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Óin (Son of Gróin)

2008-08-05T01:42:13Z

70.19.194.16: /* Etymology */

''(See also [[Óin King of Durin’s Folk]])''
{{dwarves infobox
| image=[[Image:Angelo Montanini - Oin.jpg|250px]]
| name=Óin
| othernames=
| life=[[Third Age 2774|T.A. 2774]] - [[Third Age 2994|T.A. 2994]]
| realm=[[Erebor]], [[Blue Mountains]], [[Khazad-dûm]]
| parentage=[[Gróin]]
| lineage=[[Durin's line]]
| hood=Brown
| gender=Male
|}}
'''Óin''' ([[Third Age]] 2774 - 2994, 223 years old) was the son of [[Gróin]] and older brother of [[Glóin]], one of the [[Dwarves]] of the following of [[Thorin II Oakenshield]] who reclaimed [[Erebor]] from [[Smaug]].
He later travelled to [[Moria]] with [[Balin]], and was lost in the ill-fated attempt to reoccupy [[Khazad-dûm]]. '''Óin''' went to seek the upper armouries of the [[Third Deep]] and also went to the [[West-gate of Moria | Hollin gate]], where he was taken by the [[Watcher in the Water]].

'''Óin''', may have also fought in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], considering that his younger brother Glóin was a veteran of the war.

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | FAR | | | | | | |FAR=[[Farin]]}}
{{familytree| | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | FUN | | | | | | GRO | | |FUN=[[Fundin]]|GRO=[[Gróin]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| BAL | | DWA | | OIN | | GLO | BAL=[[Balin]]|DWA=[[Dwalin]]|OIN='''ÓIN'''|GLO=[[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
==Etymology==
Óin is a dwarf from the Norse mythology and the name means 'Fearsome'
{{Template:Thorin and Company}}

[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]

Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul

2008-08-05T01:35:26Z

70.19.194.16:

{{battle|
image=[[Image:Fotr1117.jpg|300px]]<br /><small>The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul as depicted in [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]|
name=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
conflict=Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul|
date=January 15, 3019 T.A.|
place=The [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] in [[Khazad-dûm]]|
result= no victory for either side|
side1=The [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|
side2= The hordes of Moria, the [[Balrog of Moria]]|
commanders1=[[Gandalf]]|
commanders2=The [[Balrog of Moria]]|
forces1=9 combatants|
forces2=Unknown total strength, over 14 [[Moria orcs]] and [[Uruks]], but probably not many more, at least one [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]], and the Balrog of Moria|
casualties1=
None
casualties2=
14 orcs killed, Cave-troll
}}

A skirmish between the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and the hordes of Moria in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]].

==The Books==
===Description===
The Fellowship, having just read fragments of the [[Book of Mazarbul]] inside the Mazarbul chamber, hear the sounds of an approaching band of [[orcs]]. This group includes both [[Moria orcs]] and large, black [[Uruks]] of Mordor. The Fellowship tries to shut the doors to the chamber, but the orcs are already trying to force their way in. A large [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]] beats on the door and forces its foot through. [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] stabs the foot with [[Sting]], causing the troll to withdraw. Orcs shoot arrows through the door, but they bounce uselessly off the walls of the chamber. At last, the orcs manage to burst their way through the chamber door. A fierce skirmish ensues.

[[Legolas]] shoots two orcs through the throat. [[Gimli]] hews the legs from under one. [[Aragorn]] and [[Boromir]] slay "many" (no exact number is given). During the fight, [[Sam]] receives a small head injury but kills an orc himself. When the Fellowship has killed 13 orcs, the rest of the orcs flee shrieking. But just as the Fellowship is about to leave the chamber, a large orc-chieftain jumps in and pins Frodo to the wall with a spear. Thinking him dead, the Fellowship carries Frodo away, after Aragorn kills the orc. It is later revealed that Frodo received a mere bruise, having been protected by his shirt of [[mithril]] mail.

Gandalf remains in the chamber while the rest of the Fellowship flees and faces the [[Balrog of Moria]] for the first time. Gandalf sets a shutting spell on the chamber door but cannot hold it. The spell is broken and Gandalf follows the Fellowship out of the chamber, down the [[Stairs of Khazad-dûm]].

