The Children of Hurin

The Children of Hurin
by J.R.R. Tolkien and Christopher Tolkien

This is novel takes place in Tolkien's Middle-Earth. It is set before Lord of the Rings and is told briefly in The Silmarillion. While it does have a place in Middle-Earth history and lore, you could easily read this as a stand-alone or as your first Tolkien novel. The tale begins with Hurin, Lord of Dor-Lomin, who goes to battle Morgorth's army. He leaves his pregnant wife Morwen and his young son Turin at home, unsure when or whether he will return. After the battle is he is captured, cursed and held prisoner by Morgoth; his family can only guess what has happened, but know they are in danger. To ensure the heir to the throne does not perish, Morwen sends Turin away to live in Doriath, under the protection of King Thingol. The rest of the tale recounts the misadventures of Turin in his quest to seek his family and run away from the curse Morgoth has set upon them. It is a tragedy, so don't expect a happily ever after, but it is well put together and edited by Tolkien's son Christopher. If you find yourself wanting more Tolkien, check out this website www.tolkienlibrary.com. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try by Tolkien and Tolkien's world : paintings of Middle-Earth By: Michael Hague.] -- recommended by Kristen A. - Gere Branch Library

Kristen recently gave a booktalk on The Works of J.R.R. Tolkien -- check out the online booklist for other great fantasy reads in Tolkien's mythology.

[ Children of Hurin entry on Wikipedia ] | [ www.tolkienlibrary.com ]
 
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