Túrin Turambar
| Biography: Túrin Turambar | |
|---|---|
| Birth - Death | First Age F.A. 455 – F.A. 499 |
| Race: | Race of Man - Edain |
| Gender: | Male |
| Ancestor(s): | Hador Lórindol |
| Parent(s): | Húrin Thalion |
| Túrin Turambar | |
| Child(ren): | none |
| Info: | Tragic hero of the First Age, bearer of a cursed sword |
Túrin Turambar was a tragic hero of the First Age whose life was dominated by the curse of the Enemy. He was the only son of Húrin Thalion, and had a younger sister, Lalaith, who died in childhood from a plague, the first grievous event in his life.
After his father Húrin Thalion was captured in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Túrin remained with his mother, who hid him from the Easterlings that Morgoth had sent north, fearing for his life. He grew up alongside the household servant Sador, who taught him practical skills and woodworking. At the age of nine, Túrin was sent to the Elven realm of Doriath for safety. He was escorted by long-time servants and rescued along the way by the Elf Beleg Strongbow. In Doriath, he was adopted by King Thingol and Queen Melian the Maia as an honored ward. There, he learned hunting, woodcraft, archery, swordsmanship, and Sindarin.
Túrin accidentally caused the death of one of Thingol’s counselors, and fled, joining a band of outlaws. He eventually became their leader after killing their previous chief. Under Túrin's leadership, the band ceased raiding human settlements and focused only on fighting Orcs. Beleg later sought out Túrin, bringing him a great helm and assistance to the band. The area around Amon Rûdh became known as the "Land of Bow and Helm". During this time, Mîm the Petty-dwarf was captured and compelled to share his halls with Túrin’s band.
Túrin later traveled to Nargothrond, adopting the name Agarwen, "Bloodstained," and wielded a reforged black sword. Finduilas, daughter of Orodreth, fell in love with him, though he avoided her due to his own troubled past and secrecy about his identity. He persuaded the Elves of Nargothrond to abandon their secrecy, leading to the construction of a great bridge before the gates. When Morgoth sent a great dragon against the city, Túrin was deceived by the dragon into believing his mother and sister were suffering, prompting him to abandon Finduilas and return north.
Túrin returned to his old home, now controlled by an Easterling lord. In his rage, he killed the man, unintentionally causing the death of Aerin, a kinswoman, and bringing further misfortune on his people. He later attempted to find Finduilas, but she had already been killed. He then lived in Brethil under the name Turambar ("Master of Fate"). He married a young amnesiac woman he found, unaware she was his sister. When the great dragon returned, Túrin killed it with his black sword, but was injured. His sister-wife discovered her relationship to Túrin and, in despair, took her own life.
Upon learning the truth from Mablung of the Heavy Hand, Túrin killed himself with his black sword. He was buried near Finduilas' grave. Later, his parents were buried alongside him on the westernmost isle off the coast of Lindon. Túrin's life is remembered as one of the most tragic of the First Age, shaped by Morgoth’s curse, his own actions, and fate. Prophecies told he might return in the Last Battle to confront Morgoth himself.
Etymology
The name Túrin derives from Noldorin elements meaning "victory" and "heart." In Quenya, the name Turindo was given, meaning "purposeful mind" or "strong-will." His epithet Turambar translates as "Master of Fate."
In-game mentions
- The ring Item:Túrin and the Item:Túrin Set carry his name.
- Two of the Stewards of Gondor also bear his name
- There is a Court of Túrin in Minas Tirith
- Turambar Onótimo, the ninth king of Gondor
References
- Tolkien, J.R.R., The Silmarillion
- Tolkien, J.R.R., The Children of Húrin