Ents: Difference between revisions
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==History== | ==History== | ||
===Creation=== | ===Creation=== | ||
Ents were a very old race that appeared in [[Middle-earth]] around the same time the [[Elves]] did, although it is unclear who arrived first. They were | Ents were a very old race that appeared in [[Middle-earth]] around the same time the [[Elves]] did, although it is unclear who arrived first. They were not a part of the [[Music of the Ainur]]<ref name=L248>{{L|248}}</ref> but were created at the behest of [[Yavanna]], after she learned that [[Aulë]]'s children, the [[Dwarves]], were wont to fell trees. Evidently they were [[spirit]]s summoned by her thought to inhabit trees.<ref name=guide>{{HM|Guide}}, entry "Ents"</ref> Ents were envisioned as Shepherds of the Trees and their duty was to protect the forests from [[Orcs]], Dwarves and other perils. | ||
The Elves had tales of teaching the trees | The Ents perhaps were created around the same time [[Awakening of the Elves|as the Elves]].<ref name=guide/> The [[Eldar]] liked to talk to everything and had tales of teaching the trees to talk. They gave them the desire to speak and taught them [[Elvish]]. [[Treebeard]] said the Elves "curing the Ents of their dumbness" was a great gift that could not be forgotten. <ref name=treebeard>{{TT|III4}}</ref> | ||
Before even [[Morgoth]] returned to the North the first Ents were not as wise or strong as in later times. They developed a language, [[Entish]], which was much simpler back then, and had very small knowledge of other [[languages]].<ref name=L248/> | |||
=== Rise and Decline === | === Rise and Decline === | ||
As [[Elrond]] said "Time was once when a squirrel could carry a nut from tree to tree from Rivendell to the Great Sea...".<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref> Nearly all of [[Eriador]] was one huge forest and part of Entish domain. Some Ents passed into [[East Beleriand]]. An Ent-host helped [[Beren]] against the [[Dwarves of Nogrod]] who [[sack of Doriath|sacked Doriath]] and slew King [[Thingol]].<ref name=L248/><ref name=guide/> | |||
[[File:Luca Bonatti - Farewell to Fangorn.jpg|left|thumb|[[Entwives]] in ''Farewell to Fangorn'' by Luca Bonatti]] | [[File:Luca Bonatti - Farewell to Fangorn.jpg|left|thumb|[[Entwives]] in ''Farewell to Fangorn'' by Luca Bonatti]] | ||
There used to be ''[[Entwives]]'', but during the [[First Age|First]] or the [[Second Age]] they started to move farther away from the Ents because they liked to plant and control small things like vegetables, grass and flowers while the male Ents tended the larger trees of the great forest.<ref name=guide/> The Entwives passed the [[Anduin]] and went to the region that would later become the [[Brown Lands]] where they taught [[Men]] agriculture. | |||
But a time came in the [[Second Age]] when these immense forests were cut by the [[Númenóreans]]<ref>{{UT|Aldarion}}</ref> or destroyed in the calamitous [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] during the 17th century of that Age. The shrinking of the forest solidified their separation from the Entwives. The Fangorn Forest was just the Eastern End of that immense forest, and one of its small remnants. The gardens of the Entwives were destroyed by [[Sauron]], and they disappeared. The Ents looked for them in vain. It is sung by the Ents that one day they will find each other. [[Halfast Gamgee]] saw a walking tree in the north of the Shire. When Pippin and Merry told Treebeard about the Shire, Treebread said the entwives would like that land. | |||
In the [[Third Age]], the [[Fangorn Forest]] was apparently the only place Ents still inhabited, although the Ent-like [[Huorns]] may still have survived elsewhere, as in the [[Old Forest]]. The Ents grew old without hope of having [[Enting]]s without the Entwives. Some grew 'treeish' and ceased moving or speaking and few active Ents remained. | |||
=== The March of the Ents === | === The March of the Ents === | ||
{{quote|The Ents are going to war!|[[Treebeard]]}} | {{quote|The Ents are going to war!|[[Treebeard]]}} | ||
