Curufin

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Curufin
Noldo
Elena Kukanova - Curufin sketch.jpg
"Curufin sketch" by Elena Kukanova
Biographical Information
PronunciationS, [ˈkʊrʊfɪn]
Other namesCurufinwë (Q, fn)
Atarincë (Q, mn)
The Crafty
TitlesLord of Himlad
LocationEldamar, Himlad, Nargothrond, Himring, Amon Ereb
AffiliationOath of Fëanor; Union of Maedhros
LanguageQuenya, Sindarin, Khuzdul
BirthBetween Y.T. 1190 & 1362
Tirion
RuleF.A. 7 - 455
DeathF.A. 506
Menegroth (during the Second Kinslaying)
Family
HouseHouse of Fëanor
ParentageFëanor & Nerdanel
SiblingsMaedhros, Maglor, Celegorm, Caranthir, Amrod and Amras
ChildrenCelebrimbor[1]
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorBlack
WeaponrySword, Angrist (knife)
GalleryImages of Curufin
"Fëanor’s own name; given to this, his favourite son, because he alone showed in some degree the same temper and talents. He also resembled Fëanor very much in face."
The Peoples of Middle-earth, "Shibboleth of Fëanor"

Curufin was a Noldorin prince and one of the seven sons of Fëanor. Along with the other sons of Fëanor, he swore the Oath of Fëanor, joined the Exile of the Noldor, and settled in East Beleriand.

He was Fëanor's favorite son, and resembled him greatly in skill, temperament, and appearance. He was also the father of Celebrimbor, master jewel-smith of Eregion, who forged the three Elvish Rings of Power.

Curufin was almost always in the company of his brother Celegorm, and the pair are most notable for their role as antagonists in the story of Beren and Lúthien where they made foiled attempts to usurp the kingdom of Nargothrond, force Lúthien into marriage to coerce a political alliance with the kingdom of Doriath, and even attacked Beren and Lúthien directly.

Their misdeeds resulted in the weakening of the Union of Maedhros, which contributed to the disastrous outcome of the fifth battle of Beleriand, Nirnaeth Arnoediad (Battle of Unnumbered Tears).

Curufin, alongside his brothers Celegorm and Caranthir, was eventually killed when he and the rest of his brothers attacked Doriath in an effort to reclaim the Silmaril held there.

History[edit | edit source]

Life in Valinor[edit | edit source]

Curufin was a Noldorin prince, one of the seven sons of Fëanor and Nerdanel, born in Valinor during the Time of the Two Trees. He was Fëanor's favorite son, and he greatly resembled Fëanor in temper, talents, and appearance.[2] At some point he married and had a son, Celebrimbor.

Fëanor and his sons abode seldom in one place for long, but travelled far and wide upon the confines of Valinor, going even to the borders of the Dark and the cold shores of the Outer Sea, seeking the unknown. Often they were guests in the halls of Aulë.[3]

During the unrest of the Noldor and the strife between Fëanor and his half-brother Fingolfin, Fëanor was banished from Tirion and took up residence in Formenos; he was followed by his father, King Finwë, and his sons.[4]

Along with Finwë, the sons of Fëanor did not attend the high feast and were out riding when Formenos was attacked by Melkor and Ungoliant after the pair had killed the Two Trees. They attempted to return, but as they approached they were thrown from their horses and lay upon their faces, blind and without strength. Once the cloud passed and they could move again, they entered Formenos and found Finwë dead, the house ravaged, and the Silmarils stolen.

They then sped to the Ring of Doom where Maedhros informed Manwë and, unknowingly, also Fëanor who kept himself hidden during the conversation. Fëanor reacted by cursing both Melkor and the summons of Manwë, and then fleeing into the night; the sons of Fëanor followed him, dismayed that he might slay himself.[5]

The Oath of Feanor by Jenny Dolfen

Fëanor and his sons soon returned to Tirion where during a great speech by Fëanor, they took a terrible and blasphemous oath of enmity and vengeance against all or any who dares to claim any part or right in the Silmarils, and led most of the Noldor into exile.

To obtain the ships needed to pursue Morgoth into Middle-earth, Fëanor's host seized them from the Falmari, killing many when they resisted, and thus came under the Doom of Mandos.

