FUNCTIONS OF MINOR CHARACTERS IN THE PLOT OF THEBOOK ‘‘THE CHILDREN OF HURIN’’ BY J. R. R. TOLKIEN

Abstract

The main characters of any literary work usually attract more attention of researchers while the minor ones are left
in the shade. This study has been intended to shed light on the question of minor characters and their and role in
‘‘The children of Hurin’’ by J. R. R. Tolkien. While some common features of secondary characters are well observed some
deep and archetypical traits are not so obvious that’s why it’s essential to study the ‘‘mythological sources’’ and especially
those of Anglo-Saxon and Ancient Greek origin.

There are some common archaic motives which can be found throughout Tolkien’s epics. Among them are the motives
of acquiring a magic helper who can be represented by an anthropomorphic creature as well as various animals such as a dog, a horse, an eagle and others. The helpers can be obtained after completing some dangerous tasks or as a result
of courteous attitudes. The rivals of the main characters can transform from simply enviers to antagonists. The writer
follows the main mythological and epic tradition while creating his personages and determining their functions in the
plot. The secondary characters help the main hero to perform his epic tasks and reveal the heroic features of the
character.

Ref.: 10 titles.