During the [[War of the Ring]] the Ents—usually a very patient, deliberate people— | About {{TA|2950}} [[Saruman]]'s armies began harassing the Ents and cutting down large numbers of their trees. During the [[War of the Ring]] the Ents—usually a very patient, deliberate people—were spurred by [[Merry]] and [[Pippin]]. They convened an ''[[Entmoot]]'', a meeting of the Ents at [[Derndingle]]. | ||
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Tree Shepherds.jpg|right|thumb|''The Tree Shepherds'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]] | [[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Tree Shepherds.jpg|right|thumb|''The Tree Shepherds'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]] | ||
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==Appearance and traits== | ==Appearance and traits== | ||
Ents were | Ents were 14-foot tall creatures like humanoid trees with very thick skin resembling tree bark. They resembled the trees that they shepherded. An individual Ent more or less resembled the specific species of tree that they typically guarded or honored, to the point of the personality one micht expect from that tree.<ref name=guide/> Thus they varied in height and size, colouring, and n number of fingers and toes. For example, [[Quickbeam]] guarded [[rowan]] trees and thus looked very much like a rowan. | ||
Ents were nourished by [[Ent-draughts]] and were seemingly immortal although they could be burned. Along with their [[immortality]] they were deliberate and slow in thought, decision and action, something reflected to their language. However once aroused they possessed great strength, which resembled the age-long action of trees accelerated, crushing rocks and moving earth in seconds.<ref name=guide/> Treebeard boasted that they were much more powerful than [[Trolls]], which [[Morgoth]] supposedly made as imitations of the Ents (he compares this with how [[Orcs]] were an imitation of [[Elves]]). | |||
The length and speed of an ent-stride was about 4 feet. With about 2.2 strides per second, an Ent could cover a speed of about 6 miles per hour<ref>Tolkien's calculations in [[Marquette]] paper MSS 4/2/19</ref> | The length and speed of an ent-stride was about 4 feet. With about 2.2 strides per second, an Ent could cover a speed of about 6 miles per hour<ref>Tolkien's calculations in [[Marquette]] paper MSS 4/2/19</ref> | ||
==Etymology and Names== | ==Etymology and Names== | ||
''Ent'' is supposed to represent the language of the [[Vales of Anduin]]<ref name="Nomen"/> and is perhaps a name given to him by the [[Rohirrim]].<ref name=guide/> | |||
''Ent'' is supposed to represent the language of the [[Vales of Anduin]] | |||
The [[Sindarin]] name for Ents, as a race, is ''[[Onodrim]]'', and as individuals ''[[Onod]]'' (pl. ''Enyd'').<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, pp. 756-7</ref> The [[Quenya]] name of the Ents is possibly ''[[Onyalie]]'' with the individual being *''Onya''<ref>[http://www.pa2rick.com/langlab/anaxartaron.html Analysis] of the phrase ''[[Anaxartaron Onyalie]]'' by [[Patrick H. Wynne]].</ref> | The [[Sindarin]] name for Ents, as a race, is ''[[Onodrim]]'', and as individuals ''[[Onod]]'' (pl. ''Enyd'').<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, pp. 756-7</ref> The [[Quenya]] name of the Ents is possibly ''[[Onyalie]]'' with the individual being *''Onya''<ref>[http://www.pa2rick.com/langlab/anaxartaron.html Analysis] of the phrase ''[[Anaxartaron Onyalie]]'' by [[Patrick H. Wynne]].</ref> | ||
Revision as of 11:43, 21 October 2013
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| Ents | |
|---|---|
| Race | |
 | |
| General Information | |
| Members | Treebeard, Beechbone |
| Physical Description | |
| Lifespan | Immortal |
| Distinctions | Tree-like appearance |
| Average height | 10-25 ft. |
| Gallery | Images of Ents |
Ents were sentient, humanoid beings created at the request of Yavanna to protect the trees from other creatures, particularly Dwarves, [1] and thus were called "Shepherds of the Trees".
