Húrin Thalion

For the Warden of the Keys of Minas Tirith, see Húrin.

Biography: Húrin Thalion
Birth - Death	First Age F.A. 441 – unknown
Race:	Race of Men - Edain
Gender:	Male
Ancestor(s):	Hador Lórindol
Parent(s):	Galdor
	Húrin Thalion
Child(ren):	Túrin Turambar Lalaith
Descendant(s):	Elwing (grandchild)
Info:	Lord of his people, called "Thalion" (the Steadfast)

Húrin Thalion was a Lord of his people and a key figure of the First Age of Middle-earth. Born in F.A. 441, he was the son of Galdor of Brethil, and grandson of Hador Lórindol. Known as "Thalion", meaning the Steadfast, he is remembered for his courage, resilience, and tragic role in the events that befell his family.

History

Húrin and his younger brother were raised in the forest of Brethil by their uncle Haldir. In 458, the brothers joined a company of scouts but were separated during an Orc ambush. Pursued to a ford, they were saved by the Vala Ulmo, who caused a protective mist, and Eagles carried them to the hidden city of Gondolin. King Turgon welcomed them due to their grandfather Hador's reputation as an Elf-friend. Húrin remained in Gondolin briefly before requesting to return to his people; Turgon reluctantly allowed it under oaths of secrecy. They returned to their homeland before F.A. 462.

In 462, Orcs invaded his lands and killed Galdor defending the fortress of Eithel Sirion. Húrin assumed command, driving off the Orcs and becoming the third Lord of his people. His son was Túrin Turambar, and his daughter, who died of plague at age three, was Lalaith.

Húrin participated in the alliance of Elves and Men in 472, joining the battle later called the Nirnaeth Arnoediad or Battle of Unnumbered Tears. After the Elves and Men were defeated, Húrin ensured Turgon’s city, Gondolin, remained secret. In the rearguard fight at the Pass of Sirion, his brother was slain, and Húrin fought until captured by Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs.

Brought before Morgoth, Húrin refused to reveal Gondolin’s location. In response, Morgoth cursed him and his kin, chaining Húrin atop Thangorodrim to witness the unfolding tragedies of his family. The curse affected his children, and extended to those around them, including the destruction of Nargothrond.

After Morgoth’s release, Húrin sought his lost family. He traveled through his homeland, the Forest of Brethil, and neighboring settlements, leaving a trail of vengeance against enemies and betrayers, including the dwarf Mîm, from whom he recovered a treasure of Nargothrond. Húrin was eventually allowed into a kingdom of the Elves, where King Thingol and Queen Melian the Maia revealed Morgoth’s manipulations. Shamed by his actions but freed of Morgoth’s thrall, Húrin left the kingdom and ultimately cast himself into the Great Sea, bereft of purpose.

Húrin Thalion is remembered as one of the most steadfast and tragic figures of the First Age. His courage and endurance exemplify the heroic resistance of Men against Morgoth, while the curse that befell his family illustrates the enduring reach of the Dark Lord’s malice.

In-game mentions

• Húrin the Tall, Warden of the Keys of Minas Tirith is named after Húrin Thalion.

References

• Elves of Gondolin
• Tolkien, J.R.R., The Silmarillion
• Tolkien, J.R.R., The Children of Húrin