164. A Glimmer of Hope Through the Eyes of Death : Children of Húrin #3

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“Day shall come again”–but for now, it’s the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. In this episode, we walk through Chapter 2 of The Children of Húrin a breaking down Tolkien’s bloodiest, most tragic battle. We cover the epic (and doomed) alliance of elves, men, and dwarves, the double-cross by the Easterlings, and why Morgoth’s victory still leaves him filled with dread. And we even get the Pope involved!

We also look at:

• Why the elves’ greatest host could never stand against Morgoth—and what the battle’s tactics reveal about Tolkien’s “epic history” mindset
• The legendary valor (and fate) of Húrin and Huor—plus the prophecy that links Gondolin to Morgoth’s ruin
• Tolkien’s use of prophecy, fate, and heroism: why the darkest chapter is full of hope for the future
• The difference between Tolkien’s approach to battles and the modern appetite for nonstop action

In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:

• Listener comments about tragic foreshadowing, and Turin’s nature.
• More LEGO Lord of the Rings
• Why pop culture’s take on Tolkien struggles with the deeper logic of Middle-earth

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or  become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).

🔗 Episode Links
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The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

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🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat