SOUTHFARTHING READING GROUP
9th December 2023
Thoughts from Laura on Chapter 21 Of Túrin Turambar…….
Apologies for trying to sell my Silmarils instead of coming to the group! Also apologies for lack of accents on proper nouns – it was all too much!
I’d forgotten Mandos had cursed the Noldor: “Tears unnumbered ye shall shed; …” re the last chapter!
The first two paragraphs introduce us to the family trees of Hurin and Huor (this book is stuffed with genealogy perhaps Tolkien remembering various Anglo-Saxon tribes tracing their history back to Woden and even Adam!), making it clear that Turin and Tuor are cousins. Tolkien warns us that this story is going to be tragic – which is worrying given what we have already read! And doom/curses/fate runs all through it.
The Easterlings, who betrayed other Men in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, are still in charge of Dor-lomin where 8-year-old Turin and his pregnant mother, Morwen, live in poverty. Is Morwen a Welsh name?
Morwen sends Turin to Thingol (keep him secret, keep him safe!) because of the King’s friendship with her husband, Hurin, who is being kept prisoner by Morgoth. Thingol has changed his mind about Men because Hurin and Huor fought against Morgoth. This fostering arrangement is, as we know, common in the upper levels of Anglo-Saxon society. Thingol later refers to Turin as his fosterson.
Morwen gives birth to her second daughter and names her Nienor “Mourning” seeming to curse her already. (The first daughter died at 3 years old from a sickness created in the laboratories of Angband.) The meaning of names in this chapter is important; people seem to be doomed by their names, particularly Turin who gives himself portentous names.
Morwen will not leave home to be with Turin but sends the Dragon Helm to him, the heirloom of their House. Tolkien drew heavily on other stories and myths for this chapter, including the Tarnhelm in Wagner’s Ring Cycle in which this magic helmet is described as gold chainmail covering the wearer’s face and renders him invisible. (According to Wikipedia! Dernhelm is the Old English equivalent of Tarnhelm, the name taken by Eowyn when she becomes her warrior self!) Tolkien would have also seen the reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo helmet which has a dragon placed front to back on top.
The Sutton Hoo helmet and its reconstruction.
Tolkien describes Turin as already marked with grief. It’s as if this is a Greek tragedy, from which there is no escape from fate.
When Thingol no longer hears any news from Morwen and Nienor, he agrees for Turin to leave Doriath with Beleg Cuthalion (“Strongbow” his drink weapon of choice), his Elf friend, to fight orcs. He wears the Dragon Helmet. This goes on for three years. When Turin returns, he is taunted by Saeros for looking dishevelled and specifically refers to women running like deer ie prey, dressed only in their hair which is a pre-echo of what is to come. Turin makes Saeros’ punishment fit the crime and chases Saeros naked until he falls to his death, which is not an outcome that Turin foresaw or wanted. He feels guilty and refuses to return to Doriath despite Beleg telling him that Thingol has forgiven him and joins a band of outlaws. It’s as if he wants to be punished.
Turin is now calling himself Neithan, “the Wronged” even though he is the one that brought about Saeros’ death and has been forgiven. It’s as if he can only be identified by misery. When Beleg looks for Turin again and finds him, Tolkien writes (translates from the Elvish!) “….and Turin forswore thenceforward war or plunder against all save the servants of Angband.” Does this mean that he and the outlaws were attacking anyone before this decision?
Tolkien uses the poetic expression “But in the pride of his heart, Turin refused the pardon of the King….” As if he wants to be unhappy. This is reminiscent of the Anglo-Saxon word “ofermod” – a selfish type of pride, used about Beorhtnoth in the poem, the Battle of Maldon and used by Tolkien to criticise his battle strategy. (Unfairly!)
Turin tells Beleg to look for him on Amon Rudh (Bald Hill), which feels like a prophecy.
