Saints and Witches

Morwen, Morwenna, and Morgan le Fay

Abstract

This article explores historic and linguistics connections to Morwen's name as entryways to analyzing her character and the role she plays in The Children of Hurin. It first examines the Cornish saint Morwenna as a possible name inspiration for Tolkien's maternal figure, and then explores linguistic connections between the names Morwen and Morgan. Then, by studying parallels between Morwen and Morgan le Fay, this paper analyzes how Morwen challenges the effectiveness of Hurin's sovereignty in Dorlomin and maintains her own personal sovereignty throughout increasingly dire circumstances.