Blatant LoTR Copy-Cats

[Varnafindë]

Originally Posted by Wilhelm

Hi Eärniel,

Kullervo is a character in Kalevala whose situation closely parallels Turin's (accidental incestuous relationships, a sword that agrees to take it's wielder's life, the sister throwing herself into a gorge/river...)

Tryfing is certainly a possible source as well.

I made this post in the UT discussion (Tuor/Gondolin) thread with a link to Kalevala.

Kullerwoinen, wicked wizard,
Grasps the handle of his broadsword,
Asks the blade this simple question:
"Tell me, O my blade of honor,
Dost thou wish to drink my life-blood,
Drink the blood of Kullerwoinen?"
Thus his trusty sword makes answer,
Well divining his intentions:
Why should I not drink thy life-blood,
Blood of guilty Kullerwoinen,
Since I feast upon the worthy,
Drink the life-blood of the righteous?"

There may be similar swords in other sagas as well ...

[Wilhelm]

Thank you Varnafindë.

Just for comparison here is the exchange between Turin and Gurthang before Turin kills himself.

"Hail Gurthang! No lord or loyalty dost thou know, save the hand that wieldeth thee. From no blood wilt thou shrink. Wilt thou therefore take Túrin Turambar, wilt thou slay me swiftly?"

And from the blade rang a cold voice in answer: "Yes, I will drink thy blood gladly, that so I may forget the blood of Beleg my master, and the blood of Brandir slain unjustly. I will slay thee swiftly."

I'll let the reader determine the extent of any commonality.