The Year That Cannot Be Forgotten

It's 472 First Age, the year that cannot be forgotten. In the spring Huor wedded Rían and were only together for two months before he went off to fight. Túrin is almost 8 years old. Rumors went about the land of a great mustering of troops; Maedhros was readying his assault on Angband. Túrin noted, "...his father looked steadfastly at him, as a man might look at something dear that he must part from" (p. 45, The Children of Húrin). Hope was high and Húrin was ever hopeful. Prudently he spoke with Morwen of what was to come if the battle was lost.

After one night of little rest Hurin engaged Morwen on a plan of action if the Elves and Edain lost. He implored her to not wait in Dor-lómin. He encouraged her to flee to his ancestors in the Brethil, the Folk of Haleth. Morwen was anxious of heart about that plan. She suggested Gondolin guessing as many had that Hurin spent time there when lost. Húrin replied, "'Yet the word is true that you have heard: I have been there. But I tell you truly, as I have told no other, and will not: I do not know where it stands'" (p. 46-47, The Children of Húrin). He would not reveal even a guess to Morwen because of his oath to Turgon.

Morwen then suggested a flight to Doriath to seek protection from Thingol thinking the Girdle of Melian would be the last defense to fall. Plus she herself was Thingol's kin on the account that her line is of the house of Bëor and she was related to Beren, Barahir's son, husband of Lúthien. Húrin is uneasy with this plan but in the end trusts whatever decision that needs to be made (if it needs to be made) to his wife. He also assures her he will come for them when he can so long as he lives.

Soon thereafter it was Túrin's 8th birthday. Húrin presented his son with a fine Elven knife calling him Heir of the House of Hador. He warned Túrin to be careful with the blade and gave him a kiss. Túrin is puffed up by his father's words: "Then Túrin ran from the room and went away alone, and in his heart was a warmth of the sun upon a cold earth that sets growth astir. He repeated to himself his father's words, Heir of the House of Hador..." (p. 48-49, The Children of Húrin).

Sador's words came to Turin's mind too. He ran to his friend and with a something of his own to give, gave the knife to Sador who reluctantly accepted it. Later Húrin saw his son did not wear the knife and inquired about it. Túrin explained what he had done. Morwen was not happy thinking the father's gift was scorned. But Túrin said he gave it to Sador out of love and pity. "Then Húrin said: 'All three gifts were your own to give, Túrin: love, pity, and the knife the least'" (p. 49, The Children of Húrin). Very wise words by the father I must say. Morwen was still ill-pleased but from then on Sador was treated with more honor.

About midsummer Túrin is awoken by trumpets calling and scores of men with horses armed for war. They are Húrin's men but not all for his Huor, his brother, had led some men away earlier. Huor and his wife Rían had only been husband and wife for two months. Not much time but time enough to conceive a child who will have a role to play in future tales. Húrin said to Morwen: "'Farewell, Lady of Dor-Lómin; we ride now with greater hope than ever we have known before" (p. 50, The Children of Húrin). And setting Túrin on his shoulder's he cried out: "'Let the heir of the House of Hador see the light of your swords!'" (p. 51, The Children of Húrin). His men unsheathed their swords with a great battle-cry. Off rode Húrin with his men out of sight of wife and son.

Middle-earth Timeline: First Age, 472 (spring through midsummer)

Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 34 and 44-51