html|articlename=Do the Elves in Tolkien's stories have pointed ears?|dated=|website=[http://tolkien.slimy.com/ The Tolkien Meta-FAQ]|accessed=15 February 2012}}</ref><ref name=Martinez>{{webcite|author=[[Michael Martinez]]|articleurl=http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2011/09/21/do-tolkiens-elves-have-pointy-ears/|articlename=Do Tolkien’s Elves Have Pointy Ears?|dated=21 September 2011|website=[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/ Middle.earth.Xenite.org]|accessed=15 February 2012}}</ref> but it should be noted that there are no explicit references to pointed Elvish ears in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' or ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.

In the ''[[The Etymologies|Etymologies]]'' (a linguistic manuscript from ca. 1937-8 published posthumously) is stated that "the [[Quendi|Quendian]] ears were more pointed and leaf-shaped than [[Men|Human]]."<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 368 (roots LAS1 and LAS2)</ref><ref>{{VT|45a}}, p. 26</ref> In another linguistic manuscript (from ca. 1959-60), the [[Elvish]] connection between ears and leaves is again noted: "[[Amon Lhaw]]. ¶SLAS-, ear. ''[[lass|las]]'', leaf. ''slasū'' > Q ''[[hlaru]]'', S ''[[lhaw]]''."<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 77</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=[[John Garth]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/ml.martinez/posts/10155820042196038?comment_id=10155821234781038&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D|articlename=Facebook discussion|dated=3 February 2017|website=FB|accessed=5 February 2017}}</ref>

Answering to a question on [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] ears, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote that these were "only slightly pointed and 'elvish'".<ref>{{L|27}}</ref> Some fans take this to mean that Elvish ears were pointed, while others argue that it is an ambiguous statement.<ref name=Dunkerson/><ref name=Martinez/><ref>{{webcite|author=Various|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheTolkienSociety.EducationalCharity/permalink/10154773899876068/|articlename=Tolkien Society Facebook group discussion|dated=|website=FB|accessed=5 February 2017}}</ref>

== Hair colour ==
In general, the [[Vanyar]] were golden-haired, with the name ''Vanyar'' meaning "the Fair" in [[Quenya]] and refering to their light-coloured hair.{{Fact}} Other Elves - including the [[Noldor]], [[Sindar]], and [[Avari]] - had dark brown or even black hair.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 118, 125</ref><ref group=note>[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] notes in one manuscript that "''no Elf had absolute black hair''" ({{PE|17}}, p. 125)</ref> [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]] and her remote descendant [[Arwen|Arwen Undómiel]], both described as the fairest of all Elves, were dark haired. Additionally, a silver hair colour existed among the [[Teleri]] and in the royal houses of the Sindar, with [[Thingol]], [[Círdan]] and [[Celeborn]] all described as having silver hair.<ref>{{WJ|Quendi}}: Sindar</ref>

In some cases elves had atypical hair colour, either due to simple happenstance or intermarriage between clans. A prime example is the royal house of the Noldor and their descendants: [[Míriel Serindë]] of the Noldor, the first wife of [[Finwë]] and mother of [[Fëanor]], is described as having silvery hair.<ref>{{MR|P3I6}}</ref> Fëanor himself possessed "raven-dark" hair,<ref>{{S|Feanor}}</ref> but not all the sons of Fëanor shared this trait; [[Maedhros]] and the twins [[Amrod]] and [[Amras]] had auburn hair (though Amrod's hair grew darker after childhood).<ref name=Sons>{{PM|XI7}}</ref>{{rp|355}} This rare red-brown hair colour was a trait of Nerdanel's kin for her father, [[Mahtan]], had the ''epessë'' Rusco 'fox'.<ref name=Sons/>{{rp|353}} [[Finarfin]], the youngest son of Finwë, and his descendants had golden hair on account of Finwë's second wife, [[Indis]] of the Vanyar. Finarfin's daughter [[Galadriel]] displayed an extremely rare hair colour nowhere else observed; golden-silver hair, said to be dazzlingly beautiful ("the light of the [[Two Trees]], [[Laurelin]] and [[Telperion]], had been snared in her tresses").<ref name=Galadriel>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Another Noldo with noteworthy hair colour was [[Glorfindel]], whose hair is described as "shining gold" in colour.{{Fact}} [[Idril]], the daughter of [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], had golden hair inherited from her mother, [[Elenwë]] of the Vanyar.{{Fact}} Furthermore, golden hair was seemingly not limited to the Vanyar. [[Thranduil]], father of [[Legolas]] and a Sindarin Elf, is described as having "golden" hair in ''[[The Hobbit]]'',<ref>{{H|8}}</ref> but his son Legolas's own hair colour is not recorded. The golden hair colour is sometimes implied among the other Elves: [[Amroth]], a Sindarin Elf of Lothórien is one such case, whose hair is described as "bright" and shining like a spark of gold in the sun.<ref name=Galadriel/> In ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', a very similar reference is made for an [[Galadhrim|Elf of Lothórien]] who had hair that "glinted like gold" in the sun.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref>

==Eye colour==
When Tolkien describes Elven eyes, they tend to be grey. This is certainly true of Lúthien and her descendants, including [[Elrond]] and his children ([[Arwen]], [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]]) as well as [[Aragorn]] and the Dúnedain. [[Voronwë]], who guided the man [[Tuor]] to Gondolin, also had grey eyes.

Though he was half-Noldorin, [[Maeglin]] is said to have dark eyes (possibly from his father [[Eöl]], who was not of the Noldor), while [[Olwë]] (the brother of Lúthien's father [[Thingol]], and a Telerin king) had blue eyes. The eye colour of most other Elves is not mentioned, and so would be difficult to generalize.

==Other characteristics==
The Elves were like [[Ainur]] in spirit; they loved all beauty of nature, especially water, the [[Sea]] and the [[stars]], since they were the first things they saw; as a consequence [[Ulmo]] and [[Varda]] were the [[Ainur]] closest to them. They were marked by an insatiable curiosity and a desire of learning and creating.

They detested all evil and were usually more resistant to being corrupted than Men, unless evil tricked them with fair form, like [[Annatar]]. Conversely, their work harmed evil, like [[lembas]] and the [[Elven rope]] that brought pain to [[Gollum]]'s skin. They were, however, susceptible to greed, pride and jealousy, as exemplified by the story of the House of [[Fëanor]], or the jealous and unjustified hatred of [[Saeros]] toward [[Túrin]]. <ref name=UT2>{{UT|2}}</ref>

The Eldar could manipulate '''''[[sanwe-latya]]''''' ([[Quenya]] for "thought-opening" or "telepathy") which allowed them to communicate with thought ([[Ósanwe]]).

Like Men and Dwarves, Elves did sleep. In ''[[The Two Towers]]'', it says of [[Legolas]], "[He] already lay motionless, his fair hands folded upon his breast, his eyes unclosed, blending living night and deep dream, as is the way with Elves."<ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Also, unlike Men, Elves were ambidextrous.<ref>{{VT|49a}}</ref>

Although Elves were generally considered the most powerful of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], there are accounts that some Men from the Great Houses of the First Age were physically stronger, though less agile. It is told that the [[Helm of Hador|Dragon Helm]] was given to [[Fingon]], but "in all Hithlum no head and shoulders were found stout enough to bear the dwarf-helm with ease", so the High King gave it to [[Hador]], a Man.<ref name=UT2/>

{{References|n}}

[[Category:Elves]]