The Tale of Morwen & Niënor | Of the Children of Húrin: Tolkien's First Age Explained - Part 9 of 13

[@lyndazema94]

Shakespeare has nothing on Tolkien when it comes to writing tragedy. And you, Dave, are the Master Storyteller. Thank you ❤😊

[@StephenGrosHouston]

I can't help but think of Mablung as an exasperated babysitter. Just sarcastically going "sure great, let's all just march on to our deaths then, no problem!" 😅

[@colindunnigan8621]

Poor Mablung, it must be painful having all those bruises on his forehead from banging his head against the wall in utter frustration at having to play Den Mother to these people.

[@hfcriske]

I really like how the evil isn't mindlessly just killing everyone, but has a greater malicious intent still. A great story in so many ways, I love these videos :)

[@haleyschreiter9746]

I love the imagery of Nienor coming up out of the mist - and there lies the Dragon's head on the hilltop waiting for her. So vivid and cinematic!

[@themis828]

This whole story is so heartbreaking. If only these prideful people would simply just listen to the wisdom of the elves. If only they'd have some respect for beings that have THOUSANDS of years of life experience. At least 1 family member would have survived. But no.. no it's just too damn difficult for prideful people to take heed of sound advice. SMH. Thank you, Rainbow Dave, for making these videos.. it's been keeping me entertained and captivated for a number of days now. I'm happy and thrilled to have found your channel!

[@Enerdhil]

Thank you, 🌈 Dave, for the details you put into the story. Most Tolkien KZbin videos cut a lot out because they want to keep the video short. Tolkien's Legendarium should be not shortened for the convenience of the viewer or the content creator.

[@BigBWolf90]

Person reading: how can this get worse? Glaurung: I'm about to haunt your nightmares even more....and I'm *just getting warmed up*

[@LukeWengles]

Dave of All the Colours Everywhere All at Once, "Oh! Thank god." I exclaimed - at some volume. I've been waiting for another lesson for weeks.

[@J0HNJ0RDAN]

7am here, been up all night nursing a cold. This is 70 mins of healing to go with my hot tea and honey 😅

[@Harpyr1031]

I’m sorry you’re sick. I hope you feel better soon.

[@animatedpsychologist]

The change in Elu Thingol that began in Beren and Luthien and carries on in Children of Hurin makes him one of my favorite elves in Tolkien. The thing is, elves do not change. But character. They mostly don't have clear character growth, especially not in old age. (Sometimes they get darker, like Maedhros, but that's different.) I *despised* him when I first started reading the Silmarillion and now he's just so special to me.

[@maryeckel9682]

He makes a fatal relapse into unreasonable pride later on, though.

[@Arkenshield]

I did not expect to burst out laughing so many times watching this series, but your spectacular treatment of this tragic tale makes it so entertaining! I loved the tirade you went on in the last video after Túrin insulted Círdan. And with this one, it's absolutely hilarious when you just keep on layering one grievance after another on poor Mablung. He simply can't seem to catch a break! Thank you for yet another masterpiece. These videos make life worth living.

[@brettmuir5679]

@Arkenshield. Me too! "What does Cirdan know" Hahahahaha...

[@chrisschmalhofer4348]

After Morwen and Nienor both decide to head out together, I could easily hear Mablung saying “fuck…” just like a certain Witcher played by Henry Cavill…

[@maryeckel9682]

I'm flat out thinking, "How do you say 'Fuuuck' in Sindarin?"

[@chrisschmalhofer4348]

@@maryeckel9682 translate the phrase “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” into Sindarin; make an acronym from the Sindarin words; equals brand new Elvish curse word!

[@docopoper]

That's some pretty badass stealth from Niënor to be able to follow the Marchwardens through a secret path known only to them without being discovered. And it's impressive that Morwen was perceptive enough to notice her.

[@ThunderhawkVeronicaLazerwolf]

Man, this is so brutal! Thanks as always, RD!!

