Helm of Hador

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The Helm of Hador, from the fictional work of J.R.R. Tolkien, is also called the Dragon Helm (of Dor-lómin).

This was a great helm forged by Telchar of Nogrod, it was originally made for Azaghâl, Lord of Belegost. Azaghâl gave the helm to Maedhros as "guerdon for the saving of his life and treasure" when he was ambushed by orcs. Maedhros gave it as gift to Fingon in remembrance of his defeat of Glaurung (at his first appearance). No elf under Fingon could be found strong enough to bear the helm, so Fingon gave it to Hador when he received the lordship of Dor-lómin. Hador was strong enough to wear the helm comfortably, and often wore it in battle. Hador was slain in the Dagor Bragollach along with his son Gundor, it is not clear whether he was wearing the helm at that time. Hador’s son Galdor the Tall wore the helm also, but Galdor was slain by an arrow during an attack on Eithel Sirion when not wearing the helm. Húrin, son of Galdor did not use the Helm. He was of lesser stature than his fathers and did not wear it comfortably, and he preferred to look on his enemies with his own eyes. Thus the Helm remained in Dor-lómin when Húrin went to the Unnumbered Tears and was captured by Morgoth. Morwen, Húrin’s wife sent the Helm to Túrin, Húrin’s son in Doriath and he eventually began to use it in war at various times. After the death of Túrin the helm’s fate is not clear, it seems to have been left on Amon Rûdh.

Here is the Helm’s description from "Narn i Chîn Húrin" found in the Unfinished Tales.

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That helm was made of grey steel adorned with gold, and on it were graven runes of victory. A power was in it that guarded any who wore it from wound or death, for the sword that hewed it was broken, and the dart that smote it sprang aside. It had a visor (after the manner of those that the Dwarves used in their forges for the shielding of their eyes), and the face of one that wore it struck fear into the hearts of all beholders, but was itself guarded from dart and fire. Upon its crest was set in defiance a gilded image of the head of Glaurung the dragon; for it had been made soon after he first issued from the gates of Morgoth.

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