When Beleg returns to Doriath, he is given a sword by Thingol called “Anglachel” (iron flame?) made from meteorite iron and made by Eol, the Dark Elf. Melian says the sword is cursed because of the cruel nature of Eol. Tolkien later writes of the sword that “..Anglachel rejoiced to be unsheathed..” as if it had feelings. Perhaps this is a nod to the Anglo-Saxon poem The Rood in which Christ’s Cross speaks about the Crucifixion.
Readers of Terry Pratchett will know that he pokes gentle fun at the concept of named magical swords by describing them as two a penny in Discworld while unnamed, ordinary swords are rare!
Is this this first time we come across lembas? The description of the packaging around the waybread is beautiful, underlining the fact that these are not ordinary biscuits/cakes and that the baker and/or giver is a Maia. It is a great honour to receive them from a Queen and that it is the first time that Men might be allowed to eat them. This is a similar situation to Galadriel giving lembas to Aragorn and his company on the way to Mordor.
In another of his hints about the doom-laden future, Tolkien writes about Beleg: “..and he came to them (his friends) no more.”
The next event in this tragic unfolding is when Turin and the outlaws chase three Petty Dwarves – their name being translated from Sindarin so I don’t think it has anything to do with mean-mindedness although later, Tolkien writes that they literally became diminished in stature when the Elves pushed them out of their lands and even hunted them until there are only a few left.
It is not clear why the outlaws had to chase the dwarves; this seems to be against the decision that Turin took earlier. One is caught and another is hit by an arrow. The captured dwarf, Mîm, takes them to where they live inside Amon Rudh in order to save his life. Tolkien inserts a bit of irony here when Mim bitterly says: “…Amon Rudh is that hill called now, since the Elves changed all the names.” So say all races that are either conquered or overwhelmed by other races. Trip up the Brecon Beacons anyone? Or Bannau Brycheiniog.
Again there is another pre-echo/prophecy when one of the outlaws describes the red flowers on top of Amon Rudh as blood on the hill-top.
They discover that the dwarf, Mim’s son, who was hit by the arrow, has died. Turin feels remorse and regrets what happened. He offers to pay “weregild” for the son’s death, at which Mim describes him as speaking like a dwarf-lord of old. Although there seems to be admiration by Mim, perhaps there is an element of the dwarvish greed for gold. Although the Anglo-Saxon system was in order to avoid violence and constant revenge.
Fulfilling Turin’s prophecy, Beleg finds Turin on Amon Rudh during winter snows. He arrives dressed in white which makes me think of those scenes in Ice Station Zebra when commandos arrive in white camouflage on skis!
Turin is referred to as a leader of a petty (!) company. There is no background regarding how he became leader, presumably through his literal strength and his personality, rather than any democratic voting.
Turin still refuses to return to Doriath despite Beleg bringing the Dragon Helm to lift his spirits. Morgoth’s spies are still gathering intelligence and he learns of the terror caused by The Helm and The Bow ie Turin and Beleg. Turin gives himself another name: Gorthol, the Dread Helm. His name badge has grown long indeed.
When Mim and his remaining son are foraging for food, they are captured by orcs. Mim asks them not to kill Turin to which the orc captain agrees although we know that there is probably a nasty fate Morgoth has in store for him. The dwarves guide the orcs to the Men’s hideout in the mountain and all are killed except for Turin, who is captured and Beleg who is wounded. Beleg looks for Turin and comes across Gwindor who has been changed terribly because of his imprisonment by Morgoth. He was able to tell Beleg that he had seen Turin and they both set off after him. They find the unconscious Turin in the orc camp tied to a tree after the orcs have tortured him by throwing knives around him in the trunk. This is close to St Edmund’s torture and martyrdom when Danes tied him to a tree and shot him with arrows. They are able to rescue him but, tragically, when Turin comes round, finds Beleg cutting his fetters with his sword and not knowing immediately who he is, kills him with the sword. Tolkien writes: “… fate that day was more strong…”
A storm arises and the orcs run away believing it to be an attack from the West. The lightning allows Turin to see what he has done and of course, he is devastated and cannot be comforted by Gwindor. They bury Beleg with his bow but Gwindor keeps Anglachel.