[@victorianguyen6620]

Dave! This is wonderful! I love the humor and suppositions! This is my 3rd time listening. I think it is my favorite. More opportunities to do the humor and not take away from the story. Bravo Dave! Masterfully done!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks very much!

[@BrianStorm742]

Literally uploaded the exact moment I checked

[@lenin972]

About Nienor's name, I think it emphasizes what a disaster the Nirnaeth Arnoediad was. I have a real-life example, a girl I went to school with is called Sarid, which in Hebrew means 'remnant', as in a remnant of the Holocaust. Many surviving families that got to Israel after the war changed their family name to a Hebrew one, and some of them chose Sarid.

[@nawakalakshan1053]

As a warhammer 40k fan. I love the tale of the children of hurin the most.

[@KaiHung-wv3ul]

The entire family of Hurin(including the man himself) just has so much protagonist energy but in the worst possible way, and with negative plot armor.

[@markkettlewell7441]

Buy the author of their misery is Morgoth Bauglir, whose wickedness and cruelty is without compare.

[@CarolinaPine]

This is my favorite story in all the Tolkein legendarium, so I hope that no one ever gets the rights to film "The Children of Hurin" for a movie or a TV series. Peter Jackson may do it justice, but I am afraid that he wouldn't be the one doing it, and whoever does it, will butcher the story. These videos are amazing and do justice to Professor Tolkien's work and to the wonderful and complex characters that he created.

[@Otoosan]

Agree

[@ethanmillward675]

Maybe at the time LOTR was made but I wouldn’t trust him with it now. As we see with LOTR and all his prior stuff he needs to be at least somewhat limited in terms of budget otherwise we get the Hobbit trilogy

[@BrianStorm742]

What if Rainbow Dave got the rights?

[@CarolinaPine]

@@BrianStorm742That would work!

[@richardjohansen5371]

​@ethanmillward675 To be fair to PJ and Co , 1. He didn't want to come back and direct. They had several directors before PJ came back. 2. The *studio* ordered a Trilogy. PJ tried to tell them it was a bad idea. The studio disagreed. The Hobbit Trilogy should have been 2 movies at 2 1/2 hours each.

[@shaunlan5193]

Ive always struggled w turins story bc its so dark and frustrating to read bc the characters come so close to avoiding their fates, if only they had been a little less stubborn or proud. You capture that vibe perfectly

[@mypeeps1965]

Your the best and most nuanced story teller in media today. A gift to those that love and appreciate Tolkien, Thank you!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks very much! Greatly appreciated!

[@paulpasche7853]

You have a GREAT VOICE for story telling. This is my favorite Tolkien story, and this is a FANTASTIC series.

[@markkettlewell7441]

Rainbow Dave’s channel is arguably the best Tolkien channel on KZbin and I have studied Tolkien’s work since I was 14 (I am now 58). I am humbled by Dave’s youth and grasp of the works of this amazing author. 😊

[@justintheking1]

Always a good day when one of these videos drop!

[@tapunyr8526]

Thank you for making my day Dave. Got the flu but now I can drink my lemsip and watch this video 😊

[@markodevaio6972]

Such a masterpiece tale, and honestly, you have a majestic voice telling the story . The music is on point, and the video is a work of art . Thank you ⚘️.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Much appreciated!

[@Shirohige4yonko]

Man Tolkien really wanted people who read this story to experience despair while reading/listening to it. It's such a tragic story and what makes it worse its the fact we know this doesn't have a happy ending at all.

[@BrianStorm742]

Whenever and wherever Melian's story is destined to end, if or when we reach that point, I would love to watch a Tolkien Untangled character study on her. She's arguably the most atypical character in the entire First Age, and she has fascinated me from the first time you mentioned her. Thank you once again for this amazing tale! Can't wait for the next one.

[@korralegend2187]

Rainbow Dave you are the best man... Didn't expect next part this soon.... May God bless you with all the happiness in the world ❤️

[@jobrown8146]

Thank you. I really enjoy listening to your videos.

