025 – Watch Your Language

In Chapter 15 of The Silmarillion, Turgon heeds Ulmo’s warning and begins the construction of the hidden city of Gondolin. The truth finally comes out about why the Noldor returned to Beleriand, and Thingol is not pleased. Plus a special announcement about our Tolkien’s 125th Birthday Giveaway, and tips for goodlier speaking from a teenage Tolkien.

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Recommended Reading:

Tolkien, J. R. R. The Silmarillion (Mariner Books, paperback) pp. 125-130, “Of the Noldor in Beleriand”

Tolkien, J. R. R. (Christopher Tolkien, ed.) The War of the Jewels (The History of Middle-earth, Vol. 11) (HarperCollins, paperback)

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2 comments
  • I love how Ulmo’s warning to Turgon seems to lurk in the background of the whole Legendarium. Your mentioning it reminded me of Aragorn’s words to Pippin when he returns the Lorien brooch to the Hobbit: “One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters”. I always think of Ulmo’s warning first and then of Turgon and his fate when I read these words.

    • It truly does. If I recall correctly, Verlyn Flieger went so far as to call this “The only commandment” of Tolkien’s world. That’s an excellent connection back to Aragorn’s words!

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