After a long march northwards, the Noldor drew close to the Helcaraxë, a land bridge deemed impassable, and the narrow strait between Aman and Middle-earth they intended to sail. With too few ships remaining to ferry all the Noldor at once, and the fear of treachery between their houses, Fëanor and his sons stole away in them, abandoning the host of Fingolfin.[6]

While Curufin's son Celebrimbor joined him in exile, his wife had refused to take part in the rebellion of Fëanor and remained in Aman with the people of Finarfin.[7]

Return to Middle-earth[edit | edit source]

After landing at the Firth of Drengist, and burning the ships to prevent any from sailing back, Fëanor's host traveled north and encamped on the northern shore of Lake Mithrim where they were attacked unaware by a host of Morgoth. In the battle that followed, Fëanor's forces were swiftly victorious, and pursued the routed orcs over the Mountains of Shadow into Ard-galen.[8]

Though Morgoth's assaulting forces were destroyed, Fëanor recklessly drew far ahead of his host in pursuit of the remnant orcs, and was ambushed and mortally wounded at the confines of Dor Daedeloth. He was rescued by his sons, and just before his death he laid it on them to uphold their oath and to avenge him. Shortly after, Maedhros was taken captive after feigning to treat with Morgoth.[8]

The host of Fëanor remained at northern shore of Lake Mithrim until the arrival of Fingolfin's host, having successfully crossed the Helcaraxë, with the first sunrise in F.A. 1. To avoid open hostilities with Fingolfin's larger forces, the remaining sons of Fëanor relocated to the southern shore of Lake Mithrim.[9]

The hatred between the houses began to be assuaged in F.A. 5, when Maedhros was rescued by Fingolfin's son Fingon, and two years later the Noldor held a great common council where Fingolfin was chosen to be overlord of the Noldor. Maedhros subsequently waived his claim to the title, and shortly after relocated the House of Fëanor to East Beleriand. In F.A. 20, Fingolfin held the great Feast of Reuniting where the Elven houses, both Noldor and Sindar, pledged common cause against Morgoth.[10]

Establishment in Himlad[edit | edit source]

Curufin and his brother Celegorm held and fortified the realm of Himlad, including the Pass of Aglon. This was situated between King Thingol's realm of Doriath, Maedhros' realm at Himring, and Eöl's realm of Nan Elmoth.[11]

Curufin had a good relationship with the Dwarves,[12] and he bore the knife Angrist, made by the dwarf Telchar of Nogrod, which he wore sheathless by his side.[13]

Eöl, however, Curufin loved not at all. Curufin was aware of Eöl's resentment towards the Noldor, and that Eöl was using his friendship with the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains, which Curufin was jealous of, to stir up unfriendliness against them. Regardless, Eöl was still allowed to cross through East Beleriand, though a constant watch was placed on Nan Elmoth as they mistrusted his doings and goings.[14]

Encounters with Aredhel and Eöl[edit | edit source]

In F.A. 316, while Celegorm and Curufin were riding with Caranthir in Thargelion, their cousin Aredhel, daughter of Fingolfin, arrived at Himlad. The people of Celegorm welcomed her and bade her stay among them with honour until their lord’s return.[15]

She expressed to Curufin, and later to Celegorm of whom she was most fond, that she escaped from Gondolin of her own will and was glad to dwell with them and be free. The brothers considered sending a message to her brother King Turgon to inform him, but delayed as the route was extremely perilous, she was happy, and Turgon would have demanded her immediate return. Before they could make up their minds though, Aredhel disappeared, having unknowingly crossed into Nam Elmoth during her restless wandering. It was a long time before they knew what happened to her, but they eventually learned once their scouts starting sighting her visiting the borders of Nan Elmoth, or straying beyond them. They chose not to report this to Turgon to avoid his wrath.[14]

Curufin by Catherine Chmiel

Nearly a century later, in F.A. 400, Curufin's scouts reported to him of Aredhel and Maeglin crossing through Himlad to the Fords of Aros and, suspecting strange deeds, he came south from Aglon and encamped near the Fords himself. His riders soon waylaid Eöl, also now crossing into Himlad, and they brought Eöl to him.[15] Curufin had long known that Eöl had taken Aredhel to wife and shrewdly guessed that she was now seeking to escape from him at last.[14]

