Silmarillion - Chapter 21 - Of Túrin Turambar - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Estelyn Telcontar · 08-29-2011, 01:52 PM

This long chapter tells the complete story of a character whose tale is both heroic and tragic. Túrin is admired by many readers for his prowess and bravery, yet his fate is often debated - how much of it is due to Morgoth's curse, how much brought upon himself by his own pride and injustice?

A brief summary of the story is hardly possible to write - it's so convoluted and complicated. Therefore I will just bring up several questions that occurred to me while reading the chapter to begin the discussion, assuming that most who post here are familiar with the events.

Does anyone care to make a list of all the names Túrin assumes in the course of his life?!

Tolkien puts words concerning mixed Elven-Human marriage into Gwindor's mouth, stressing how unique such an event is, and that a special purpose is necessary. Do you think Finduilas' love could have influenced Túrin positively, or would a relationship between them not have been allowed to happen under those circumstances?

At which point(s) in the story do you think Túrin's fate could have turned? Could he have escaped the doom that was his fate?

Other sources for this story can be found in The Lays of Beleriand and The Children of Húrin. How do the various accounts differ? What remains the same? Though we are mainly discussing the Silmarillion version, there is certainly room for comparisons.

08-29-2011, 01:52 PM	#1
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Silmarillion - Chapter 21 - Of Túrin Turambar This long chapter tells the complete story of a character whose tale is both heroic and tragic. Túrin is admired by many readers for his prowess and bravery, yet his fate is often debated - how much of it is due to Morgoth's curse, how much brought upon himself by his own pride and injustice? A brief summary of the story is hardly possible to write - it's so convoluted and complicated. Therefore I will just bring up several questions that occurred to me while reading the chapter to begin the discussion, assuming that most who post here are familiar with the events. Does anyone care to make a list of all the names Túrin assumes in the course of his life?! Tolkien puts words concerning mixed Elven-Human marriage into Gwindor's mouth, stressing how unique such an event is, and that a special purpose is necessary. Do you think Finduilas' love could have influenced Túrin positively, or would a relationship between them not have been allowed to happen under those circumstances? At which point(s) in the story do you think Túrin's fate could have turned? Could he have escaped the doom that was his fate? Other sources for this story can be found in The Lays of Beleriand and The Children of Húrin. How do the various accounts differ? What remains the same? Though we are mainly discussing the Silmarillion version, there is certainly room for comparisons. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'