Unfinished Tales - Part One - II - Narn I Hín Húrin

[Aiwendil]

Originally Posted by Pitchwife

Actually, Aiwendil, I think the saga character that is most clearly a model for Túrin has to be Sigurd the Volsung

Sigurd is a clear influence, but I believe Tolkien expressed reservations about the literary quality of the Volsunga saga, which is why if one is to look for a saga influence I'd be more inclined to look first at the sagas of Icelanders.

sig=victory and Urd=one of the Norns, goddesses of fate

I think (I could very well be wrong) that it means rather "victory-guardian", cognate with Old English "Sigeweard".

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

But he is still alone at heart.

I agree with this to an extent, but I think it's well to bear in mind that Turin did form friendships and meaningful relationships with his companions. He had a very deep friendship with Beleg; he seemed to have a real connection with Mim; he was a genuine friend of Gwindor; he had a somewhat complicated but strong relationship with Finduilas; he obviously loved Niniel and seemed to actually feel comfortable and at home with the people of Brethil, even if he didn't care for Brandir. Yes, his unique history set him apart from those he was with, but I don't know that he was any more alone than anyone in his situation would have been. In other words, I don't see him as a loner by nature, but rather as constantly set apart from those around him by reason of his past and of Morgoth's curse.