[@denissediaz3640]

Yaaaaaay!! A new video!! Thank you RD can’t wait to watch it ❤❤

[@12classics39]

My personal headcanon is that Nienor and Mablung fell in love while she lived in Doriath, and Mablung agreed to follow Morwen partially because he promised the woman he loved that he would protect her mother. Thus one of the reasons Glaurung erased her memories was so that she’d forget her lover and fall in love with her brother instead. This adds a whole other layer to Mablung’s choice to stay with Nienor after finding her under Glaurung’s spell, and to Nienor’s ability to walk for hours at a time while holding Mablung’s hand. And no wonder he spends so long searching for her after losing her.

[@tariqabdulkarim8724]

My autism is kicking in…. I am later and later watching each installment of this amazing series because I have real anxiety about it finishing. I give each episode a like though and that’s not because I have too it’s because I want to.

[@phinks77]

HERE WE GOOOO! 😍 Thanks 🌈Dave for your work in advance. It's time to watch and enjoy it 😍😭.

[@xedra]

Dave, I love how you narrate these videos, how you can express how utterly tragic this story is for all involved but also inject some humor too ("It can always get worse!" "Be the change you want to see, Thingol!" OMG LOL) You make this story absolutely riveting!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks very much!

[@Vvaleraen2]

Hey bro your videos are honestly the best Tolkien videos out there. I was wondering if you'll ever create a video explaining about the life of Fingon, he's such a spot for me...

[@stetsonstarkey]

You are a masterful storyteller. I truly feel so grateful for this incredible content you make for us. Kudos to you!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thanks very much!

[@JAB6322]

More Children of Hurin let's go 😍 Also bad news. My Silmarillion book got gnawed on by my dog. Oh how it hurts like Beren's hand getting gnawed on by Carcharoth... 🥲

[@CarolinaPine]

Yay! A new video to watch while drinking my coffee. Thanks Rainbow Dave!

[@ladyfantastic765]

whenever a new episode of this drops, i think to myself, "looks like meat's back on the menu, boys!"

[@MellowMutts270]

PRAISE BE!!! I have been patiently waiting! Thank you!!

[@genoman87]

As always.. a fantastic video, Thank you Sir Rainbow!

[@napoleon6071]

Glaurung's soul is a fragment of Morgoth's soul. Another example of Morgoth's ring, Morgoth's corruption of the world.

[@Otoosan]

I love these stories... and your telling of them.

[@mrs.manrique7411]

Aerin and Morwen’s survival should be a trickster fan fiction somewhere…maybe even Nienor gets in on the action of enacting these plans, since she is small and skinny and can fit in tight spaces to exact revenge. Her deftness at finding mushrooms and eggs and whatever else to survive would be interesting to see being used when she is an adult - even with her memory wiped. Nellas could tell us the story…

[@MJC1891]

Damn Dave you kick ass. Love your story telling

[@louisebrouillette5580]

Rainbow Dave, nothing makes my day better than a new video from you, and this episode of The Children of Hurin is wonderful. No one tells a story as you do! Can't wait for the next episode and for all your new videos!

[@jodifu6274]

I've been reading The Children of Hurin over and over, Following the Atlas of M. E. and referring back to the Silmarillion for broader context, as well as listening to the fantastic Audible rendition of it read by the late, great Sir Christopher Lee whenever I'm (frequently) driving, repeatedly and non-stop, which only serves to bring even more depth, breadth, and life to your phenomenal interpretations of this incredible, moving, profound, and beautiful story. You are the centerpiece of it all! What you do with your unparallelled understanding of this material, so obviously based upon years of research into the 12-part History and other texts, would be nearly impossible to duplicate. Plus, you're a natural storyteller. I admire the Hell out of you for your dedication to all this, much to our benefit, with such vigor and giving it to us so freely. Such a treasure you are!

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thank you so much. It’s SUCH a fantastic story!

[@DHTC888]

O my godddd thanx Rainbow Dave!!! 😃 ❤💛💚💙💜 ps - just so you know, your releases are now on different Fridays than previously. Here in America, you used to be on "paydays" for people that get paid bi-weekly on Fridays, now you're not on paydays, you're in-between. I actually like it this way because it gives us something awesome in the middle of the two week period, but getting episodes on paydays rocks too 🤘😃🤘

[@Sandbarfight]

Amazing work brother thank you for all you do.

