Great Eagle

The adventurers finally escape the dangers of the Misty Mountains.

The Great Eagle was the Lord of the Eagles in the Third Age and perhaps a descendant of Thorondor.

He resided in the eyrie of the Misty Mountains with 15 chieftains, and remembered helping Dwarves in his service.

Once he suffered from a poisoned wound, and was healed by Gandalf and thenceforth they became friends.

During the Quest for Erebor, they saved Thorin and Company as they flew from the Goblin-town and brought them to the eyrie;^[1] later they played a crucial role in the Battle of the Five Armies (T.A. 2941).^[2] After this he became King of All Birds and wore a golden crown.^[3]

Background

It is often thought that the Great Eagle is the same individual as Gwaihir.

References

1. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire"
2. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"
3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Queer Lodgings"