Huorns: Difference between revisions

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==History==
==History==


The origin of the Huorns is unknown. It is not clear if Huorns were Ents that had become tree-like, or trees that had become Entish. Perhaps both varieties existed. Either way it is obvious they were part way between trees and Ents.<ref>[[David Day]] (1996), ''[[A Tolkien Bestiary]]'', p. 142</ref> It is also unknown whether individual Ents or trees mutated within their lifetime to become Huorns, or whether the evolution happened through breeding over several generations.
The origin of the Huorns is unknown. It is not clear if Huorns were Ents that had become tree-like, or trees that had become Entish. Perhaps both varieties existed. Either way it is obvious they were part way between trees and Ents.<ref>[[David Day]] (1996), ''[[A Tolkien Bestiary]]'', p. 142</ref>


In the [[Third Age]], the Huorns lived in [[Fangorn Forest]],<ref name=Flotsam/> though it is possible that the trees of the [[Old Forest]], especially [[Old Man Willow]], were Huorns as well.
In the [[Third Age]], the Huorns lived in [[Fangorn Forest]],<ref name=Flotsam/> though it is possible that the trees of the [[Old Forest]], especially [[Old Man Willow]], were Huorns as well.
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==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==


Huorns had great power and could wrap themselves in shadow. When angry, they were able to move with great speed. The Huorns further had voices, as they could speak with the Ents. They communicated with each other with sounds like creaks, low rumbles and rustles, that could be perceived by other races, but could only be understood by Ents. Over the millenia, Huorns have gradually become more aligned with the spirit of the forest and less interested in the affairs of other sentient species. Therefore, their minds were mysterious to other races, and they were considered dangerous and strange. When no Ents looked after them, the Huorns were "''queer and wild''", a threat to the [[Free peoples]].<ref name=Flotsam/> However, there are no records or accounts of Huorns harming other species, except when protecting the interest of the forest against what they perceived as threats.
Huorns had great power and could wrap themselves in shadow. When angry, they were able to move with great speed. The Huorns further had voices, as they could speak with the Ents. When no Ents looked after them, the Huorns were "''queer and wild''", a threat to the [[Free peoples]].<ref name=Flotsam/>
 
 
Whether Huorns were Ents that became like trees, trees that became like Ents, or both, it is clear that they preferred to remain more stationary than Ents, setting their roots and remaining in one place for many years.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==

Revision as of 10:14, 14 September 2013

Huorn by Gail McIntosh

Huorns were creatures much like Ents, although they do not appear to have been truly sentient.

History

The origin of the Huorns is unknown. It is not clear if Huorns were Ents that had become tree-like, or trees that had become Entish. Perhaps both varieties existed. Either way it is obvious they were part way between trees and Ents.[1]

In the Third Age, the Huorns lived in Fangorn Forest,[2] though it is possible that the trees of the Old Forest, especially Old Man Willow, were Huorns as well.

During the War of the Ring, Huorns were aroused by Treebeard to destroy Nan Curunír.[2] Gandalf saw the shadow of these Huorns, as he rode with the host from Edoras to Hornburg.[3][4] Directed by the Ents, the Huorns also helped the Rohirrim to fight the Orcs at the Battle of the Hornburg.[2]

Characteristics

Huorns had great power and could wrap themselves in shadow. When angry, they were able to move with great speed. The Huorns further had voices, as they could speak with the Ents. When no Ents looked after them, the Huorns were "queer and wild", a threat to the Free peoples.[2]

Etymology

Carl F. Hostetter has suggested that Huorn is a Quenya word meaning "talking tree".[5]

The first element of huorn might be derived from the root KHUG-, and the second element is Sindarin orn.[6]

Apparently, there was also a much longer Entish word for huorn.[2]

Portrayal in adaptations

Huorns in MERP

1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:

Huorns are classified as Animate Plants (Monsters). The evil, "blackhearted" ones, went away from Fangorn Forest and the protection of the Ents and settled in Mirkwood. Huorns eat living beings, and they come in as many different forms as trees do. Old Man Willow is a Huorn of the Old Forest.[7]

1995-8: Middle-earth Collectible Card Game:

Huorn is an Awakened Plant (Creature), able to inflict one strike on a player.

References