Túrin Grows Up

Melian kept secret watch over Túrin. Chiefly this was achieved through Nellas, one of Melian's maidens. She lived in the woods of Doriath and would often meet Túrin there by chance it seemed when he wandered through the woods. He was nine years old and she appeared around the same age. Often they played together in the woods and for a season Túrin could forget his sorrows. But as he grew older he saw Nellas less and less as he became more concerned about his kin. He would often go to Menegroth while she desired not to step foot there. Eventually he stopped meeting her to play altogether yet she still secretly watched over him.

During this time spent in Doriath Thingol showed exceeding favor to Húrin's kin by sending out messengers to Morwen. Through them Túrin learned of his mother's safety and how Niënor, his sister, was growing in beauty. Beleg Strongbow often came to visit Turin and he taught him the skills of a woodsmen and weaponry; Turin's preferred weapon was the sword. However, it seemed that fate was against Túrin as he could not make things well, did come by friendship easily (for he was silent and sorrowful), and did not often get what he desired.

In particular Saeros, a friend of Daeron the minstrel, did not like Túrin. Saeros always showed contempt for those he deemed lesser than himself. Nor did he love any kin of Beren who won the heart of Lúthien whom Daeron had loved. Saeros using cunning words to speak against Túrin in public and openly ridiculed him when alone with Túrin. And Túrin was wary of the Elf, for he was an advisor to Thingol, and remained silent--driving Saeros' anger all the more aflame. Those who knew Túrin well loved him much.

Eventually Thingol's messengers did not return as Morgoth closed the lands of Dor-lómin. Túrin was 17 at this time. Once the messengers did not return Thingol was hesitant to send his people out of Doriath and his protection. Túrin grew restless for news of his family and resolved to go to their aid. He went to Thingol and Melian and made his request. Thingol asked his foster-son what was on his mind. Túrin asked for mail, weapons, the Helm of Hador, and some soldiers to go to his people's aid. Weapon's Thingol would grant but not his people. Melian told Túrin that the Girdle would not hem in anyone whom was let in. Thingol urged Turin to stay on the North-watches. There he could practice his skill in warfare in defense of Doriath. Túrin listened though his heart long for assault against Morgoth rather than defence.

Túrin did speak out of turn though. When questioned about what he could accomplish, being one man, he invoked the tale of Beren his kinsmen. Melian was quick to remind Túrin that Lúthien was equally important in that quest and that he was overbold to speak her name to her father. Plus, Melian did not foresee such a high destiny for Húrin's son. She encouraged him to follow Thingol's advice warning Túrin to: "'...fear both the heat and cold in your heart, and strive for patience, if you can'" (p. 85, The Children of Húrin).

So Turin went to the North marches and learned how to fight. Always daring was he received many Orc wounds, "...but his doom delivered him from death..." (p. 85, The Children of Húrin). Rumor spread wide about the Helm of Hador returning to battle. Many wondered if Húrin returned from death or perhaps escaped Angband. Only Beleg Strongbow was a greater warrior among the march-wardens. "...and Beleg and Túrin were companions in every peril, and walked far and wide in the wild woods together" (p. 86, The Children of Húrin).

I liked the wise words of Melian. To be aware of the cold and heat of your heart. A person who knows their heart well; it's pitfalls and glories will do well in life--but it takes deep understanding to know the wiles of the heart. I also like the growing friendship of Beleg and Turin. Their friendship is one of my favorite in all of Middle-earth even though it will be caught in the malice of Morgoth. Truly Beleg will become a brother to Turin.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, circa 474-481
Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 80-86