Turin and Tuor Cross Paths

In great anguish Túrin left his people. His woes multiplied as he had not located Morwen and Niënor, was deceived into not pursuing Finduilas, and he had caused trouble for his people of Dor-lómin. His only solace was knowing that his efforts in Nargothrond had allowed his mother and sister to travel safety in Doriath protected by the Girdle of Melian. For Túrin thought, "If the Girdle of Melian be broken, then all is ended" (p. 192, The Children of Húrin). And since all his steps led to woe Túrin thought he would leave his mother and sister in peace there for the time being. So he turned toward the Sirion to pursue Finduilas waylaying all trails but too late was he and no tracks could be found in the autumn snow and rains.

Meanwhile Tuor and Voronwë continued their journey toward the Hidden Kingdom. They were shielded by the great cloak Ulmo had given Tuor but still they went forth warily. For their path went ever east and never south. At this Tuor said nothing and wondered greatly. For nearly all believed that Turgon was hid far south of Angband and away from the dangers of war.

Eventually they came to the Pools of Ivrin and Voronwë was greatly dismayed. It was desolate and defiled. Far from Morgoth's reach it had been but now it was destroyed by his servants. Tuor remembered Ulmo saying his power was leaving the waters of the land. And searching Voronwë found evidence of the great reek of that land. "'Here not long since was the Great Worm of Angband, most fell of the creatures of the Enemy! Late already is our errand to Turgon. There is need of haste'" (p. 37, Unfinished Tales). For he knew Glaurung was on the prowl. Have you noticed they often refer to him as the "Great Worm"? at this point dragons could not fly.

At that very moment they heard a great cry in the woods. Tuor and Voronwë stood stone still in their cloaks and saw a man, clad in black with a great black sword full of grief. And crying aloud he said, "'Ivrin, Faelivrin! Gwindor and Beleg! Here once I was healed. But now never shall I drink the draught of peace again'" (p. 37, Unfinished Tales). And off he ran, as if in pursuit, to the North crying out for Finduilas. And as for Tuor and Voronwe: "...they knew not that Nargothrond had fallen, and this was Túrin son of Húrin, the Blacksword. Thus for a moment only, and never again, did the paths of those kinsmen, Túrin and Tuor, draw together" (p. 37-38, Unfinished Tales).

Whereas Túrin's life is a tragedy Tuor seems to be the exact opposite. Perhaps he is less prideful and willing to take counsel whereas Túrin is not. Perhaps it's due to the curse laid upon Húrin and his kin. Whatever the reason you get the sense the Tuor is all that Túrin should/could have been. 

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, late autumn

Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 192-193; Unfinished Tales, pages 36-38