Curufin greeted Eöl with insults and open contempt. He greatly desired to slay Eöl, something that was easily within his power, and none would suspect him, or even much miss Eöl at all, but he restrained from doing so. Eldarin law would have deemed this as murder as Eldar were forbidden to slay one another in revenge for any grievance, Eöl had responded to Curufin with courtesy, was not believed to be under the shadow of Morgoth, and was crossing through on an errand of distress, not mischief.[14] Curufin ultimately gave Eöl leave to depart and even counseled Eöl to return to his dwelling and cease to pursue those who loved him no longer, or else never to return again.[15]

Retreat to Nargothrond[edit | edit source]

In F.A. 455, Morgoth broke the Siege of Angband with a massive assault against the Noldor. Celegorm and Curufin held strong forces, with many horsed archers, behind Aglon, but they were overthrown[16] and the Pass of Aglon was taken, though with great cost to the hosts of Morgoth.[17] Celegorm and Curufin hardly escaped, and passed westward along the north borders of Doriath, with such mounted following as they could save, and came at length to the vale of Sirion.[16]

In F.A. 457 Morgoth sent a great force, under the command of his lieutenant Sauron, to capture the tower Minis Tirith, which guarded the Pass of Sirion. The fortress was eventually taken and its lord, Orodreth, was driven out where he would have been slain if not for the intervention of Celegorm and Curufin; they arrived with their riders and other such forces they could gather and fought fiercely, allowing Orodreth to escape and retreat to Nargothrond.[18]

Shortly after, Celegorm and Curufin also had to withdraw, and they were harboured in Nargothrond gratefully, the griefs between the House of Finarfin and House of Fëanor now forgotten.[18] The people of Celegorm swelled the strength of Nargothrond[19] and Celegorm and Curufin grew to strong power, leading many of them.[13] To their cousin Finrod, King of Nargothrond, they showed friendship in every need.[13]

The Oath awakened[edit | edit source]

"For the Silmarils are cursed with an oath of hatred, and he that even names them in desire moves a great power from slumber; and the sons of Fëanor would lay all the Elf-kingdoms in ruin rather than suffer any other than themselves to win or possess a Silmaril, for the Oath drives them."
Finrod, Quenta Silmarillion, "Of Beren and Lúthien"

In F.A. 465,[20] Beren arrived at Nargothrond seeking aid on his quest to retrieve a Silmaril from Morgoth to present to King Thingol of Doriath; this was the bride-price named by Thingol for Beren to wed his daughter, Lúthien. Finrod's life had previously been saved by Beren's father, Barahir, and in gratitude he had sworn an oath of abiding friendship and aid in every need to Barahir and his kin.[13]

Curufin by Anke Eißmann

Bound by this oath Finrod summoned his people and spoke to them of Barahir's deeds in saving him, declared that he would aid Beren, and requested the help of his chieftains. Many of Finrod's people were stirred by his speech to once more go to battle until Celegorm and Curufin, with their own Oath awakened, spoke against it. Celegorm drew his sword and, with flaming eyes, spoke wild and potent words of the wrath that would be incurred on Nargothrond and Doriath should the quest be achieved; the sons of Fëanor would slay any that either kept a Silmaril, or gave one to any hands but their own. Curufin spoke next, more softly but with no less power, of the dread of Morgoth and put such fear into the hearts of the people that they refused open war for the next thirty years until the time of Túrin.[21] Among Finrod's people only his ten most faithful companions remained willing to join him, and he left his crown to Orodreth to govern in his stead.[13] Before departing Finrod had a final terse exchange with Celegorm where he gave a foresight that a Silmaril would be retrieved, but it would never go to the hands of the sons of Fëanor; to other keeping would the bride-price of Lúthien be delivered.[22]