===References===
[[The Lord of the Rings]]: [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] Book II: Chapter 5: [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

==The Films==

===Appearances===
* [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Scene 35: Balin's Tomb]] and [[Scene 36: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

===Portrayal===
* The Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul is expanded a great deal in the films, to aid the movie's dramatic flow and pacing, and to make the battle something more meaningful for the Fellowship on screen. The entire Fellowship takes part in the skirmish.
The battle begins when a large group of Moria orcs breaks through the chamber door, after Legolas and Aragorn have shot a few orcs outside the room through holes in the closed door. A furious, fairly prolonged battle ensues. The cave-troll enters the scene early on, breaking into the chamber and nearly killing Sam, who ducks under the troll's legs just in time. The fighting continues, with Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli killing many orcs. Sam is able to kill (or at least knock out) a few with one of his iron pans and kills at least one with his sword, along with Merry, early on in the battle. Frodo and Pippin seem to be participating in the fight as well. Peter Jackson likely wanted to involve the entire Fellowship in the skirmish to make it something meaningful to each member, as well as to the group as a whole, it being the Fellowship's first real battle together (in the book, the Fellowship never fights together like this). At one point during the fight, Legolas climbs up onto the Cave-troll's shoulders and shoots its head with two arrows, but to no avail. While swinging madly around the chamber, the Cave-troll smashes [[Balin's Tomb]].
* It is source of debate as to whether or not the "black Uruks of Mordor" described by Tolkien are present in the film.
There are a few orcs that physically look slightly different from the rest, though they wear the same armor. Some have argued that perhaps the Mordor Uruks sent to Moria by Sauron had taken up the Moria orcs' way of life, adopting their armor and weaponry and, thus, have a similar appearance (see [[Moria orcs]]).
* In the film, it is the Cave-troll that chases after Frodo and hits him with a spear (despite Aragorn's brave stand against the troll in an attempt to protect the hobbit), rather than an orc-chieftain.
Jackson likely wanted to bring the Cave-troll into the center of the action, adding greater interest to the battle. It is Legolas who at last kills the Cave-troll by shooting it through the throat with an arrow.

Following a momentary victory, when most of the orcs have been killed or fled the chamber, the Fellowship hears the sound of more orcs approaching and flees through a break in the eastern wall of the chamber, running back through the [[Twenty-first Hall]] (see [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] for notes on geographical changes). The action is extended further in the film, as the Fellowship are soon surrounded by hundreds of Moria orcs, before the Balrog enters the hall.
* Gandalf never has his encounter with the Balrog in the Mazarbul chamber in the movie.
Jackson likely wanted to reserve the revelation of the Balrog for a more dramatic moment on film.

In the [[Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring Special Extended Edition|extended cut]] of the film, an important character moment is added to the fight, in which Aragorn saves Boromir from an attacking Moria orc. This further develops the relationship between the two men.
Another moment is also only found in the longer cut, in which the troll continues to chase Sam after nearly hitting him with its giant club, and almost steps on the hobbit before Aragorn pulls the troll away with its chain.

===Behind the Scenes===
Coming soon....

===References===
Coming soon....

==Related Links==
Site of Battle: [[Khazad-dûm]] | [[North End]] | [[Seventh Level]] | [[Twenty-first Hall]] | [[Chamber of Mazarbul]]

*[[Balin's Tomb]]

[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]

Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!

2008-08-03T00:52:07Z

70.19.194.16: /* Appearances in adaptations */

'''[[Baruk]] [[Khazâd]]! Khazâd [[ai-mênu]]!''' was a [[Khuzdul]] battlecry.

Though it is much older, the first recorded use was in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]:

<blockquote>''But a [[Gimli|small dark figure]] that none had observed sprang out of the shadows and gave a hoarse shout: ''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!'' An axe swung and swept back. Two Orcs fell headless. The rest fled.'' {{ref|1}}</blockquote>

Later, Gimli gave some variations on the battle-cry: ''Khazâd! Khazâd!'' and ''Khazâd ai-mênu!''. The cry is translated "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!"{{ref|2}}.

==Appearances in adaptations==
[[Image:The Hobbit (2003) Balfor Baruk-Khazâd.JPG|thumb|250px||Balfor in the video game ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|The Hobbit]]'']]
In the [[1968]] [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|radio series]] of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', [[Thorin Oakenshield]] shouts "Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!" at the [[Battle of Five Armies]].

In the [[1981]] [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio series]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Gimli]] simply yells "Khazâd! Khazâd!" in the seventh chapter, "The King of the Golden Hall".

Despite the movie's use of [[Khuzdul]] lines{{ref|3}}, ''[[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]'' does not use this battle-cry.

