Hurin's knowledge after his release
 

After Hurin was released by Morgoth, he went to Amon Rhud. When he first looked at it why did he know what had taken place there without being told or experiencing it? This was also the same with the graves of his children. This is really bugging me so can anybody answer this?

The Silmarillion reports that after Hurin boldly [indeed proudly] defied Morgoth to his face, Morgoth set the infamous curse upon his family. In addition he told Hurin that he would see and know everything that he [Morgoth knew]. So in the case of Glaurung, whose evil will was in some sense an extension of Morgoth's. Morgoth and thus Hurin knew is some fashion at least what passed between Turin and the Dragon.

We do not know the limitations of perception of a Vala, but it is said that morgoth had some part in all of the gifts of each of the other Valar. So his hearing would be a lesser versions of Manwe, who could hear things from all over the world, Varda could see over all the world, and Ulmo sensed anything that came into contact with the streams and rivers of the world, etc,. So we are talking about subtle spiritual perceptions in some cases, and of perception through his servants in others.

Hope that helps a bit.

And actually I do not think Hurin ever went to Amon Rudh [though Turin's band had a lair there] Hurin was first released back to his former domain of Hithlum, then the encircling Mountains were he inadvertantly tips of Morgoth to Turgon's general locale, then Brethil [not in the Silm, but in War of the Jewels], and finally Doriath, before ending his life at the sea.

[ March 03, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

Don't forget the stop at Nargothrond.

I've always been curious as to how much of Turin's life Hurin actually saw. He seems to be quite familiar with much of it - he knew at least vaguely what transpired in Brethil, Nargothrond, and Doriath, or else he wouldn't have gone to those places seeking his cursed restitution/vengeance. But it never seems that Morgoth was literally able to watch Turin or anyone else with some sort of clairvoyance.

I doubt that Morgoth let Hurin see everything. It would be more in keeping with his character to just let Hurin see the negative.

yes I did forget to type Nargothrond.

So it says in the Narn [I think] or possibly WoH.

"That Morgoth ever assayed to hide from Hurin aught that was good or valiant in the deeds of Turin". or something close.


I think there was some limited form of clairvoyance, not as perfect as Varda's or manwe's Clairaudience. But something, especially in conjunction with slaves such as Glaurung.

[ March 04, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

Whilst we are on the subject of the 'Wanderings of Hurin', did Hurin find his companions from Dor-lomin after he left Brethil? It just ends abruptly.

And I trust that Hurin's confrontation with Thingol in 'BoLT 2' was the basis that Chris Tolkien used for the Published 'Silmarillion'?