The Consequences Of Turin Turumbar And The Curse Of Morgoth

Fate versus free will is a commonly evoked theme in Tolkien’s works. One does not simply discuss fate in Middle Earth without bringing up Turin Turumbar and the Curse of Morgoth. The question that comes to mind when analyzing the story lines of Turin is whether or not Fate’s role in his life diminishes his individual responsibility, or does he truly have no choice in the actions he carries out and therefore the consequences of those actions. Who holds the blame for the tragedies that follow Turin throughout his life; Fate or himself? A story of tragedy is set for Turin the moment Morgoth curses Hurin and his kin. Throughout his life, Turin consistently makes rash choices that are motivated by anger and pride. These choices successfully lead him down the dark path that Morgoth created for him. After pursuing Saeros to a cliff where he falls to his death, Turin flees because his pride will not

Gwindor foretells how Turin can avoid the curse of Morgoth if he makes a choice for love; the love Finduilas has for Turin. This is the motive that can mean escape for Turin, rather than pride or hasty anger. Turin does attempt to save Finduilas but his course of action is rash and based on pride. His plan is no less than a direct confrontation with the dragon, Glaurung and the result is disastrous; Turin is mesmerized by the eye of the dragon, and Finduilas is led away to torment in Angband. In Turin’s defense, however, it could be argued that the spell of Glaurung caused this course of Turin’s fate, and not just on this particular occasion. First, when he made Turin to go to Dor-lomin instead of saving the captives and Finduilas; second, when he cast a spell of forgetfulness upon Nienor; and finally when he came toward Brethil with the goal of destroying Turin and his family’s new home. Would all this have happened but for his actions? What if he hadn't stop Turin from saving