Importance of Turgon

Turgon represents stubbornness. Despite being one of the wisest man in the novel, Turgon is hesitant to listen to Ulmo’s words. He tells Tuor that Gondolin’s walls will protect them more than the Valar ever can. This stubborn arrogance is eventually what leads to Gondolin’s fall. Turgon himself recognizes this when Morgoth’s army attacks the cit. Even his daughter, Idril, mourns him for his stubbornness as both she and Tuor know Gondolin’s fall could have been prevented. Turgon is proof that stubbornness is not inherently evil, but those unwilling to change or trust anyone else will find themselves alone when evil arrives.