[@astridchladek1927]

What a joy to have another video by 🌈Dave the great! Thanks! Thanks! 💖💖💖

[@lorierush6561]

Yes finally 🎉. Great work. I love this series.

[@jordanadams5719]

These videos in this series is such an amazing treat of Quality, fascinatingly deep lore and unmatched storytelling! Thank you so much for creating these gems for us.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Really glad you enjoy them!

[@chrischapman2879]

You are an expert story weaver. Thank you so much for these videos. I’ve seen every video you’ve created here. These are absolutely perfectly crafted golden nuggets for the Tolkien enthusiast. Best wishes and many thanks.

[@tolkienuntangled]

Thank you very very much! It’s greatly appreciated.

[@brettmuir5679]

Have not even listened yet. I cannot wait to dive in but I needed to tell you Thank You for all of your work on the best Tolkien content there is... Now let's get onto the listen...( I was in fourth grade in 1977 when Mr. Nebeker introduced me to this tale during "story hour")

[@ddavidjeremy]

This series, this channel is absolute gold. Thanks Dave. I really mean it.

[@xxluggixx2559]

Glaurung is Tolkien's original version of the ancient Greek basilisks and I love that.

[@tarlhall5149]

Turin has many names as we all know. But Mablung of the heavy hand surely deserves one other: Mablung The True Hearted ❤. Thanks RD for another enthralling (pardon the pun considering the story) video. Tarl

[@TrueBronzo]

Absolute goosebumps all over.. I could listen to you for hours Dave. Thank you for doing the Professor's work justice.

[@jennatomlin1273]

Excellent! Fantastic chapter of the story! Thank you for your work telling these stories. I enjoy them so much.

[@leegleeson1903]

Thanks again 🌈 Dave for sharing your insights and stroty telling of such a wonderful tale. And kudos for the rolling rrrrrrrr's 😊

[@edwardkania9622]

Always a pleasure to hear your musical voice. It’s nice having someone so enthusiastic about Tolkien.

[@starsapphire156]

Absolutely tragic for all involved, aside from Glarung and Morgoth of course who are having the time of their lives! I feel especially bad for Mablung. I wonder if he even knows what happened to Beleg yet?

[@carltuckerson7718]

Amazing as always Dave. Thanks for what you do!!

[@muddlewait8844]

Oh, it’s just MEAN how you spell out how this story *could* have turned out. Mean, but wonderful.

[@victorianguyen6620]

What on earth do you MEAN? Dave's specs are great!

[@muddlewait8844]

@@victorianguyen6620 Just how he dwells on spelling out how things could have worked out. It’s not criticism at all. Dave is just really good at hurting us, and we love it. 😁

[@laileleneirose7966]

Honestly it doesn’t even remotely surprise me that Morwen ignored Melian’s advice. Her very own husband does repeatedly do the same thing every time she offers him advice. If your own husband doesn’t listen to you, it isn’t a big surprise nobody else does either.

[@andrewbelmont665]

My headcanon is Mablung muttering under his breath, "I'm not getting paid enough for this."😆

[@tglrod]

Wow, just wow. What an excellent video of an excellent tale. Thank you RD for this series.

[@everything_all_at_once]

Have been waiting for another video like forever.. Thank you, for taking the time to make these videos.. Love them❤️👏 you have such a good way of telling stories.. Nd making me love more the world of Tolkien... At the moment also listening to the children of Hurin audiobook read by Christopher Lee... Fantastic😀

[@neverjabr8588]

Alright then,,,thanks for another one Dave, just started but I already know it’s awesome,,,😎🧙‍♂️

[@samwill7259]

It's that wonderful paradox in everything the dark lord does. No matter how many people he hurts, no matter how much suffering he causes...the equation is always bent against him, the ending written, his fall is inevitable and each new crime just a charge he must answer for. In his arrogance, he can't see the steps he takes into a swallowing darkness.

