Tuor: the Anti-Turin

[Gwathagor]

I think Tuor may be intended to be a contrast to the tragic Turin, since I see a lot of parallels between the two characters. I'll list the ones I can think of; maybe other Downers can find some more.

Similarities:
Turin was loved by Elf princess, and consequently was hated by Gwindor / Tuor was loved by Elf princess, and consequently was hated by Maeglin (right name? I always get all the "m" names confused)

Turin gets cool, distinctive, symbolic sword and armor (Gurthang + Dragon-helm) / Tuor gets cool sword and armor (at Vinyamar)

Eaterlings overrun Turin's country, and he turns outlaw after being taken in by the elves / Tuor turns outlaw for similar reasons in similar circumstances

Turin is closely associated with Elvish citadel (Nargothrond) / Tuor is closely associated with Elvish citadel (Gondolin)

Turin has his life orchestrated by a Vala (Melkor) / Tuor has his life orchestrated by a Vala (Ulmo)


Differences:
Tuor actually marries the Elf princess

Turin causes the destruction of Nargothrond by preventing the removal of the bridge, whereas Tuor saves the inhabitants of Gondolin

Turin is manipulated by a BAD vala, whereas Tuor is used by a GOOD vala (Ha ha, I can't help thinking of Wizard of Oz: "Are you a good witch or a bad witch?")

Turin has a creepy dragon on his helmet, whereas Tuor's gear is swan-themed


There must be more. Come on, smart people. Get to work.

[Eönwë]

I've always noticed this too. At one point, when I tried to thinkof one tale (especially after reading te UT) they just mixed into one for me.

[Gwathagor]

Great. At least I'm not crazy, unless we both are.

[Thinlómien]

I've noticed that too, but never thought of it to that extent. Interesting, very interesting and surely by no means unintentional from Tolkien's part. Given that Túrin and Tuor were cousins, the parallel seems even stronger. The stories even overlap curiously when Tuor and Voronwë see Túrin at distance.

Alongside those differences and similarities you listed, I think at least two things are worth being mentioned. First is the difference between their mothers, gentle Rían and steel-hard Morwen. Both their sons take after their own mother, are affected by their upbringing (I can't help thinking Túrin's grimness might have had something to do with his mother's attitude) and lose their mothers early. While Túrin is traumathised by this, I can't remember how was it with Tuor.

Also, both men are fostered in a way or another by Elves (Tuor with Annael & co, Túrin with Thingol) and become close to an Elven King. While Tuor is the ideal son-in-law to Turgon, Túrin, although loved by his foster "father" Thingol, mostly causes trouble at his court.

And now that I started thinking about these things, they both have a faithful and loving Elf friend, Tuor has Voronwë and Túrin has Beleg. I'm sure one could easily come up with even more things if s/he thought about it.

[skip spence]

To compare the stories of Tuor and of Turin is an interesting idea.

All I can add right now is this:

Difference:
Tuor is given wise counsel and listens to it it humbly.

Turin is given wise counsel but stubbornly refuses to accept it.

And why are Turin's buddies (whose good counsel he never heeds) always gimps?

[Groin Redbeard]

I've never noticed that before! Thanks for brining that up Gwathagor. Although I don't know much about Turin, or Tuor for that matter, I'm very interested in this thread.

[Gwathagor]

Originally Posted by skip spence

And why are Turin's buddies (whose good counsel he never heeds) always gimps?

Whoa, you're right.

Good point about the mothers, Thinlomien.

[Galadriel]

Originally Posted by skip spence

And why are Turin's buddies (whose good counsel he never heeds) always gimps?

Beleg and Mablung were not gimps How many of them were actually gimps? Two? I must be missing some...

The relation between Túrin and Tuor is an interesting one. I have, however, noticed that most people who are blond in Tolkien's mythology are innately good and kind, while many of the dark-haired ones are tragic, cowardly or evil. Skip the line of Elros and of Elrond, if you please.

Turin probably could have been just as heroic and likeable as Tuor, but he was doomed from the start because of Morgoth's power. It would be interesting to ask how much free will Turin has since he seems predisposed to make the wrong choices at critical moments. Not always (he is successful at different periods of time), but he still makes major mistakes often enough. I would say he has free will, but there's still an outside force nudging him in the wrong direction.

The whole Macbeth thing. Except in Macbeth, Macbeth was told to his face what was going to happen, thus increasing his chances of actually committing murder. I agree that there might be an outside force with regard to Túrin, but come on, we all know how stubborn he is. I think half the time he doesn't listen to good counsel is because he does not like counsel, good or bad.