61 pages 2 hours read

J. R. R. Tolkien

The Children of Húrin

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007

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Chapters 7-10Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 7 Summary: “Of Mîm the Dwarf”

The narrator describes Mîm, one of the Petty-dwarves who despised Orcs and Elves alike. Having been banished from the east, the Petty-dwarves were once masters of ore mining and metallurgy, living secluded, spartan lives. However, Mîm and his two sons are now the last of the Petty-dwarves.

The Gaurwaith find themselves in a difficult situation as Orcs continue to descend upon Teiglin. Resolved to find a more secure home, Túrin leads his fellowship south. One day, they spot three figures carrying sacks and pursue them. Andróg fires arrows at them, catches one of the figures, and is bitten, leading him to believe it is an Orc. Túrin recognizes the figure as a Dwarf, however, and the Dwarf introduces himself as Mîm. Mîm asks Túrin for mercy, but Túrin asks what Mîm might offer in return. Mîm offers to share his home but asks to leave and return before leading them there. Andróg distrusts Mîm, and when Mîm fails to part with his sack at Túrin’s request, Túrin takes him as hostage for the night.

The following morning, Mîm is resentful of his imprisonment but leads them at Túrin’s prompting. Mîm points to the hill of Amon Rûdh, which they see from afar.