Sometime after, evil wolves started to cross the river Narog and entering the Guarded Plain, leading Celegorm and Curufin to hunt them, joined by their riders and Huan, Celegorm's great hound of Valinor. While on the hunt, Curufin secretly spoke to Celegorm of Orodreth being a "dullard slow" and laid out a plot where they could usurp the throne of Nagrothrond in the event of Finrod's death. With no rumour or tidings of Finrod, Curufin suggested that Celegorm should feign another hunt, but with the actual intent to seek out Finrod; through this they would then either confirm his death, or, if by some grace he was alive and bearing a Silmaril, they could kill him and reclaim it before he returned. Either way, the throne would then be theirs as the eldest house among the Noldor. Celegorm listened, but said nothing.[23]:213

Tyelkormo and Curufinwe by Tuuliky

On the third day of their hunt, they had reached near their borders to the west of Doriath and Huan discovered Lúthien and brought her before Celegorm and Curufin. She revealed who she was and of her escape from Doriath in order to rescue Beren, whom she had learned from the visions of her mother Melian was being held prisoner in Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Finrod's former fortress of Minas Tirith now occupied by Sauron. Celegorm, immediately enamoured by her beauty, and Curufin both listened, and gave no indication of their awareness of Beren or his quest. Once Lúthien finished, she besought them for their aid. In private counsel, Curufin explained to Celegorm that they now knew that Finrod had been taken prisoner, where the wolves were coming from, and what answer he should give to Lúthien. Celegorm then addressed Lúthien and told her that their hunting party wasn't adequate to assault such a fortress, but that if she came back with them to Nargothrond, they would then devise aid to rescue Beren.[23]:214-6[13]

Once they returned to Nargothrond however, instead of assisting Lúthien they took her captive. Their hearts had turned to becoming the mightiest of the Noldor princes and making all Elf-kingdoms obedient to the House of Fëanor; only from that position of strength would they then seek the Silmarils. With Finrod to perish in Sauron's dungeons, and Thingol to be coerced into assenting a wedding of Lúthien to Celegorm, they would advance in such power as they would then both usurp Nargothrond and force Doriath into an alliance. Orodreth, though he was aware the purposes of the brothers, was powerless to hinder them as the people of Nargothrond were under their sway and would not heed him.[13]

Designs foiled[edit | edit source]

These treacherous plans were soon laid bare. With the aid of Huan, Lúthien escaped and the pair succeeded in rescuing Beren along with many Elf prisoners from Tol-in-Gaurhoth. When these Elves returned to Nargothrond the people learned of Finrod's death and Lúthien's great deeds and now perceived the brothers to be guided by treachery rather than fear of Morgoth in abandoning Finrod. Additionally, Celegorm had previously dispatched secret messages to Doriath to urge Thingol's suit, which also hinted that he would leave Finrod to die and take the throne of Nargothond;[24] Thingol in wrath had sent their letters back by his own servants to Orodreth.[25]

Though Celegorm attempted to still the clamours of the people, they grew to calls for the brothers to be slain. Brought before Orodreth, Celegorm stood unbowed with scorn and a menacing anger, while Curufin smiled, though wary-eyed and hand on the haft of his knife. Curufin then laughed and, addressing Orodreth as "Sir Steward", noted that they were not accustomed to standing in his hall and requested to know what he sought of them.[26] Orodreth, speaking coldly, stated that they now stood before the king and that they were banished from Nargothrond, and there would never again be love between the realm and the sons of Fëanor. Celegorm and Curufin soon departed and they went alone as none of their people would any longer follow them; even Curufin's son, Celebrimbor, repudiated his fathers deeds and remained behind. Huan, however, still followed his master Celegorm.[13]

Beren's Leap by Ted Nasmith

Leaving Nargothrond, the two brothers rode towards Himring where Maedhros dwelt. They chanced upon Lúthien and Beren on the way, and charged at them. While Celegorm sought to ride Beren down, Curufin grabbed Lúthien and lifted her to his saddle. Curufin was, however, caught from behind at the throat by the Leap of Beren, and hurled to the ground where Beren then proceeded to throttle him. Celegorm was prevented from assisting Curufin as Huan finally turned from his service and held him at bay. Curufin's life was spared with Lúthien forbid Beren to slay him, so instead Beren stripped Curufin of his gear and weapons, including his knife Angrist, before flinging him away; he further claimed Curufin's horse for the service of Lúthien, telling Curufin to walk back to his kinsfolk. Curufin cursed Beren before joining Celegorm on his horse and they made as if to ride away. Filled with shame and malice though, Curufin took Celegorm's bow and shot two arrows at Lúthien; Huan caught the first in his mouth while the second hit Beren in the breast when he sprang in front of her. Huan then pursued Celegorm and Curufin, and they fled in fear.[13]

