A Dark Tale That Makes You Appreciate LOTR's Triumphs | The Children of Hurin

The Children of Hurin | The Children of Hurin | J.R.R. Tolkien

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	• The Children of Hurin J.R.R. Tolkien Mariner Books, 2008 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 311 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Gets better after chapter 4

a nice and different experience to read, this is the first book i read by tolkien's work, and now i am exited to go back and read the rest starting with The Silmarillion.

it really amazes me the deep and wide imagination the author has, the work of the tolkien is not just stories, he created a full world.

piece of Art.

A Dark Tale That Makes You Appreciate LOTR's Triumphs

I should make it clear that this story is not a happy tale, and no doubt you've heard the same from others. But to simply call it that without going further does it a disservice. Although this may be a tragic story, throughout the narrative it remains clear that the main character at the outset, Turin son of Hurin, could very well have made different choices. Though Morgoth doomed him, Morgoth's power is not absolute, and even some of Turin's ill-fated choices have some positive consequences at given times. Even after dismal defeats Turin picks up his life and tries to move forward, and there is something very admirable about his determination and resilience despite his flaws (chiefly pride, arrogance, and quick anger).

As some reviewers have noted, one of the unique aspects of this book is its archaic language. Though some readers may find that this makes it that much harder to become engrossed in the characters, I found it enhanced my ability to empathize with them. This is because the archaic, epic style of the narrative breathes consequence into every paragraph, conversation, and decision the characters make. There is never any question in the story about the importance of what is at stake. In a similar way, the characters act intelligently and the flourished language gives special weight to their actions.

I would highly recommend this book, particularly to all who have read the LOTR. This is a book whose heartache and tragedy will let you go back and read the LOTR trilogy with that much more appreciation for the good that transpires from the efforts of four little hobbits, Gandalf, and many others. It also reaffirms the epic scope and breadth of Tolkien's world, if you ever doubted its immensity or depth in the first place.

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The Children of Hurin

Who can debate the genius of Tolkien and his talent for fantastic tales like the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series? Though apparently and unfinished saga; The Children of Hurin is background for these other stories; a part of the history of the introduction of man into the lives of the Elven and Dwarf kingdoms of Middle Earth. If you have enjoyed any of Tolkien's other writing you will enjoy this one as well.

What I find most enjoyable about reading any of Tolkien's works is that they are not just a one time read. You can read them over again at a later date and pick up something new of interest. This tale of the evil Morgoth and his desire to destroy all Elvs, Dwarfs, and Mankind by making them all slaves; and his pursuit of the Children of Hurin-Hurin whom he holds captive in his dungeons and the tragedy that befalls them is a sad captivating tale that you will want to keep in your library. I'll be holding on to my copy.

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Where's the music?

Christopher Tolkien has done a great job editing the prequel material to the Lord of the Rings to produce this dramatic and stirring tale of a tragic warrior. The book earns a place on my fantasy bookshelf because no fan of the LOTR could fail to find this of interest.

But although J.R.R.Tolkien was a great writer, it does not follow that this is a great book nor would it have any interest to the reading public were it not by Tolkien. For one thing it is written in his worst style, one modeled after the Icelandic sagas, which I label Bombastic High Fantasy. Some of the dialog is so thickly larded with metaphors artificial, obscure and mixed that it is impossible to extract the meaning from the words. One becomes dependent on the reactions of the other characters; thus if someone storms out of the hall one can guess there was something insulting in the preceding passage. This may be believable in the courts of kings or elven lords, but in outlaw caves it strains the reader's credulity.

The style and the melodramatic quality of the story had the same effect of an opera libretto from the depths of the Romantic Era. I kept expecting an orchestra to strike up in grand fashion with music worthy of Beethoven or Wagner. I think this might make a pretty good opera; I've mixed feelings about the work as a novel. At first I thought that this book might have remained unpublished; I didn't think it added to Tolkien's reputation as a writer. The quality of the writing did not engage my emotions and I found the characters to be overdrawn.

But about a third of the way through the book, I found my reading had adapted to the style of the tale and I began to enjoy it as Bilbo might, listening to the elves sing the story in Rivendell. The story was uneven and fragmentary and certain themes repeated, because that's how legends are. THE CHILDREN OF HURIN represents an important way station in the growth of Tolkien as a writer. The book has been superbly illustrated by Alan Lee. It's a cultural treasure of Middle-Earth come down to our time and well worth the effort to those who are interested in that place.

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A tragedy for the ages

This is a very, very dark epic, not like The Lord of the Rings at all. Nonetheless, if you like Tolkien's other works, The Children of Hurin is worth a try. It explores the earlier ages of Middle Earth, particularly the story of Turin as described in The Silmarillion.

The story emphasizes key Tolkien themes like honor, oaths, tragedy - and, of course, dragons. Hurin, a noble king, is kidnapped by the evil lord Morgoth. When he refuses to reveal the location of an elven stronghold, Morgoth curses his children. The story follows Hurin's son, Turin, and his trials. The story of Turin is overwhelmingly depressing, with tragedy heaped upon tragedy. He accidentally kills his best friend, makes love to his sister, and eventually begs for death. Think Oedipus meets Aragorn. It is a pretty original and exciting story, but you'll definitely need some prozac after finishing.

Tolkien believed the book wasn't fit for publication because the prose was dry and stilted at times, and I have to agree. However, it also gives the book an archaic flavor. You really feel like you're reading an ancient story, not just a fantasy novel. I'll admit that The Children of Hurin is a tough read, but it is worth your effort.

I disagree with some of the reviewers here in that I think it is extremely helpful, if not necessary, to have read the The Silmarillion first. While The Children of Hurin stands alone as a story, it does reference characters in The Silmarillion, particularly Morgoth and several of the Vallar. What I would recommend is reading The Silmarillion up until the chapter about Hurin and Turin, and then switch to reading this book.

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The Children of Húrin is the first complete book by J.R.R.Tolkien since the 1977 publication of The Silmarillion. Six thousand years before the One Ring is destroyed, Middle-earth lies under the shadow of the Dark Lord Morgoth. The greatest warriors among elves and men have perished, and all is in darkness and despair. But a deadly new leader rises, Túrin, son of Húrin, and with his grim band of outlaws begins to turn the tide in the war for Middle-earth -- awaiting the day he confronts his destiny and the deadly curse laid upon him.

The paperback edition of The Children of Húrin includes eight color paintings by Alan Lee and a black-and-white map.

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