[@Noitartst]

He preyed on the pride of Feanor, and now Turin. Prideful foes he breaks.

[@samwill7259]

@@Noitartst And yet who had more pride, a man indulging in the sins native to his people? Or the great right hand angel whose arrogance brought all evil into being?

[@Noitartst]

@@samwill7259 No argument there, but Morgoth here is mastering the pride of his enemies. Turin and his father underestimated the Dark Lord just as Feanor did by slamming the door in the Dark Lord's face. Evil knows whom he can pick on, and he does.

[@lizziesmusicmaking]

Pity Thingol's improved character doesn't stick around when it comes to the dwarves and the Nauglamir+silmaril. To be perfectly honest, I think Thingol's improved behavior towards Turin and Morwen vs Beren is mostly because a) they aren't asking to marry his daughter, and b)they are his relatives-by-marriage and he has responsibilities towards them. Thingol is much nicer to his relatives than to non-relatives, at least until they tick him off. As witness the children of Finarfin being the only noldor allowed in past the Girdle. I'm not sure Thingol has actually learned anything. We may just be seeing Thingol carrying out his expected responsibility towards poor relations who may be irritating but are in need and haven't offended him.

[@lizziesmusicmaking]

Poor Mablung, having to deal with all those Hurins and the curse. It's enough to drive anyone up the wall. But also poor Hurins. They have a really rough go.

[@IanHeins]

Nice work dude

[@kellydavidson3379]

So ... I'm going to hold off listening to this one. I'm glad to have more Rainbow Dave but I'm just not up for this story right now. Maybe RD can break up this tragedy with a Círdan character analysis video? Or something to give a little relief from the planed 13 videos of doom and gloom. But I gave the video a thumbs up as I'm sure it is wonderful storytelling even though I'm waiting awhile to watch it.

[@victorianguyen6620]

Absolutely no from me. You'll have to wait. Watch some re-runs. Sorry!

[@christinawanner6749]

You tell simply epic🎉 Thank you for your work on this Videos. The result is very great. Have a nice time

[@davidhermans4002]

Well done once again David of Many Colours! If it was your intention to make me well up with tears several times as I journey on my nightly walk with Samwise Gamgee......you succeeded. Is there a more sad story in all of Tolkien's writing than this?

[@michellerothwell5018]

I’ve watched 5 times already! Such excellent presentation of a continuing great story. Awesome!

[@Harpyr1031]

An absolutely awesome video as always. Thank you so much for your hard work, RD and I look forward to the next video.

[@Dr_Cole]

When I check KZbin and see a new video on this channel, I know it’s going to be a great weekend of storytelling! Thanks as always for sharing your genius-level story crafting with us.

[@elirinamk2051]

Ok, so Turin became a great warrior and nearly King and his sisters and mother simply died and run away?....

[@ianmacdiarmid1249]

Another great video

[@carlporter5030]

Thank you Dave ❤

[@blasted2691]

I love your content , Dave.

[@j0b01231]

That’s Friday afternoon taken care of.

[@jeremychimento9041]

The way you tell the story is fantastic.

[@wangwang2211]

So there's one inconsistency about Morwen here. I remember Elu Thingol did invite her to Doriah to live with her son, and she refused out of pride. But now she just... go there on her own?

[@angelulopez2648]

Amazing video! Thank you rainbow Dave

[@bollywoodgirl21]

Another great Video. And while I have Sympathy for Morween I once again also blame her for this fiasco since if she had gone with Turin things would have been much differnt. And while I admire Nienor's bravery things would have gone also differntly if she had just stay'ed put in Doriath. But I don't realy blame her for her fate, but Morgoth, Morween and Turin since he is no child anylonger and could have gone to his mother and sister anytime in his Exile. And yes I also love Thingol and Meelian in this story

[@tarlhall5149]

Hi RD. Just had a thought totally unrelated to your current video. Wouldn't it be an interesting, albeit pretty dark, "What If" video if you did one about ... what if Feanor had lived and gained possession of the One Ring! Your thoughts? Tarl...

