The Children of Húrin

Tolkien was heavily influenced by Germanic and Anglo-Saxon legends such as Beowulf when writing various stories in his legendarium. How do the themes of The Children of Húrin and Beowulf compare? Alternately, select another classic work of literature for comparison with the novel.

The Children of Húrin is broadly about the struggle of Fate Versus Free Will. The characters struggle to define their own destinies but inevitably fall into ruin. Using the events of the novel, discuss which of the two Tolkien portrays as dominant through this narrative—fate or free will.

Túrin spends most of his life around Elves but is constantly reminded of the difference between them and Men. How does this resonate with his family life, and how does it inform his motivations with the Gaurwaith and the people of Brethil?

Morgoth is an unusual antagonist in that he himself only appears briefly in the narrative. How does the novel work to maintain a sense of his power and menace? How does he compare with Glaurung as an antagonist?

Compare and contrast the names Túrin gives himself with the names that others give him. Discuss the self-projection of his character versus his reputation among others. Why do you think Tolkien refrains from referring to Túrin by any of his names other than Turambar?

The similar nature of Sador’s and Brandir’s disabilities implicitly links the two characters. What is the effect of this parallel between a figure from Túrin’s childhood and one from the final years of his life? What narrative role does each character play?

Discuss the style Tolkien uses in The Children of Húrin. How and why does he use syntax, diction, etc. to evoke a sense of legend?

The Elves value isolation, with many of their cities hidden from the world. How do the Elves’ differences from Men (e.g., longer life, increased familiarity with the Valar, etc.) influence their choices? Does the novel suggest one approach to fighting Morgoth is superior?