Túrin, Gwindor, and Finduilas

Túrin continued to gain the favor of king Orodreth who completely trusted his judgement. By Túrin's advice the Elves of Nargothrond forsook secrecy for open defense. Túrin even had a bridge built over the river Narog to the very doors of Nargothrond so that his troops could assemble more quickly if needed. Meanwhile, Gwindor became of less account being maimed and of little strength.

Túrin wore a Dwarf mask into battle and was so skilled the Elves of Nargothrond felt he could not be slain other than by a ill-chance. He reminded many of the great lords of the Noldor with his skill and high-Elven ways learned in Doriath. All was going as Túrin would have hoped and as a result he was kinder to all. And one in particular was enthralled by him. That was Finduilas, daughter of Orodreth, who was betrothed to Gwindor. Túrin himself began to enjoy her company for she reminded him of his kin.

At first they would meet when Gwindor was around; but Finduilas sought out Túrin alone, as if by chance (Not good). She would ask about his past and he spoke freely enough in her presence without naming his real name or where he grew up. Because of this Finduilas named him Thurin meaning secret. At this name Túrin startled being so close to his own. It was apparent that Túrin's affection for Finduilas was as a brother to a sister.

It also became apparent that Gwindor was colder toward Túrin. This puzzled Túrin. He guessed it was because the king sought him out over Gwindor. But Túrin loved Gwindor because of the healing and guidance he gave when they first met and was concerned about the darkness he perceived. The darkness was also now on Finduilas. Though Túrin thought it fear of Morgoth only.

Finduilas was torn. She held Gwindor in both honor and pity but she loved Túrin more with each passing day; thinking often of Beren and Lúthien. Túrin came to her and tried to lift her spirits but his words were of victory against Morgoth not of love. She asked him to be careful in battle; he did not understand why. Túrin then spoke to Gwindor encouraging him that his darkness would pass especially in the light of Finduilas. Gwindor could only stare at Túrin at first. They did converse but Túrin left thinking again the issue was due to his place before Orodreth.

Gwindor reflected on the conversation cursing Morgoth. "'And now at last I believe the rumour of Angband that Morgoth cursed Húrin and all his kin'" (p. 167, The Children of Húrin). He then found Finduilas. He confronted her about avoiding him. He wished no grief between them and he bid her to go wherever love would lead her since he was unfit to wed. Finduilas wept and Gwindor guessed where love would lead. He exhorted her: "'Not fitting is it that the Elder Children of Illúvatar should wed the Younger; nor is it wise, for they are brief, and soon pass, to leave us in widowhood while the world lasts. Neither will fate suffer it, unless it be once or twice only, for some high cause of doom that we do not perceive'" (p. 167-68, The Children of Húrin).

Gwindor revealed to Finduilas Túrin's real name and the curse that lay upon him. Finduilas responded saying "'...I love you, Gwindor, and I am ashamed that I love you not more, but have taken a love even greater, from which I cannot escape. I did not seek it, and long I put it aside, but if I have pity for your hurts, have pity on mine. Túrin loves me not, nor will'" (p. 168, The Children of Húrin). Gwindor wondered why Túrin sought out Finduilas. She revealed it was only because he missed his mother and sister. Finduilas was hurt that she had to admit she was unloved and then doubted for declaring it. "'Nay, a woman is not easily deceived in such a case. Nor will you find many who will deny that they are loved, if that is true"' (p. 169, The Children of Húrin) said Gwindor.

Later Finduilas asked Túrin why he did not reveal his true identity to her. When asked who she thought he was she responded with his true name. He was angry when he learned that it was Gwindor who revealed this to Finduilas. "'...You have done ill to me, friend, to betray my right name, and call down my doom upon me, from which I would lie hid.' But Gwindor answered: 'The doom lies in yourself, not in your name'" (p. 170, The Children of Húrin). Meanwhile, Morgoth's hand was stayed for a time by the defense of Nargothrond giving peace to the lands. In this time Morwen and Nienor, Túrin's mother and sister, fled Dor-lómin and came to Doriath. There they were treated with honor by Thingol and Melian but were saddened to learn Túrin had been gone for some time and no news of him was known.

Wow. There was some amazing stuff in this read. Just really good story telling by Tolkien. He had a good understanding on relationships. The tension between Túrin, Finduilas, and Gwindor in this chapter was palpable. Each battling the desires of their own hearts. Finduilas torn between two loves: feeling guilty for not loving Gwindor and hopeless for love returned from Túrin. Gwindor feeling like he's lost everything: his power and skill in battle (maimed), his role (counselor to Orodreth) and his betrothed (Finduilas). Túrin able to perceive something is not right but never clear sighted enough to see what really is going on. He often seems to live in the past or future and never in the moment. The interaction between Gwindor and Finduilas was truly heartbreaking.

Middle-earth timeline: First Age, circa 491-495
Today's reading comes from: The Children of Húrin, pages 163-170