Túrin figured Thingol would pursue him for the death of Saeros so he left Doriath. He made his way to the Forest of Teiglin where a remnant of the Folk of Haleth dwelt. Fear of Orcs and outlaws ruled the land. The outlaws were men homeless from battle or forced into exile for evil deeds. They were hated a little less than Orcs for they stole from the people living in the lands. A band of fifty outlaws had gathered together under the leadership of a man named Forweg. Among his company was Andróg of Dor-lómin exiled for killing a woman and old Algund who had fled from the Nirnaeth. The outlaws espied Túrin and surrounded him in the woods with drawn bows and swords. Túrin spoke bold words promising death to many before he was taken.
Túrin bent suddenly to pick up some rocks at his feet. At the same moment one of the outlaws let fly an arrow and missed. Túrin sprang up and hurled a rock into the man's skull killing him. "'I might be of more service to you alive, in the place of that luckless man,' said Túrin" (p. 100, The Children of Húrin). Forweg was ready to let him join when two of the company spoke against it. Ulrad who was friend of the dead man and Andróg. Túrin offered to fight them both and Ulrad relented quickly. Andróg strode toward Túrin but did not wish to fight him: "'I am not a chicken-heart, as men know; but I am not your match. There is none here, I think'" (p. 101, The Children of Húrin). So Túrin was accepted into the band of outlaws naming himself Neithan, the Wronged.
Túrin did not agree wholeheartedly with the actions of the group. Yet he wished to live and could not always fight against them. They survived the winter with the help of the homesteads in the woods. The people did not love the outlaws but gave them what food they could spare in hopes of being left alone. Forweg had the outlaws living near one of their small villages and the group was concerned for as spring drew nigh so did the danger. One day, Túrin grew restless (as he often was in dark mood around the outlaws) because Forweg and Andróg were nowhere to be found and he knew the danger of dwelling near the villages. The other outlaws laughed it off saying they were off on business. Túrin was annoyed and went for a walk alone.
There he was met by a young woman screaming and running, clothes torn by brambles and being followed. Túrin again sprung into action killing the man in pursuit. In the deathblow Túrin saw it was Forweg. Andróg followed and drew his sword for the killing of his captain. Túrin asked if Orcs were chasing her and he had come to help. '"Fool! You call yourself an outlaw. Outlaws know no law but their needs. Look to your own, Neithan, and leave us to mind ours'" (p. 104, The Children of Húrin). It's pretty obvious what their intention for the young lady was. I am glad to see Túrin's heart had not become that hard. The woman urged Túrin to kill Andróg and bring their heads back to her father. Túrin refused and sent her back home. She looked back at him many times but he turned and left for the outlaws bidding Andróg to bring Forweg's weapons. Andróg was perplexed.
Upon return to camp Túrin said plainly he had killed Forweg. Andróg verified his story wondering why Túrin killed Forweg, left him alive, and did not take the girl who clearly liked her savior. Túrin offered two choices to the outlaws: his captaincy or his leave of the group. He would welcome a fight as well. Many raised their weapons when Andróg spoke: "'Nay! The head he spared is not witless. If we fight, more than one will die needlessly, before we kill the best man among us.'" (p. 106, The Children of Húrin). Old Algund remembered there was a time when many of them would have rushed to the girl's aid as Túurin had done. He hoped that Túrin may lead them home. The company took him as captain with those of Hador's line willingly and others less-so. Túrin's first decision was to lead the band into the wild where they could avoid hatred of other men.
This bit of reading reminds me of an acronym of manhood a mentor of mine used: R.E.A.L. Reject Passivity, Embrace Integrity, Accept Responsibility, and Lead Courageously. I think we are seeing Túrin grow into this kind of masculinity. He was quick to action. He did not take advantage of the woman which would have been easy (because of his strength and the culture of men around him), he plainly tells the outlaws he slew Forweg, and he takes the call of leadership. It's a great series of events. I hope in my life I can be REAL. Unfortunately for Túrin the curse of Morgoth will mar these great traits. Just like the curse of Adam mars it in me.
Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 484-485
Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, page 98-107
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