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

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Today we move on to the last section of this chapter, including: The Journey of Morwen and Nienor to Nargothrond, Nienor in Brethil, The Coming of Glaurung, The Death of Glaurung, and The Death of Túrin. The Notes and Appendix can also be discussed at this point.

The tragedy now comes to its conclusion. What part do Morwen's decisions have in Túrin's fate? Nienor has a passive role for the most part, but she does contribute to the fatefulness by disobeying her mother and following her. Is that a sign of courageous behaviour? At that moment she shows great inner strength! With Glaurung's enchantment, her loss of memory and the name change she seemingly experiences a change of character and becomes less active. However, she does follow Túrin and shares in the tragic end of the story.

Dragons are loved by many readers - what do you think of Glaurung? Is he particularly malicious, or just acting as a dragon must?

A number of Tolkien's other stories bore evidence of his Catholic beliefs. Is there any to be found here? It seems to me that the double suicide at the end is much closer to mythology than to Christianity.

Touching upon the discussion elsewhere about the use of "thee" etc. in Tolkien's works, there are several incidences here: Túrin speaking to Glaurung, Glaurung speaking to Nienor, and Túrin's last dialogue with his sword Gurthang.

I look forward to reading what you think about this chapter ending!