 | |
| Rohir | |
| Éothain | |
|---|---|
| Biographical Information | |
| Position | Rider in Éomer's éored |
| Language | Rohanese |
| Birth | Late Third Age |
| Physical Description | |
| Gender | Male |
| Gallery | Images of Éothain |
Éothain was a rider of Rohan.
History
Éothain was a member of Éomer's éored that overran the orcs who had captured Merry and Pippin at the fringe of Fangorn Forest, and encountered Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli on 30 February, T.A. 3019. Éothain scoffed at the idea that Hobbits even existed, believing them to be nothing but a child's tale, and argued against the gift of horses to the three companions.[1]
Etymology
Éothain is a modernized Old English name, which means "Horse-soldier". It contains the Old English element Éoh ("warhorse", "charger") and the modernized Old English element thegn (in a military context "soldier").[2] It is a "translation" of a Rohanese name into Old English that was never recorded, though the first element is likely translated from Rohanese lô/loh, "war-horse".
Other versions of the legendarium
In one of the last drafts of The Riders of Rohan, Éothain was Éomer's squire,[3] whereas in a later draft of The Ride of the Rohirrim, he was the captain of Éomer's household éored.[4] No reference to Éothain's rank in Éomer's éored is made in The Lord of the Rings.
Portrayal in adaptations
1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):
- John Livesey plays the part of Éothain. Almost the whole of Éothain's dialogue from the book is retained in this production.
2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:
- The name Éothain was given to another character, but a card from The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game identifies one of Éomer's riders as Éothain.
2012: The Lord of the Rings Online:
- Éothain is Éomer's cousin. He is first met in the Entwash Vale town of Eaworth as part of Éomer's éored. He later returns to his home town of Aldburg where he tasks the player with preparations for its defence.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Riders of Rohan"
- ↑ Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 369
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "XX. The Riders of Rohan", p. 401
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Ring, "Part Three: Minas Tirith", "VII. The Ride of the Rohirrim", p. 352