I haven't been as intrigued by the
Narn as much as the previous chapter. Although, I was expecting it, because I was blown away by Tuor's coming to Gondolin. I'm not all the well through the Narn yet, but one point in the beginning sections stands out.
That is the different perspective on the Fate of Men. And really the entire chapter seems a tale of whether Turin can control his fate, or is the curse of Morgoth the master?
Turin's childhood friend, Sador, says he's too simple of a person to know what happens to Men after death, only that it is different from Elves (who can be reincarnated). And the friendship between Turin and Sador is also interesting, as the simple Sador sort of takes on the role of an older mentor in Turin's childhood.
Then there's Hurin and Morgoth, where Morgoth tells Hurin 'Nothing' awaits him after death:
Quote:
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'Beyond on the Circles of the World I will not pursue them,' said Morgoth. 'For beyond the Circles of the World there is Nothing. But within tem they shall not escape me, until they enter into Nothing.'
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It's probably one of the most painful (or maybe chilling?) thought Morgoth says to Hurin. We've been trying to answer what happens to us after death forever. And the thought of the 'Nothing' that awaits is certainly different, and terrifying. In some ways, perhapse more terrifying than the thought of eternal damnation. Granted, that thought isn't pleasant either, but it's certainly different from 'Nothing.'
It reminds me of Gandalf's death, but Gandalf makes "straying out of thought and time" sound more pleasant than Morgoth. Like, it's a really nice nap. After years of wandering, enduring hurts to both body and soul, Gandalf gets his rejuvinated nap beyond the Circles of the World. And even though Morgoth is the great deceiver, trying to crush Hurin's will, it makes you wonder who is right, Gandalf or Morgoth? Perhaps both are, for we know what awaits Morgoth. 'Nothing.'