Character of Month: Húrin, Part Two

In June, Melesta shared the first half of Húrin's biography, where they make the case that he is a prototypical hero within the legendarium, a character who possibly inspired Third Age heroes like Aragorn. This month, in the biography's second half, Húrin's life takes a turn for the tragic. (But of course! It is The Silmarillion!)

Húrin might have one of the rawest deals in a book of raw deals. After sacrificing himself so that Gondolin could survive, he experiences physical and psychological torment in Morgoth's hands, helplessly watches the tragic demise of his family, and once freed, goes forth not to a hero's welcome but to mistrust and a series of betrayals. Melesta teases out the elements of this part of the story that have deeper historical and literary resonances, including what Húrin's story tells us of heroism.

You can read Part 2 of Húrin's biography here.

Posted on 5 August 2023 (updated 2 September 2023) by SWG Moderators