Húrin's Wanderings

Húrin went on with the Shadow following him. After Morwen's death in anguish and bitterness he vowed revenge on all who had contributed to the woe of his kin--though much of what he considered woe were twisted lies of Morgoth. So even though Húrin did not trust Morgoth and certainly has no loyalty to him he is being used for evil purposes. Reminds of of a prayer I pray. Húrin traveled the paths of his son seeing Amon Rûdh and eventually he arrived at Nargothrond. He crossed the same river Mablung had. Though Glaurung was now dead he did not find Nargothrond empty. Húrin asked who stood in his way of entering the ruined city and it was none other than Mîm. Húrin revealed himself as Túrin's father and that he knew of the Dwarf's betrayal of his son. Mîm grew afraid and offered as much treasure as Húrin wished in exchange for his life but Húrin killed the Dwarf. There in Nargothrond Húrin abode for a while among the treasures of Valinor.

Finally Húrin left taking with him one treasure only. From Nargothrond he made his way to Doriath to seek out Thingol and Melian whom he also felt betrayed his kin. He was brought to Thingol in honor but immediately scorned his host; throwing the one treasure from Nargothrond at Thingol's feet, Nauglamir, Necklace of the Dwarves saying "'Receive thou thy fee for thy fair keeping of my children and my wife! For this is the Nauglamir, whose name is known to many among Elves and Men; and I bring it to thee out of the darkness of Nargothrond, where Finrod thy kinsman left it behind him when he set forth with Beren son of Barahir to fulfill the errand of Thingol of Doriath!'" (p. 231, The Silmarillion).

Thingol took pity on Húrin and withstood his scorn. Melian then spoke to Húrin telling him he was bewitched by Morgoth and how they did indeed care for his kin. It was not by command of Thingol did they go. "And hearing the words of Melian Húrin stood moveless, and he gazed long into the eyes of the Queen; and there in Menegroth, defended still by the Girdle of Melian from the darkness of the Enemy, he read the truth of all that was done, and tasted at last the fullness of woe that was measured for him by Morgoth Bauglir" (p. 231, The Silmarillion). Húrin then scooped up the Nauglamir and gave it to Thingol in honor. He turned left the hall and left Doriath. The bringing of the Nauglamir to Doriath would prove to be the third evil of the release of Húrin. It is said that being bereft of purpose Húrin threw himself into the Great Sea.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 501

Today's reading comes from: The Silmarillion, pages 230-232