The Children of Húrin

“Lord, we are but mortal Men, and unlike the Eldar. They may endure for long years awaiting battle with their enemies in some far distant day; but for us the time is short, and our hope and strength soon wither.”

Húrin is the first to speak of the difference between Men and Elves, highlighting the latter’s longevity. Men, on the other hand, are characterized by their brevity, and their transience makes them more eager to leverage their strength in battle. This quote thus speaks to The Frail Nature of Humanity as a theme. It also foreshadows Túrin’s insistence on carrying the fight to Morgoth, which repeatedly results in disaster.

“Túrin was slow to forget injustice or mockery; but the fire of his father was also in him, and he could be sudden and fierce.”

Túrin is described as resembling his mother more than his father in both mood and appearance. One of his key character traits is his serious nature, which in his adulthood will make him prone to anger. As this quote implies, the growth of his seriousness into wrath is influenced by the character traits he inherits from his father, making him sometimes rash and intense.

“‘Fair as an Elf-child is Lalaith,’ said Húrin to Morwen; ‘but briefer, alas! And so fairer, maybe, or dearer.’”

Húrin indicates that though his first daughter, Urwen Lalaith, is as beautiful as an elf, the fact that she is destined to live a shorter life makes her more precious—perhaps even “fairer.” This clashes with the notion that Men are lesser beings simply because they are physically weaker, though Húrin’s remark is bittersweet in