Later deeds in Beleriand[edit | edit source]

The evil deeds of Celegorm and Curufin impeded the Union of Maedhros against Morgoth. Because of them, Thingol and Orodreth would not join save some token forces that would not be restrained.[27] Additionally, the wounding of Beren caused only half of the House of Haleth that dwelt in Brethil to come forth, and they joined Fingon and Turgon in the west instead of Maedhros.[28] In retaliation, Celegorm and Curufin vowed openly to slay Thingol and destroy his people if they were victorious and the Silmaril (now in Thingol's possession) was not then freely surrendered to them.[27]

In F.A. 472, the Union of Maedhros launched their disastrous assault on Morgoth. During the battle, their host was scattered and all of the sons of Fëanor were wounded, though none slain. Gathering a remnant of their forces, they managed to hew their way out, and escaped towards Mount Dolmed. In the aftermath of the battle, the sons of Fëanor were greatly diminished, and took to a woodland life, mingling with the Green-elves of Ossiriand.[27]

In F.A. 503, Dior, son of Beren and Lúthien, became king of Doriath following Thingol's death in a dispute with the Dwarves over the great treasure, the Necklace of the Dwarves bearing a Silmaril, and Doraith's subsequent ransacking by the Dwarves. Dior wore the Silmaril openly, and used its power to restore the realm. In F.A. 505 the sons of Fëanor learned of the Silmaril in Doriath and, initially restrained by Maedhros, sent a message to Dior demanding its return, to which Dior sent no response. In late F.A. 506, Celegorm roused the brothers and in winter they attacked Doriath. While the Fëanorian's ended up holding the field, it was a hollow victory: they took heavy losses, including the deaths of Celegorm (by Dior's hand), Curufin, and Caranthir; and the Silmaril escaped, now borne by Dior's daughter Elwing.[29]

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Curufin was Fëanor's favorite son and resembled Fëanor very much in face.[30]:435 He alone showed in some degree the same temper and talents, and was the chief inheritor of his father’s skills.[31] He was known to be of perilous mood,[15] and his vindictiveness could be seen in his attempt to kill Lúthien after his shame and malice from being bested by Beren,[13] and later being not displeased when learning of the Fall of Nargothrond.[32]

At the burning of the ships in Losgar, Curufin is the only specifically named individual of the "few of those most close to Fëanor in obedience" who was aroused by Fëanor in setting them aflame. Of all the sons of Fëanor, Curufin is the only one noted as not preferring to use his mother-name.[30]:437-8

In Beleriand, Curufin, along with Maglor, were the only among Fëanor's sons interested the linguistic changes of the various dialects of Sindarin and the development of theories concerning Primitive Eldarin and its known decedents.[30]:421-2[12] He was most interested in Khuzdul, the language of the Dwarves, and it was from him that the loremasters obtained what knowledge they had of it.[12]

In relation to Celegorm, Christopher Tolkien notes that Curufin is "the more longheaded schemer, standing behind his brother and prompting him - it is clear ... that Celegorm has some authority — or is felt by Curufin to have some authority — that Curufin lacks"[23]:247 and that Curufin was "the wickeder (as he was certainly also the cleverer) of the brothers".[33]:275 A margin note on the passage of their wolf-hunt states that "it is Curufin who put evil into Celegorm's heart".[23]:247

As noted by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The meeting between Eöl and Curufin (if not too long an interruption) is good, since it shows (as is desirable) Curufin, too often the villain (especially in the Tale of Tinúviel), in a better and more honourable light - though still one of dangerous mood and contemptuous speech."[14]

Curufin is described as being a strong and cunning horseman.[13]

Several items were known to be in Curufin's possession. While in Valinor, Fëanor, in his secret forge, "tempered fell swords for himself and for his sons", along with "tall helms with plumes of red".[34] Curufin carried the Dwarven knife Angrist, forged by Telchar, until it was despoiled from him by Beren along with his other gear, weapons, and coat of mail.[33]:237

