The Children of Hurin (2007)

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by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien



Thousands of years before the events in The Lord of the Rings, the children of Húrin live out their lives under a curse proclaimed by the Dark Lord Morgoth after taking their father hostage.

 

"Children of Hurin" (Turkish)


The main protagonist is Túrin, who lives a life of heroic accomplishment and tragic loss.

 


Christopher Tolkien assembled this tale from fragments scattered among various works of his father, such as The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.

 

Christopher Tolkien (left) and J.R.R. Tolkien (right)


It is an impressive task, very readable and moving. 



Inspired by Finnish folklore and classic tragedy such as Oedipus, Tolkien produced a very dark, sobering story that addresses themes like free will vs. predestination: Túrin and his kin suffer from the curse pronounced against them, but to what extent does their own pride contribute to their downfall? 


"The Children of Hurin" (Dutch)


I listened to the audio version, which means I missed out on Alan Lee’s wonderful illustrations, but I was treated to the imposing performance of the great actor and Tolkien enthusiast, the late Christopher Lee.




Christopher Lee

"Hurin's Children" (Chinese)

"The Children of Hurin" (French)


"Children of Hurin" (Polish)







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