Gwindor leads Turin to the springs of Eithel Ivrin which, when Turin drinks, lift him out of his fugue state. The waters are guarded by Ulmo who also gives protection and guidance to Turin’s cousin, Tuor. Gwindor is able to tell Turin that there are rumours of his father being held in Angband and that Morgoth has cursed the whole line of Men.
Turin and Gwindor come to Nargothrond, the realm of Orodreth. Turin is calling himself Agarwaen, the son of Umarth (the Bloodstained, the son of Ill-fate) and that he is a lost hunter. The King and his Elves take to Turin because of his good looks and bearing. They reforge Anglachel and it gets a new name, Gurthang, Iron of Death. Turin also acquires another name, this time given to him by the Elves, Mormegil, the Black Sword. He wears a dwarf mask when he fights against the orcs, presumably the same style mentioned in the previous chapter.
Sadly, Gwindor was in love with Finduilas, the King’s daughter, before his capture and he knows that she has fallen in love with Turin. He warns her that Elves and Men should not marry particularly because of Men’s short lives and that Turin is not of the same stamp as Beren; he is doomed. Gwindor tells her Turin’s identity. Turin is furious as he hopes to escape Morgoth’s curse by remaining hidden.
Because of his identity, Orodreth holds Turin in even higher regard and starts taking his advice including building a bridge so that the Elves could go out to battle in better order rather than skirmishing. Two Elves arrive to pass on a warning from Ulmo himself that he can no longer protect their river and that they must destroy their bridge. “Cast the stones of your pride into the loud river that the creeping evil may not find the gate.” Again there is reference to blind pride. Although Orodreth is troubled by this instruction, Turin in his pride will not let the bridge be destroyed, choosing to ignore a Valar.
Morgoth’s forces come closer to Nargothrond, including Glaurung. Orodreth and Gwindor are killed in the ensuing battle. Gwindor forcefully tells Turin to rescue Finduilas. He says: “..she stands between thee and thy doom..”
Sadly, because the Elves had not destroyed the bridge, the orcs and Glaurung are able to enter Nargothrond and kill and loot and take prisoners, including Finduilas. When Turin arrives, Glaurung literally stupefies his mind and body preventing him from rescuing Finduilas. Glaurung’s superpower of mesmerising is like the concept that snakes can hypnotise their prey. Of course, the dragon can also speak and see into people’s minds. Glaurung taunts him and lies about his mother and sister (who are in Doriath) that they are in poverty because of him. Turin believes the lies. This is like Hurin being forced to see the world through Morgoth’s eyes. When Glaurung de-hypnotises him, the dragon does not kill him but frees him in the cruel sense that he has to choose between rescuing Finduilas or his mother and sister.
After Turin has gone, Glaurung gives in to his dragonly nature and settles in Nargothrond on piles of treasure.
Turin tries to track down Morwen and Nienor; he gets as far as their home with the Easterlings. When he learns the truth, he kills all the Easterlings although they are not at fault. Turin then tries to rescue Finduilas, falling in with other Men. At this point, he calls himself Wildman of the Woods. The Men tell him that they found Finduilas, savagely murdered by the orcs. Her death is reminiscent of that of St Edmund and the Crucifixion. Turin is carried to Ephel Brandir where Brandir is ruler, whose strategy is for his people to remain in secrecy. When Turin is brought to him, Brandir recognises him, and in another hint of what is to come, Tolkien writes: “….a cloud of foreboding lay on his heart.” When Turin recovers he takes on another name: Turambar, “Master of Doom” although he does not seem to be a master of his fate at all.