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Curufin is the Sindarized version of his name Curufinwë, being a combination of curu ("skill") and fin (Sindarized "Finwë").[35]

Other names[edit | edit source]

Curufin had the sobriquet of "the crafty".[36]

Curufin's father-name was Curufinwë[note 1] ("Skillful Finwë"), the same father-name given to Fëanor. Because Curufin was Fëanor's favorite son, he chose to give him the same name. The short form of this name was Curvo.[2][note 2]

His mother-name was Atarincë[note 3] ("Little Father"),[note 4] referring initially to his physical resemblance to his father, and later also found in his mental likeness.[30]:436

In The Earliest Annals of Valinor, the translation of Curufin's name in to Old English is given as Cyrefinn Facensearo and defined as "[Curufin the Crafty, O.E. cyre 'choice', facen 'deceit, guile, wickedness' (a word of wholly bad meaning); searu 'skill, cunning' (also with bad meaning, 'plot, snare, treachery'); facensearu 'treachery'.]"[37]

Genealogy[edit | edit source]

Mahtan
b. Y.T.
 
Míriel
d. Y.T. 1170
 
Finwë
d. Y.T. 1495
 
Indis
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nerdanel
b. Y.T.
 
 
 
Fëanor
Y.T. 1169 - 1497
 
Findis
b. Y.T.
 
Fingolfin
Y.T. 1190 - F.A. 456
 
Írimë
b. Y.T.
 
Finarfin
b. Y.T. 1230
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maedhros
d. F.A. 587
 
Maglor
b. Y.T.
 
Celegorm
d. F.A. 506
 
Caranthir
d. F.A. 506
 
CURUFIN
d. F.A. 506
 
Amrod
d. F.A. 538
 
Amras
d. F.A. 538
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Celebrimbor
d. S.A. 1697
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

In the earliest version of the legendarium in The Book of Lost Tales, in the tale of The Nauglafring, Curufin goes as a representative of the sons of Fëanor to Dior to bid him to turn over the Silmaril, set within the Nauglafring, in his possession. Dior refuses on the grounds that he could not endure such a despoiling of the Nauglafring, to which Curufin then states that the Nauglafring unbroken must then be given over. This rises Dior to anger, who bids Curufin to be gone and to instead seek the other two Silmarils still with Melko (Morgoth). As in The Silmarillion, the sons of Fëanor then attack Dior's realm, but instead of Celegorm, Caranthir, and Curufin being killed in the battle, here it is Maglor, Dinithel (Amras), Celegorm, and Cranthor (Caranthir).[38]

In third volume of The History of Middle-earth, there are many differences in both the events and portrayals of Celegorm and Curufin from the published Silmarillion.

  • In The Lay of the Children of Húrin Christopher Tolkien summarizes the multiple shifts of the founding of Nargothrond of which include Celegorm and Curufin founding it after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and another where they found it after they are routed when Morgoth breaks the Leaguer of Angband, and continue to remain in the east after their host is defeated in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad.[39]
  • In Lay of Leithian Canto VIII when Curufin and Celegorm come across Lúthien, it is Curufin instead of Celegorm who is enchanted by her.[23]:215-7
  • In Lay of Leithian Canto X some of their people ("such folk as still them followed") join them in exile from Nargothrond,[33]:234 and after their foiled attack on Beren and Lúthien it is Celegorm instead of Curufin who curses Beren and fires the arrows.[33]:238

Christopher Tolkien further notes that the "subtleties in the relationship between Celegorm and Curufin are passed over in the prose version (The Silmarillion pp. 172–3), and there is no suggestion that Curufin was the more sinister of the pair, and the prime mover in their machinations."[23]:221

In The Earliest Annals of Valinor, from the fourth volume of The History of Middle-earth, Orodreth, Angrod, and Egnor (Aegnor) are stated to have a great friendship with Celegorm and Curufin in Aman,[40] and through that love were even uniquely granted passage to sail with the House of Fëanor after the ships were seized.[41]