[@Crafty_Spirit]

Just how did Glaurung recognise Mablung by name? That´s incredible

[@willslawson9675]

It always bothered me that Turin went back to Dor-Lomin instead of following Finduilas. Even without hindsight, I feel like it was the clear wrong decision. His wife and sister had been living in Dor-Lomin for decades under the easterlings by that point--from his perspective, if they were still alive by then, there was no reason to think they couldn't make it for however long it would take Turin to save Finduilas and the captives. The Nargothrond captives were on their way to be taken prisoner in Angband with the DARK LORD; compared to that, some easterlings seem far less dangerous. Plus the captives' danger was far more pressing and time-sensitive. But alas, poor Turin could not make the right decision to save his life :(

[@alexanderwerner9294]

You may be right. Though Glaurung's final words, as Túrin leaves Nargothrond, could be a counterargument. But as he went Glaurung spoke behind him, saying in a fell voice: 'Haste thee now, son of Hurin, to Dorlomin! Or perhaps the Orcs shall come before thee, once again. And if thou tarry for Finduilas, then never shalt thou see Morwen again, and never at all shalt thou see Nienor thy sister; and they will curse thee.' Now we know it's a lie and perhaps Túrin should have seen through it. But he's not rushing home to save his family from the rule of the Easterlings but rather to save them from Glaurung's threat of an invading Orc force. In that case Morwen and Nienor would not live as beggars in Dor-Lomin but would be taken to the Dark Lord, if they aren't killed. And he may arrive too late to help should he attempt to rescue Finduilas first.

[@willslawson9675]

@@alexanderwerner9294 Ah, good catch, I definitely missed that. Still, I feel like the far more pressing danger lay with Finduilas and the captives, who were already taken prisoner and entirely defenseless, while Dorlomin was not yet under attack and had at least a fighting chance.

[@Noitartst]

Ya think? Turin has an IMMEDIATE duty to Finduilas, and not to his family; what Tolkien is doing is telling the story of a failed knight, a knight who fails to stand up to the dragon, fails to save the princess, and fails the kingdom in general, despite being awesome in any number of metrics. This image is so vivid because it shows something so catastrophic, yet brought about by characters flaws. Yes, the curse doesn't help, exacerbating things, Turin's massive pride is what the Curse preys on. Morgoth's Curse is slow poison, his malevolence posoning the souls of his enemies by degrees, allowing him to destroy them. This Curse, above all, is what demonstrates why Morgoth is such a great villain, and it is his psychological dominance that shows it.

[@jaieregilmore971]

⁠@@NoitartstDo you think the curse is feeding off Turin worst aspects more like amplify them with the wrong choices he made? Could the curse be overcome if he had more humility.

[@Noitartst]

@@jaieregilmore971 Absolutely; if he cast off the stones of his pride, the per the warning of Ulmo the Valar, he had a chance, but Turin, unfortunately, never confronts his ego like he ought to. That is Turin's true tragedy, never recognizing that he is his own worst enemy, neither Glaurung nor Morgoth.

[@doodzabrazado4612]

You torture me so good, Dave. 😢

[@Oraron]

wooo tolkien untangled is a massive W

[@nickengland300]

Awesome thumbnail 🤘

[@neemz0117]

Yeaaaa!!! Day is made.

[@jennipherem3695]

Great work as always, Rainbow Dave! Only a little note: I think Dor-lómin is pronounced with the emphasis on the accent. No paragraphs of comments from me unlike last time 😅

[@TheGoodesBrothers]

Today is a good day

[@fred20097]

And there's a few plot holes in the story - like why couldnt turin rescue whats her name first and then go to his mum and sister? But i suppose it was because he was under the dragon's enchantment, plus the morganth curse. Also morwen deciding to go to Doriath when she did for no good reason? But if theyre cursed, how come so many good things happen to them as well? Turin never did become Morgoth's prisoner

[@ellietobe]

Didn’t the elves know that you should never join up with cursed people?? You would think that they would.