Ioreth

From Tolkien Gateway
Ioreth
Gondorian
Christina Wald - Ioreth.jpg
"Ioreth" by Christina Wald
Biographical Information
PositionHealer in Houses of Healing
LocationGondor
LanguageWestron
BirthLate Third Age
Lossarnach
Physical Description
GenderFemale
GalleryImages of Ioreth

Ioreth was a woman of Gondor during the War of the Ring.

History[edit | edit source]

Ioreth was originally from Imloth Melui in Lossarnach, but moved to Minas Tirith and worked in the Houses of Healing. By T.A. 3019 she was the oldest woman working there and was well versed in old lore. Upon seeing the illness-stricken Faramir, she said that she wished there was still a king in Gondor, remarking "For it is said in old lore: The hands of the king are the hands of a healer." Gandalf heard this, and brought Aragorn to the Houses of Healing, where he was able to heal many of the sick. Ioreth was very talkative, which annoyed Aragorn and Gandalf.[1]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Ioreth means "old woman" in Sindarin; iaur ("old") plus feminine ending -eth. In draft, Tolkien had spelt her name Yoreth.[2]

Like "Gamling", it was specifically chosen to suit the character of the old nurse.[2]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

1956: The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series):

Prunella Scales is credited as Ioreth in the fifth episode of the second run, "Minas Tirith and Mount Doom".[3] As Scales was in her twenties at the time, it is unknown to what extent the "old lady" aspect was used.

1979: The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series):

Pat Franklyn is credited as "The Old Woman". She is not referred to as Ioreth at any time, but her lines are lifted from Ioreth's.[4]

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

Pauline Letts plays Ioreth.[5]

2003: Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series):

The voice of Ioreth is provided by Vilma Jamnická.

2015: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Ioreth is found in the Houses of Healing after the battle, where she asks the player to assist her with mixing herbs and delivering medicine to the wounded.[6]
She also found in the High Hall of the Houses of Healing during the Midsummer Festivals, where she asks you to scare off the noisy revellers and the dispose of the empty bottles.[7]

References