The Children of Húrin

The Children of Húrin, published in 2007, is a standalone novel painstakingly pieced together by Christopher Tolkien from his father’s extensive, unfinished manuscripts. It tells a dark and tragic tale of the First Age of Middle-earth, long before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The book focuses on the lives of Túrin and Niënor, the children of the great warrior Húrin, who defied the Dark Lord, Morgoth.

Enraged by Húrin’s refusal to reveal the location of the hidden city of Gondolin, Morgoth curses his family, condemning them to a life of sorrow and doom. The story follows Túrin as he flees his homeland and embarks on a series of ill-fated adventures, constantly trying to escape the curse’s shadow. A courageous but proud and hot-headed young man, Túrin’s choices often lead to the very tragedies the curse foretold. In his journey, he inadvertently causes death and ruin, and his path is interwoven with the lives of Elves, Dragons, and other figures from the ancient world.

The book is a stark departure from the more hopeful tone of The Lord of the Rings, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the inescapable nature of evil.

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