Ceorl

Ceorl
Rohir
File:Decipher - ceorl.jpg
Biographical Information
Position	Messenger
Physical Description
Gender	Male
Gallery	Images of Ceorl

"Come, stand before me, Ceorl!"

― Théoden, Helm's Deep.

Ceorl was a rider of Rohan.

Life

After the loss of the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen, Erkenbrand withdrew his Riders to Helm's Deep, and sent Ceorl south as a messenger to warn Éomer. He was surprised to come across King Théoden's army riding north, ready to launch their own defence of the Fords. The news brought by Ceorl caused Théoden to reconsider his strategy, and he rode instead to join Erkenbrand at Helm's Deep, so setting the stage for the mighty Battle of the Hornburg.

Etymology

Like other Rohirrim, Ceorl's name comes from Old English. It refers to a particular rank in Anglo-Saxon society, in fact the lowest rank possible while remaining a freeman. Historically, these people would not normally have been professional soldiers, so if Ceorl's background follows his name, we might guess that he was a farmer or tradesman who had been pressed into military service to help deal with the imminent threat to Rohan.

Portrayal in adaptations

In the 1981 radio series of The Lord of the Rings, Ceorl was voiced by Michael McStay.

The character was omitted from Peter Jackson's The Two Towers. The story was changed, and Théoden rode directly to the Hornburg, so there was no need for a messenger.

References

• The Two Towers, Helm's Deep
• Churl at Wikipedia