Hurin

Hurin is a fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s unpublished legendarium, specifically from the early drafts of *The Book of Lost Tales* (1914–1920). He is a central figure in the story "The Fall of Gondolin," which explores the downfall of the hidden Elven city of Gondolin during the First Age of Middle-earth.

Hurin is the son of Huor, a Doriathrin Elf-lord, and his human wife, Rían. His name means "son of Huor" in Sindarin, the Elvish language of Beleriand. Unlike his brother, Huor, who is known for his heroic deeds, Hurin is often portrayed as a tragic figure. His life is marked by suffering, beginning with the betrayal of his father by Maedhros, a son of Fëanor, which leads to the destruction of Doriath. Later, Hurin is captured by Morgoth, the Dark Lord, and subjected to cruel torment, including the loss of his wife, Morwen, and son, Tuor, who are taken from him. Despite his suffering, Hurin remains steadfast in his defiance of Morgoth, earning the title "Hurin of the Broken Hand" for resisting torture.

Hurin’s story is deeply intertwined with the fate of Gondolin. After his release, he becomes a key figure in the city’s defense, though his efforts ultimately prove futile as the city falls to Morgoth’s forces. His tragic arc reflects the broader themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the consequences of war in Tolkien’s mythopoeic universe. The tale of Hurin is later expanded in *The Children of Húrin* (2007), a posthumously published novel by Tolkien’s son, Christopher Tolkien, which provides a more detailed and expanded version of the character’s life and the events surrounding him.

Hurin’s character embodies the resilience and moral fortitude of the Elves and Men of Middle-earth, even in the face of overwhelming darkness. His story remains one of the most poignant narratives in Tolkien’s legendarium, illustrating the cost of conflict and the enduring struggle against tyranny.