Wow, this is really a fascinating thread!
I am myself not able to put into words so well what I feel and think, nor of analyzing the characters as you do, but I just want to let you all know how much I appreciate this discussion and your brilliant posts! Kudos!!
As for my opinion, I think I agree completely with what Aiwendil wrote in her posts .
But after all these analysations and explanations, the question that is still bothering me (ever since I read the Sil.) is WHY did Tolkien write such a discouraging, hopeless story? What is the meaning of it? Why this screaming injustice towards Hurin, why the complete absence of mercy from the Valar (or Eru) (Who in other stories could and did interfere) ?
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Btw, I wonder if there is any parallel between Job and Hurin?
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Lalaith, that's what came immediately to my mind too, when reading the Narn! Only, Hurin's story is worse, because there is no "happy end", no reward for his steadfast belief in the Valar and God. Morgoth was allowed to "prove" that he was right and Hurin died in complete dispair. The implication is that if there is a God, he doestn't care at all for the world and his children.
I have read Tolkiens letters , and there he explains so much about LotR and the characters and his intentions and thoughts about them.
I only wish, he would have written something about the story of Hurin and Turin! Its mood is so very different from LotR.