Messengers in Nargothrond

Gelmir and Arminas came to Nargothrond with an important message. They were taken before Túrin but would only speak to Orodreth the king. They said they were sent by Círdan who had a message from Ulmo himself for the king about future danger. Orodreth was puzzled for they had come form the North and not South where Círdan dwelled.

Arminas revealed they had first sought for Turgon and the Hidden City but found it not. He feared they had tarried too long. Orodreth wondered why they would seek Turgon. "'Because it is said his kingdom will stand longest against Morgoth'" (p. 172, The Children of Húrin). That message was troubling to Orodreth. Gelmir spoke of a great mustering of enemy forces by Sauron's Isle. Túrin was aware and said they did indeed tarry too long.

Gelmir gave the message from Ulmo. The Lord of the Waters was removing his power from the Sirion River and a great evil was coming to Nargothrond. He ended by saying, "'Cast the stones of your pride into the loud river, that the creeping evil may not find the gate'" (p. 173, The Children of Húrin). He was referencing the bridge that Túrin had ordered to be erected. Orodreth was troubled by this message and Túrin angered saying Círdan knew nothing of their war against an enemy so close.

Gelmir bowed to leave but Arminas asked if Túrin really was from the House of Hador. Again Túrin's wrath was spoked and he cursed those that would betray Húrin's son. Gelmir tried to cool the situation noting it was known that Ulmo had great love for that house and that Húrin and Huor were said to have been to Turgon's Hidden Kingdom which they sought. Túrin revealed Húrin would never speak of that and he thought Arminas' purpose was rather to spy information.

In anger Arminas responded, "'I asked because I doubted what hear seems believed; for little indeed do you resemble the kin of Hador, whatever your name'" (p. 174, The Children of Húrin). He then went on to say Húrin he had known and they had met Tuor, son of Huor, Húrin's brother, on their journey to Nargothrond. Túrin said he more resembled his mother's kin but Arminas said the difference he meant was that of their disposition: Tuor was courteous and willing to listen to council. "'But you, it seems, will take counsel with your own wisdom, or with your sword only; and you speak haughtily'" (p. 175, The Children of Húrin). You know what they say about pride.

In anger Túrin taunted the two messengers by bidding them get back to their safe shores. Gelmir and Arminas departed not because they feared battle but they were under orders to report to Círdan how the conversation went. Soon after they left the Orcs attacked the Men of Brethil who defended as best they could but Handir, their lord, was slain. This allowed the Orcs to gather at the Pass of Sirion prompting Ulmo to withdraw his power from that water. Túrin's pride will cause trouble for the people of Nargothrond very soon. Indeed, our pride often has ways of negatively impacting more than just ourselves.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 495, spring
Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 171-176