Thingol discovers where Turin is and tells Morwen who sets off alone to find him. A group of elves (“march-wards” – a wonderful description of the Border Agency!) is sent after her. Nienor has disguised herself as one of them in the hope of finding her mother. This is a similarity to Eowyn disguising herself as Dernhelm. The group catch up with Morwen, Nienor is revealed and Mablung, the leader, puts a watch on them while he reconnoitres the surrounding lands. Tragically, Glaurung knows what they are doing and he manages to separate the group by turning the river Narog waters into steam. Tolkien writes: “Thus the ladies were lost….”. The use of the word “ladies” seems odd in this context and I’m not sure if Tolkien has used it before. Morwen and Nienor are separated and, horrifically, the daughter stumbles upon Glaurung and cannot escape his gaze. He causes her to lose her memory including her own identity. Mablung finds her and takes her towards Doriath. They are attacked by orcs and Nienor escapes. Tolkien describes her running as a deer, tearing off all her clothing. This act seems bizarre but I presume she is temporarily insane. This of course is a clear reference to Saeros’ insults and how Turin dealt with him. Thingol and Melian are told that both Nienor and Morwen are missing, separately.
Poetically, ironically and tragically, Nienor comes to Finduilas’ grave and lies down on the mound where Turin finds her. When she comes round, she feels a connection with him and that he will protect her. For a second I was thinking of Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker but only for a second. Turin, with his superpower of giving names, calls her Niniel, Tear-Maiden, as she does not know who she is. Again a tragic name for her when there could have been more positive ones. (Answers on a postcard!) After some time and when Niniel is recovered, although still without memory, she and Turin marry despite the forebodings of Brandir who tries to dissuade her. Turin tells her who he is and she then feels a sense of doom.
Turin takes up fighting orcs again and Glaurung hears that the Black Sword is nearby. Glaurung comes to the borders of Brandir’s land and Turin volunteers to fight him as it will take cunning to defeat him, not just physical strength. There are two volunteers who want to go with him. Brandir, who is actually lame, is taunted for not volunteering. Niniel also sets off after Turin and Brandir sets off after her.
Turin plans to climb into a gorge and when Glaurung passes over it, will stab upwards in his less armoured body and kill him. One volunteer runs away and the other is killed by a falling rock. Turin’s plan succeeds partially in that he deals the fatal blow but Glaurung does not die immediately. When retrieving his sword, poisoned blood falls onto his hand. Glaurung opens his eyes and stares at Turin “with such malice” that he passes out.
Brandir comes across Niniel, who has fallen into semi-consciousness after nearing the dragon scream. He leads her away but she runs away to find her husband, tragically finding him lying near the dragon. Glaurung speaks to her before he dies revealing that Turin is her brother and extremely cruelly, says: “But the worse of all his deeds thou shall feel in thyself” ie that they are having a baby. As the dragon dies, Nienor/Niniel remembers everything about her early life and throws herself into the river. This stretch of the gorge was called “The Leap of Dreadful Doom”.
Brandir, who witnessed this, returns to his home and tells everyone that the dragon, Turin and Niniel are dead and reveals Turin’s identity. He says that the deaths of the dragon and Turin are good events. However, Turin recovers and also returns to Brethil, looking for Niniel. Brandir tells him that Niniel was his sister and that she is dead. Turin does not believe him and mocks him for his disability. Brandir repeats Glaurung’s words that Turin is cursed so Turin kills him and runs away to Finduilas’ grave. Mablung finds him and tells him that Morwen and Nienor/Niniel are missing, making Turin realise that the dragon told the truth about their relationship so he runs on to where she died.
Turin uses his sword to commit suicide, and eerily the sword speaks: “…I will drink thy blood gladly, that so I may forget the blood of my master Beleg, and the blood of Brandir slain unjustly, I will slay thee.” It’s as if the sword carries out the last act of revenge.
The attack on the dragon is like Fafnir being killed by Sigurd, by hiding in a pit below the dragon, using the sword Gram and by the dragon’s blood burning him. Also the battle with the dragon in Beowulf when the hero, accompanied by one volunteer, kills the dragon but dies himself.
The unwitting incest has been borrowed from the Finnish myth of Kullervo which influenced Tolkien. Kullervo has a one-night stand (putting it nicely) with his unknown sister (although they are twins!) and she drowns after finding out.
Southfarthing Mathom 2012 