The Children of Húrin

Questions About The Children of Húrin

by J.R.R. Tolkien

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Answered Questions (7)

Should I read this book? Will this be a easy read like other JRRT works? (fyi.. i have already read LOTRs & Hobbit)
Sofisol I was given this book for my birthday after I had only read lotr, and I read it without much expectations, because even though I had liked Lord of the…moreI was given this book for my birthday after I had only read lotr, and I read it without much expectations, because even though I had liked Lord of the Rings, I knew nothing about this book, or its characters. However, while I read it I started to like it, and it only got more interesting with each chapter. I don't know if it is an "easy read", but I had no problems reading it and it's not very long. However, it was far more tragic than anything I could have expected from Tolkien. If you wouldn't mind that and are interested in reading more about Middle Earth, then I think yes, you should read it.(less)
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I read the children of hurin but when I started reading the appendix I just couldn't grasp what Christopher tolkin was saying could someone summarize the appendix for me? Thanks!
Suden Käpälä In the appendices, Christopher Tolkien first tries to explain something about the history of the work; namely how, and -- as far as Christopher himsel…moreIn the appendices, Christopher Tolkien first tries to explain something about the history of the work; namely how, and -- as far as Christopher himself could deduce -- why, his father John had begun several attempts at writing this story; and how and -- again to the best of Christopher's knowledge -- why they differ.

Thereafter in the appendices, Christopher gives an account of how he came to recreate the current book, from all the previous versions that John wrote. He tells how he's tried to be faithful to each of the original writings, which was not easy because they differ on several points. He names those points and elaborates on how he solved certain problems.

The whole matter -- and thus, the appendix text -- is further complicated by the fact that the story was previously published in two other forms (both shorter than this one, and part of anthologies -- one of them being Silmarillion; and both also edited by Christopher), and Christopher goes to great lengths trying to provide insight into how and why this book differs from, is similar to, and relates to those other published versions.

While a thorough and valuable account on the genesis of the book, the appendices can be considered a tough read to fully understand, because of all the different versions that had been written -- and edited -- at various times by John himself; and three times thereafter, at various points in Christopher's endeavour to discover and understand his father's many notes and papers.

I hope this helps.(less)
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Is it the same story in the silmarllion??
Parijat Kundu The silmarillion does contain a gist of the events described in Children of Hurin. However, in Silmarillion it is presented in context of greater hist…moreThe silmarillion does contain a gist of the events described in Children of Hurin. However, in Silmarillion it is presented in context of greater history of elves and men. Whereas, in this book, the events following Turin and Nienor is much more detailed and rather personal account.(less)
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Is the story of Turin and Hurin was inspired by Greek Tragedy?
Suden Käpälä I am not sure whether or not there are Greek influences. This could well be, and hopefully other readers can clarify this.
What I do know (and what is …moreI am not sure whether or not there are Greek influences. This could well be, and hopefully other readers can clarify this.
What I do know (and what is commonly documented by various sources) is that this story -- and Tolkien's Middle-Earth setting in general -- contains many influences from Nothern European mythologies. Especially from Kalevala, the Finnish national epic.
But, Greek or not, tragedy does run rampant in this particular story.
Hopefully this helps you, although it doesn't answer your original question.(less)
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Is it worth reading The Children of Hurin, The Fall of Gondolin, and Beren and Luthien? I've read the Silmarillian and the Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-Earth. I'm not sure if these three stories will basically be another repetition of what I've already read.
Ana Campbell It depends how much you're into Tolkien's world. I read it because I wanted to read every Middle-Earth related book there is (By Tolkien, or his son).…moreIt depends how much you're into Tolkien's world. I read it because I wanted to read every Middle-Earth related book there is (By Tolkien, or his son).
The book does feel like repetition (specially if you don't really like The Children of Húrin, like me), but, it does give other versions of the story that are worth knowing.(less)
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