History
Creation
Ents were a very old race that appeared in Middle-earth around the same time the Elves did, although it is unclear who arrived first. They were not a part of the Music of the Ainur[2] but were created at the behest of Yavanna, after she learned that Aulë's children, the Dwarves, were wont to fell trees. Evidently they were spirits summoned by her thought to inhabit trees.[3] Ents were envisioned as Shepherds of the Trees and their duty was to protect the forests from Orcs, Dwarves and other perils.
The Ents perhaps were created around the same time as the Elves.[3] The Eldar liked to talk to everything and had tales of teaching the trees to talk. They gave them the desire to speak and taught them Elvish. Treebeard said the Elves "curing the Ents of their dumbness" was a great gift that could not be forgotten. [4]
Before even Morgoth returned to the North the first Ents were not as wise or strong as in later times. They developed a language, Entish, which was much simpler back then, and had very small knowledge of other languages.[2]
Rise and Decline
As Elrond said "Time was once when a squirrel could carry a nut from tree to tree from Rivendell to the Great Sea...".[5] Nearly all of Eriador was one huge forest and part of Entish domain. Some Ents passed into East Beleriand. An Ent-host helped Beren against the Dwarves of Nogrod who sacked Doriath and slew King Thingol.[2][3]
There used to be Entwives, but during the First or the Second Age they started to move farther away from the Ents because they liked to plant and control small things like vegetables, grass and flowers while the male Ents tended the larger trees of the great forest.[3] The Entwives passed the Anduin and went to the region that would later become the Brown Lands where they taught Men agriculture.
But a time came in the Second Age when these immense forests were cut by the Númenóreans[6] or destroyed in the calamitous War of the Elves and Sauron during the 17th century of that Age. The shrinking of the forest solidified their separation from the Entwives. The Fangorn Forest was just the Eastern End of that immense forest, and one of its small remnants. The gardens of the Entwives were destroyed by Sauron, and they disappeared. The Ents looked for them in vain. It is sung by the Ents that one day they will find each other. Halfast Gamgee saw a walking tree in the north of the Shire. When Pippin and Merry told Treebeard about the Shire, Treebread said the entwives would like that land.
In the Third Age, the Fangorn Forest was apparently the only place Ents still inhabited, although the Ent-like Huorns may still have survived elsewhere, as in the Old Forest. The Ents grew old without hope of having Entings without the Entwives. Some grew 'treeish' and ceased moving or speaking and few active Ents remained.
The March of the Ents
- "The Ents are going to war!"
- ― Treebeard
About T.A. 2950 Saruman's armies began harassing the Ents and cutting down large numbers of their trees. During the War of the Ring the Ents—usually a very patient, deliberate people—were spurred by Merry and Pippin. They convened an Entmoot, a meeting of the Ents at Derndingle.
After lengthy deliberation (though from the perspective of the Ents, this was very quick action), they marched on Saruman's fortress at Isengard: the last march of the Ents. They were led by Treebeard, the oldest Ent, and accompanied by the Hobbits Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. They destroyed Isengard in an all-out assault and trapped Saruman in the tower of Orthanc.
They flooded Nan Curunir and transformed it into a forested area which they called Treegarth of Orthanc. Following the reunification of Arnor and Gondor, Treegarth became a part of the Reunited Kingdom and King Elessar declared it an Entish realm, granting the Ents complete self-governance.[7]
Appearance and traits
Ents were 14-foot tall creatures like humanoid trees with very thick skin resembling tree bark. They resembled the trees that they shepherded. An individual Ent more or less resembled the specific species of tree that they typically guarded or honored, to the point of the personality one micht expect from that tree.[3] Thus they varied in height and size, colouring, and n number of fingers and toes. For example, Quickbeam guarded rowan trees and thus looked very much like a rowan.
Ents were nourished by Ent-draughts and were seemingly immortal although they could be burned. Along with their immortality they were deliberate and slow in thought, decision and action, something reflected to their language. However once aroused they possessed great strength, which resembled the age-long action of trees accelerated, crushing rocks and moving earth in seconds.[3] Treebeard boasted that they were much more powerful than Trolls, which Morgoth supposedly made as imitations of the Ents (he compares this with how Orcs were an imitation of Elves).
