The Helm of Hador

Turin began to settle in Doriath. Grithnir became sick and eventually died. Túrin's other guide Gethron returned to Morwen in Dor-lómin. Thingol sent an escort with Gethron to keep him safe and deliver a message from Melian. Melian, with her foresight, hoped to avoid the evil Morgoth had planned for Húrin's kin. Morwen, in her pride, would not yet leave Dor-lómin and Nienor was still an infant. She did send the Helm of Hador back with Thingol's Elves. This was the greatest heirloom in the House of Hador and she wanted it to be given to Túrin the heir of the house.

Túrin was devastated when his mother did not return. Melian understood their fate could not easily be averted and Thingol pondered what to do with the Helm. He felt it put to shame the works of his armory even though he possessed weapons made by Fëanor. It was helmet of steel made by the Dwarves, adorned with gold, and victory runes. On its crest was an image of Glaurung the dragon and the helmet protected all who wore it. The Helm was originally given to Maedhros from Azaghâl because the Elf had come to the Dwarf lord's aid. Maedhros had then given it to his friend Fingon because it was he who first drove Glaurung back. Fingon in turn gave the Helm to Hador when he received lordship of Dor-lómin and it was passed down to the heir since. Galdor, Hador's son, was not wearing it in the defence of Ethel Sirion for the attack was swift and an Orc arrow pierced his eye.

Húrin, however, could not wear the Helm with ease for there were few who could. Plus as he said, "'I would rather look on my foes with my true face'" (p. 76, Unfinished Tales). Still, Húrin esteemed the Helm as his most prized possession. Thingol took this mighty heirloom and gave it to its rightful owner: Túrin. Yet Túrin was too young to wield the Helm and the sorrow of his mother not returning was too near for him to care.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, circa 473
Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, pages 74-76