[Suzerain of Sheol]

And yet, it's Turin who is prophesied to finally, utterly defeat Morgoth in the Dagor Dagorath. Says a lot about Tolkien's conception of a hero.

Though, as far as shocking moments go, for me, I have to say, Feanor takes the cake. Sure didn't expect an elf to behave that way after just reading LotR. :p