The length and speed of an ent-stride was about 4 feet. With about 2.2 strides per second, an Ent could cover a speed of about 6 miles per hour[8]
Etymology and Names
Ent is supposed to represent the language of the Vales of Anduin[9] and is perhaps a name given to him by the Rohirrim.[3]
The Sindarin name for Ents, as a race, is Onodrim, and as individuals Onod (pl. Enyd).[9] The Quenya name of the Ents is possibly Onyalie with the individual being *Onya[10]
The word Ent is derived from Old English ent, meaning "giant" (from eoten, Norse jotun), although the Ents were unrelated to the giants or the jotuns.[9][11] It has been noted that ent "probably means some kind of giant", but that the exact usage or meaning of the word in Old English is unknown.[12]
Portrayal in Adaptions
- Treebeard.jpeg
2001-03: The Lord of the Rings (film series):
- Ents in The Lord of the Rings (film series) were portrayed as, perhaps, more tree-ish than in the books. For example, the books describe them as having smooth skin; the movie has them with skin like thick and rough bark. In the movie adaption, the Ents at the Entmoot decide that this is "not our war", despite strong protest from Merry. The scene is also shorter, cutting out Bregalad completely; Treebeard is the only Ent who is named and speaks on screen.
- Treebeard is about to take them north to the border, when Pippin insists that they go South instead, because "the closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm". This "does not make sense" to Treebeard, but he does as they ask, and sees the ruin and destruction that Saruman has wrought on southern Fangorn. Treebeard then calls the Ents to battle with his booming Ent-call, and they appear out of the forest as if they had been standing there waiting for it. That they do not know the borders of their own forest is another possible logical gap. But others have accepted Jackson's technique as valid, because of the seemingly minor actions of Merry and Pippin throughout The Two Towers.
2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game):
- Multiple Ents make appearance during the Fangorn Forest mission, destroying Saruman's Uruks fleeing from Helm's Deep.
2003: Sierra's War of the Ring:
- A Summoned Ent is the strongest magic power available to the Free Peoples, an Ent's strength is equal only to the Balrog on the Evil site.
2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:
- In the storyline missions, Ents are assisting Merry and Pippin in the escape from the Uruks as well as destroying Isengard concurrent with the Battle of Helm's Deep. In the skirmish mode, Ents can be summoned both as a "Magic" power by all free peoples and as permanent units by the Rohan faction.
2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:
- Ents are the now the units of the Elven faction.
2007-: The Lord of the Rings Online:
- Prior to the release of Rise of Isengard) expansion, the only Ent appearing in the game was the one called Longbough, who could found in the Eavespires in Evendim.[13] Rise of Isengard expansion and subsequent updates introduced more Ent characters, among them Quickbeam, Gnarlstump, Thickbark, Greylimb and Twistroot. A creature similar to Ents is called Bog-lurker, said to have assisted the Ents in the shepherding of the trees.[14]
| Ents |
|---|
| Treebeard (Fangorn) · Leaflock (Finglas) · Skinbark (Fladrif) · Quickbeam (Bregalad) · Beechbone · Fimbrethil (Wandlimb) |
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Beginning of Days"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 248, (dated 5 October 1963)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Robert Foster, The Complete Guide to Middle-earth, entry "Ents"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Treebeard"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Many Partings"
- ↑ Tolkien's calculations in Marquette paper MSS 4/2/19
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, pp. 756-7
- ↑ Analysis of the phrase Anaxartaron Onyalie by Patrick H. Wynne.
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún, "Appendix C: Old English Poem of Attila", p. 376 (note 17)
- ↑ Michael D.C. Drout, "An Anglo-Saxonist Gets his Fifteen Minutes: or, what happens when the media briefly pay attention" at Old English Newsletter Online (accessed 10 March 2011)
- ↑ Longbough at Lotro-wiki.com (accessed 23 September 2011)
- ↑ Monster: Bog-lurker at Lorebook.Lotro.com (accessed 23 September 2011)
