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Old 05-10-2003, 09:48 AM   #17
Lalaith
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Sting

Given names are important indicators I think. Hurin is "the Steadfast" - not a name that conjures up images of pride, hubris or ofurmod. Turin in contrast is not 'steadfast', he changes his name very frequently.
One thing Tolkien did, which the heroic literature he was imitating often did not, was give us emotional and developmental hinterland. Turin's childhood was hideously traumatic and his mother cold and distant, and quite incapable of offering the little boy the comfort he needed. The adult that comes out of these experiences feels very convincing, psychologically speaking.
Incidently I do somehow feel very fond of Morwen despite her shortcomings. Hard times produce hard people.
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