In Maeglin, from the eleventh volume of The History of Middle-earth, Celegorm and Curufin more directly assist Aredhel and Maeglin in their escape from Eöl: Celegorm first provides them with swift horses, and the brothers then waylaid the East Road and its ford over Aros, denying its use to Eöl and delaying him until he escaped them that night in the darkness.[42]

In The Tale of Years from the same volume, it was Celegorm and Curufin instead of Beren who intercepted and defeated the Dwarves of Nogrod at the Battle of Sarn Athrad, and were greatly angered to find that a desired Silmaril was not within their treasure looted from Menegroth. However, Christopher Tolkien comments that this idea was evidently abandoned by his father, since the older idea of Beren fighting the Dwarves and being aided by the Ents appeared again in the Letter 247.[43][44]

While in the published Silmarillion Curufin is recorded as the fifth son of Fëanor, in The Shibboleth of Fëanor he is the fourth.[12]

Notes

  1. In The Peoples of Middle-earth, both Curufinwë and Kurufinwë are used.
  2. Curvo is not directly used, while Kurvo is given as a shortened form of Kurufinwë. See Eldamo for details
  3. In The Peoples of Middle-earth, this is given as Atarinkë.
  4. incë is a diminutive ending, not an independent word meaning "little". See Eldamo for details.

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "Notes", p. 318, note 7
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The names of the Sons of Fëanor"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (II) The Second Phase: Of the Rape of the Silmarils", §§7-12
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Flight of the Noldor"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "X. Of Dwarves and Men", "Notes", note 7
  8. 8.0 8.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Return of the Noldor"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §59
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §61-72, p. 48
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beleriand and its Realms"
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "Notes", note 22, p. 358
  13. 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Three. The Wanderings of Húrin and Other Writings not forming part of the Quenta Silmarillion: III. Maeglin", pp. 434-7
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Maeglin"
  16. 16.0 16.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §148, p. 73
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  18. 18.0 18.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §153, p. 74
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "III. The Quenta: [Section] 9", p. 64
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §178, p. 63
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "III. The Lay of Leithian: Canto VI (Beren in Nargothrond)", pp. 216-9
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §194, p. 88
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "III. The Lay of Leithian: Canto VIII (Lúthien in Nargothrond)"
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "III. The Lay of Leithian: Unwritten Cantos", p. 278
  25. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "III. The Quenta: Commentary on the Quenta, [Section] 10, p. 67
  26. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "IV. The Lay of Leithian Recommenced", p. 318
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad"
  28. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", §7
  29. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Three. The Wanderings of Húrin and Other Writings not forming part of the Quenta Silmarillion: V. The Tale of Years", pp. 467-8
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor"
  31. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "Of Dwarves and Men", p. 390
  32. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Three. The Wanderings of Húrin and Other Writings not forming part of the Quenta Silmarillion: I. The Wanderings of Húrin", p. 256
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "III. The Lay of Leithian: Canto X (The attack by Celegorm and Curufin)"
  34. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor"
  35. J.R.R. Tolkien, "From The Shibboleth of Fëanor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 41, July 2000, p. 10
  36. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië"
  37. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "III. The Quenta: Appendix 1: Fragments of a translation of The Quenta Noldorinwa into Old English, made by Ælfwine or Eriol; together with Old English equivalents of Elvish names", p. 124
  38. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "IV. The Nauglafring", pp. 241-2
  39. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "I. The Lay of the Children of Húrin: Prologue (Húrin and Morgoth)", p. 82
  40. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "VI. The Earliest Annals of Valinor: [Valian Year] 2993"
  41. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Shaping of Middle-earth, "VI. The Earliest Annals of Valinor: Notes"
  42. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Three. The Wanderings of Húrin and Other Writings not forming part of the Quenta Silmarillion: III. Maeglin", §§14-6, pp. 325-6
  43. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "Part Three. The Wanderings of Húrin and Other Writings not forming part of the Quenta Silmarillion: V. The Tale of Years", pp. 346-53
  44. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 247, (dated 20 September 1963), p. 334
Curufin
House of Fëanor
Cadet branch of the House of Finwë
Born: Between Y.T. 1190 & 1362 Died: F.A. 506
None
Title established
Lord of Himlad
F.A. 7455 (with Celegorm)
None
Realm destroyed