The Guardian reviews the new, uh, Tolkien

[dianeduane]

"My name is Turambar," cried Turin, "and Evil have been all my ways."

"And my name is Niniel," wept Nienor as they fell into each other's arms and she became heavy with child.

And lo, when Glaurung told her she had shagged her brother and Turin had been slain on his quest to rescue Húrin, she threw herself into a ravine. Yet Turin was mere wounded, and once he discovered Nienor's fate, he slew Glaurung before turning his sword on himself. So it was that no one lived happily ever after.

(snort)

Comments

[lizardqueen.livejournal.com]

Snort indeed! The Hurin/Turin stuff has always been my least favorite thread of all Tolks's work. In fact, I actually HATE it. It's just so grim and grotty and nasty...obviously it emerged from a very dark part of its author's psyche.

I mean, not that the Sil is any daisy-strewn romp in the park, and LOTR itself has its bleak moments, certainly...but really. That nice old jolly paternal-looking philology don could sure write a bummer when he felt like it.

So no sympathy for Hurin and his kids from me. They annoy me and bore me beyond belief. Now, Tuor and Idril, THERE's some fun folks!