News of the ruin of Nargothrond came to Doriath in the spring; some said Túrin was dead, others said he was a prisoner. Some said Glaurang remained at Nargothrond while others said he went back North. Morwen was distraught and fey; she declared to Thingol her intent to go look for her son. While Thingol himself wanted concrete news of Túrin and Nargothrond's fate he was loath to let the Lady of Dor-lómin leave. Melian also sought to persuade her to stay. But she was set on leaving and the Girdle of Melian holds back none who wish to go.
Morwen said fairwell to Niënor who also tried to convince her mother not to go. Morwen's will could not be moved and she left the next morning. Thingol commanded Mablung to follow Morwen along with some other march-wardens. They were under orders not to reveal themselves unless need arose and at that time to persuade Morwen to return or guard her as they may. They were also charged with gathering as much news as possible along the journey.
And so it was that Morwen came to the Sirion River and too perilous was it to cross. Mablung revealed himself but she would not listen to Thingol's advice to return. Mablung led her to secret ferries for the crossing of the river. As they crossed it was Morwen who noted another was added to Mablung's company. "Then the others turned, and saw that the sun shone upon a head of gold: for it was Niënor, and her hood was blown back by the wind" (p. 202, The Children of Húrin). Morwen, greatly dismayed, ordered her daughter to return to Doriath.
Niënor said, "'This choice indeed I bring. To lead me back and bestow me safely in the keeping of Melian; for it is not wise to refuse her counsel. Or to know that I shall go into peril, if you go'" (p. 202-203, The Children of Húrin). Being proud Morwen refused to turn back but with Niënor having the stubbornness of Húrin she could not be persuaded to go back either. Mablung was distraught seeing the mood of Morwen and Niënor and having an idea of the danger they would face. "'More do I dread this errand of the King than the hunting of the Wolf'" (p. 203, The Children of Húrin).
So on they traveled along the same plains that Beren had years before. As they drew ever closer to the Narog River Mablung, to no avail, tried to change Morwen's mind. Realizing this he devised a plan where Morwen and Niënor would stay at Amon Ethir, Spyhill, under guard while he and a few others ventured into Nargothrond. On top of the hill with his keen Elvish sight Mablung could see Nargothrond ruined but no signs of enemy; therefore he left the women in the protection of 10 guards while he went on.
Glaurung was aware of the spies for his eyesight was better than the Eagles and far outreached Elvish sight. As Mablung crept along the rocks of the banks of the Narog Glaurung belched forth great fire and issued from Nargothrond. Poisonous smoke and steam arose and most of the Elves fled as best they could to the Amon Ethir while Mablung hid under a rock. For he was courageous and stout and wished to learn what information of Nargothrond he could after the dragon was gone. Plus he thought Morwen and Nienor to be safe with the guard.
Indeed Glaurung was spotted from the hill but even as the company reached the plain the great smoke and vapours from the dragon came upon them issuing utter confusion. They were blinded and their horses scared. One rider saw Morwen passing by calling for Niënor and the Lady of Dor-lómin was not seen again. Niënor had been thrown from her horse but was unhurt. With chaos all around her she made toward the hill figuring Mablung would go there first before returning to Doriath.
She was not alone at the top. Indeed, Glaurung was there waiting and quickly caught her into the trance of his eyes. Although strong in heart Niënor could not withdraw from his stare. She said she was looking for Túrin. Glaurung taunted that name. That led Niënor to reveal to the Great Worm that she was his sister. "Then Glaurung laughed, for so was Húrin's daughter revealed to his malice" (p. 209, The Children of Húrin). He drew her deeper into his gaze until a great darkness came upon her and "...she knew nothing, and heard nothing, and remembered nothing" (p. 209, The Children of Húrin).
Meanwhile Mablung had explored as much of Nargothrond as he could finding no survivors and no news of Túrin. As he was seeking to cross the river and return back came Glaurung. The dragon was spent using his powers on Niënor and he passed Mablung by. But he laughed, or the laugh of Morgoth issued from him. "'There you lie like a vole under the bank, Mablung the mighty! Ill do you run the errands of Thingol. Haste you now to the hill and see what is become of your charge!'" (p. 210, The Children of Húrin). Mablung hurried to the hill and found Niënor completely unresponsive. She would suffer being led by the hand but would make no sound nor open her eyes.
Greatly dismayed was Mablung but three of his company found him and together they led forth Niënor. She seemed to gain more strength the closer they drew to Doriath but still no response would she give. As they drew nigh to the Girdle of Melian they were assailed by Orcs. Mablung and his companions were able to slay them but something awoke in Niënor and she ran away, swift as a deer, and none could keep up with her. And Niënor was lost.
Mablung returned to Doriath in shame asking to be relieved as hunter of Thingol. But both Thingol and Melian were gracious commending him on his efforts which were more than any others would have dared. Alas, it was a grievous journey as Morwen was lost altogether and Niënor left to roam the wilds witless. Mablung would not give up and long went searching for news of the kin of Húrin.
If you remember Morgoth cursed all of Hurin's children. To this point we've seen Turin haunted time and again by this curse. Long was Nienor hidden from Morgoth and now at long last she is revealed. Now the curse of the evil one can reach fulfillment and malice ridden it will be.
Middle-earth timeline: First Age, 496
Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 198-212
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