Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin

The Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin, also known as the Dragon of Dor-lómin, Dragon-head of the North, and the Helm of Hador^[1], was a formidable Dwarven war helmet from the First Age. It was most notably associated with Túrin.

Description

The appearance of the helm was magnificent, adorned by gold, on the background of grey steel. At the top of the helm, the armor bore the sculpture of the dragon Glaurung, The Deceiver. The helm also had a visor "in the style of most dwarven armor." The armor struck fear into the hearts of the enemies of the wearer.

History

The Dragon Helm was the ancient Dwarven-crafted war helm crafted by the Dwarf-smith Telchar of Nogrod for the lord of Belegost, Azaghâl. Azaghâl then gave it to Maedhros as a gift, who eventually passed it on to Fingon. From then on, it remained in the keeping of the High Kings of the Ñoldor that then passed it on to the Men who settled in Dor-lómin.

The helm was given to Túrin Turambar by his foster father, Thingol sometime between FA 463 and FA 473, and from Túrin's mother, Morwen, he had received it.^[2] Since the helm was an heirloom in the House of Hador, it is sometimes referred to as the Helm of Hador. However, Húrin was not of the stature as the rest of his elders. He could not wear the Helm comfortably because he was of lesser stature than his forefathers. He also said he preferred to look at the enemy with his own eyes.

Túrin, however, was of greater stature than his father was and was able to unlock the magical properties of the ancient helm. It had the ability to protect the wearer from any harm or wound, major or minor: "A power was in it that guarded any who wore it from wound or death, for the sword that hewed it was broken, and the dart that smote it sprang aside."

Translations around the world

Gallery

Depiction of the helmet by GTMais

References

1. ↑ Unfinished Tales, Index
2. ↑ The Children of Húrin, Narn i Chîn Húrin, The Tale of the Children of Húrin, Chapter IV: "The Departure of Túrin"