Nargothrond

Gwindor and Túrin made their way to Nargothrond. The people did not recognize Gwindor from his years of imprisonment and torture. But Finduilas, daughter of King Orodreth, welcomed him. They were betrothed before he departed for the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Túrin would not let his identity be known among the people. He named himself Agarwaen son of Umarth, Bloodstained son of Ill-fate.u

Anglachel was forged anew by the smiths of Nargothrond for Túrin. He soon found favor with Oredreth given his skills in warfare. Túrin urged open warfare against the forces of Morgoth whereas the Elves of Nargothrond had only spied and ambushed when necessary. But Gwindor, knowing the power of Morgoth, was ever at odds with Túrin's counsel.

Gwindor felt secrecy was the best hope of the Noldor for revealing themselves would show Morgoth where his elusive enemies were. Plus he advocated waiting on help from the Valar. That idea set Túrin on a long diatribe against the Valar. He advocated for attack because the end would be the same no matter what. He urged his listeners to win a time of glory saying those valiant acts will be "'...written into the history of Arda, which neither Morgoth nor Manwë can unwrite'" (p. 161, The Children of Húrin).

Gwindor acknowledged Túrin's high words but further explained his position of secrecy: "'It is a prophecy among us that one day a messenger from Middle-earth will come through the shadows to Valinor, and Manwë will hear, and Mandos relent" (p. 162, The Children of Húrin). He went on to say that's why a remnant would need to be preserved and even now Círdan was building ships in the South. He then said to Túrin, "'You think of yourself and of your own glory, and bid us each do likewise; but we must think of others beside ourselves, for not all can fight and fall'" (p. 162, The Children of Húrin). Túrin still felt a bold defense would yield the best results.

We have not yet tracked much with Túrin's cousin Tuor, but he will be a key player in the prophecy Gwindor speaks of. As for Túrin you can see his pride is welling up. I think these are wise words of Gwindor; we must think of others and not only ourselves. Anytime I hear this theme I must reflect on my own life. My chief struggle right now is the desire to live for my wants, needs, glory and rather than sacrificing for others. Yet that is not what life is about. Oh God, help my deny myself, daily pick up my cross, and follow You.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, circa 491

Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, s 159-163