The Trial of Túrin

Soon after Túrin left Doriath Thingol and Melian returned to Menegroth and heard of what befell. The king was saddened and waited a day before giving judgement. In his court Thingol listened to all witnesses of which Mablung spoke most. Thingol inquired whether Mablung was only speaking as a friend of Túrin. And Mablung said: "'I was, but I have loved truth more and longer" (p. 92, The Children of Húrin). When Mablung's full tale was told the Thingol's heart was heavy. He deemed the humiliation and death of Saeros to be a greater punishment then was deserved (though he was angry at Saeros' behavior). He was about to pronounce banishment on Túrin and renounce him as foster-son when Beleg Strongbow came in from the wild.

Beleg insisted that Thingol hear one more witness. He brought forth Nellas who was overcome with fear by the great halls of Menegroth and all the people there. She began her tale by telling the king she was sitting in a tree before faltering. "At that the King smiled, and said: 'Others have done this also, but have felt no need to tell me of it'" (p. 94, The Children of Húrin). Nellas took heart at the his smile and told all her tale, though one unfortunate reference, to Lúthien and Beren's likeness to Túrin, wiped the smile and patience off Thingol's face.

Thingol wondered why Túrin did not mention the surprise attack to Mablung who vouched, truthfully, that it was mentioned. Thingol changed his judgement; deeming Túrin the one wronged. He intented to bring Túrin back to the halls in honor. The next day Beleg came before Melian and Thingol seeking permission to search for Túrin and vowing to find him. This gave Thingol great hope and he promised Beleg any gift for making the journey. 

Beleg asked for a sword since the Orcs would be many. Thingol gave Beleg the choice of any sword in the armory, save his own. Beleg chose Anglachel (I love that the swords have names!) which was smithed from iron that fell from the sky. Only one other sword was like it in Middle-earth: Anguirel. Both were smithed by Eöl, the Dark Elf. He gave Anglachal to Thingol as payment for living in the woods of Nan Elmoth and kept Anguirel until his son Maeglin stole it.

Melian warned Beleg: "'There is malice in this sword. The heart of the smith still dwells in it, and that heart was dark. It will not love the hand it serves; neither will it abide with you long'" (p. 97, The Children of Húrin). Undaunted Beleg began his search of Túrin. A winter and spring passed and though he found danger he did not yet find Túrin.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 484

Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin