The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Born c. I 450;1 slain I 489
Race
Division
Culture
Originated among the Men of Dor-lómin; later joined the Gaurwaith
Settlements
One of the outlaws who settled in Bar-en-Danwedh with Túrin
Pronunciation
algund
Meaning
Uncertain2

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 28 November 2016
  • This entry is complete

Algund

Eldest of the Gaurwaith

Originally one of the people of Dor-lómin, Algund had lived for a time under the lordship of Húrin Thalion. At the time of the great battle of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Algund fled from his homeland, and travelled down the Vales of Sirion. Eventually, he fell in with a band of outlaws, the Gaurwaith, who haunted the woodlands of Brethil on the western borders of Doriath.

Late in his life, Algund saw a new member join the band, and eventually come to lead it. This was Túrin, Húrin's son, who had exiled himself from the land of his foster-father Thingol. According to some versions of the tale, Algund was able to recognise the newcomer from his resemblance to his father. No record exists of Algund's fate: most likely, he was slain just a few years after the coming of Túrin, when the outlaws were ambushed by Orcs on the summit of Amon Rûdh.


Notes

1

We don't know exactly when Algund was born, but was old enough to fight in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad of I 472, and by the time Túrin joined the Gaurwaith he was the oldest of their number. These facts combine to make a birthdate of about I 450 likely.

2

We don't have a specific explanation of Algund's name, but it contains Elvish roots that can be interpreted as 'not noble'. This interpretation is entirely speculative, but given his life history of desertion and outlawry it would certainly fit his character.

See also...

Gaurwaith

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 28 November 2016
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2004, 2016. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Your Free Personality Test, the free personality test online
Get real insights into who you are. Try a free personality test from Your Free Personality Test today.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry