For me, the most interesting elaboration in this part of the
Narn, compared to the
Silmarillion, is the chapter about Túrin's childhood, which helps me understand his character as an adult better. For one, there's his love and mourning for his sister Lalaith, which is but briefly mentioned in the
Sil but treated more fully here. Secondly, there's the character of Sador Labadal, who is one of my all-time favourite characters in Tolkien's writings (as I never tire of mentioning
), for several reasons.
First, I have a soft spot for well-handled handicapped characters (which is why Bran and Tyrion are among my favourites in ASOIAF [/aside to the initiates]). Second, he's that rare beast, an everyday unheroic mortal Man of the First Age, and gives us a glimpse of how normal Men of that time lived their lives while the likes of Beren and Húrin were busy fighting Morgoth (a theme which will be further elaborated later with the outlaws whom Túrin joins). Third, the interaction and relationship between him and Túrin shows us the more endearing side of Túrin's character, the kindness and pity of which he was capable as a child, although it is all too often overshadowed by his
ofermod in his later life. I would reckon these few pages among the finest character-driven writing in Tolkien's works on the Elder Days, along with the
Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth. And I must say that Morwen's disapproval of Túrin's gift of a knife to Sador is one reason why I find it hard to like her.
G55, I sort of see where you're coming from with your defense of Morwen*. She's certainly an interesting character (like e.g. Fëanor and many others, including Túrin himself) - great to have in a story, but not that great to have to live with. The problem with her, as I see it, is not her pride as such, but the fact that in case of doubt, she would put her pride and honour above all other considerations - including the needs of her young son (who missed her sorely in Doriath) and the safety of her unborn babe. Pride as such is OK, but you should know when it's wise to swallow it, and Morwen never did. This at least is one negative trait Túrin seems to have inherited from her.
I like your idea about Morwen=cold and Húrin=heat. Húrin certainly comes across as more warm-hearted (i.e. more generous and affectionate) character, which is why I instinctively find him more sympathetic, but I haven't yet considered that a higher soul-temperature may be just as pernicious if taken to the extreme. Good point.
I also very much like
Formy's arguments to the point that nothing in Túrin's character would be enough to ensure all-out tragedy (even in the face of Morgoth's curse?) without Glaurung's additional meddling; but that's matter for chapters to come.
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*(PS. - It turns out I can't rep you at the moment, but consider yourself virtually repped for your posts on this thread; that was well thought and well argued.)