"Baruk Khazâd! To Battle!" is a war-cry used by Gimli in ''[[Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring (game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Rings]]'', at the [[The Breaking of the Fellowship|skirmish at Amon Hen]].

In the [[2003]] [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|video game]] of ''The Hobbit'', the Dwarf Balfor shouts "Baruk-Khazâd" upon his release in the level "Riddles in the Dark".

==References==
# {{note|1}} [[The Two Towers]], [[Helm's Deep (chapter)|Helm's Deep]]
# {{note|2}} [[Appendix F]], I: The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age; Of Dwarves
# {{note|3}} "[http://www.elvish.org/gwaith/movie_fotr.htm#gimli Movie Dialogs]" by [[Ryszard Derdzinski]], ''[http://elvish.org/gwaith/movie.htm Gwaith i-Phethdain]''.

[[Category: Khuzdul words]]
[[Category:Battle-cries]]

Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!

2008-08-03T00:51:23Z

70.19.194.16: /* Appearances in adaptations */

'''[[Baruk]] [[Khazâd]]! Khazâd [[ai-mênu]]!''' was a [[Khuzdul]] battlecry.

Though it is much older, the first recorded use was in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]:

<blockquote>''But a [[Gimli|small dark figure]] that none had observed sprang out of the shadows and gave a hoarse shout: ''Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!'' An axe swung and swept back. Two Orcs fell headless. The rest fled.'' {{ref|1}}</blockquote>

Later, Gimli gave some variations on the battle-cry: ''Khazâd! Khazâd!'' and ''Khazâd ai-mênu!''. The cry is translated "Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!"{{ref|2}}.

==Appearances in adaptations==
[[Image:The Hobbit (2003) Balfor Baruk-Khazâd.JPG|thumb|250px||Balfor in the video game ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|The Hobbit]]'']]
In the [[1968]] [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|radio series]] of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', [[Thorin Oakenshield]] shouts "Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!" at the [[Battle of Five Armies]].

In the [[1981]] [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|radio series]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Gimli]] simply yells "Khazâd! Khazâd!" in the seventh chapter, "The King of the Golden Hall".

Despite the movie's use of [[Khuzdul]] lines{{ref|3}}, ''[[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]'' does not use this battlecry.

"Baruk Khazâd! To Battle!" is a war-cry used by Gimli in ''[[Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring (game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Rings]]'', at the [[The Breaking of the Fellowship|skirmish at Amon Hen]].

In the [[2003]] [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|video game]] of ''The Hobbit'', the Dwarf Balfor shouts "Baruk-Khazâd" upon his release in the level "Riddles in the Dark".

==References==
# {{note|1}} [[The Two Towers]], [[Helm's Deep (chapter)|Helm's Deep]]
# {{note|2}} [[Appendix F]], I: The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age; Of Dwarves
# {{note|3}} "[http://www.elvish.org/gwaith/movie_fotr.htm#gimli Movie Dialogs]" by [[Ryszard Derdzinski]], ''[http://elvish.org/gwaith/movie.htm Gwaith i-Phethdain]''.

[[Category: Khuzdul words]]
[[Category:Battle-cries]]

Khuzdul

2008-08-03T00:49:14Z

70.19.194.16:

'''Khuzdul''' is the language of the [[Dwarves]] written with [[Cirth]] script. It appears to be structured, like the Semitic languages, around triconsonantal roots: ''kh-z-d'', ''b-n-d'', ''z-g-l''. Not much is known of the language, as the Dwarves kept it to themselves, except for their battle-cry: ''[[Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!]]'' meaning ''Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!''

Among the [[Languages]], Khuzdul is unique in belonging to a separate language phylum, not related to the languages of [[Elves]].
Nevertheless there are many similarities between Khuzdul and the native tongues of men, such as [[Taliska]], the language of the first and third houses of the [[Edain]]. This is because in the early days of Middle-Earth, before men crossed the mountains into [[Beleriand]], they had contact to the Dwarves of the [[Blue Mountains]] and further East. Taliska was the ancestor of [[Adûnaic]], the tongue of Númenor and the direct ancestor of the [[Common Speech]], and both languages still had Khuzdul influences.

The Dwarvish language sounds much like Hebrew, and indeed [[Tolkien]] noted some similarities between Dwarves and Jews: both were "at once natives and aliens in their habitations, speaking the languages of the country, but with an accent due to their own private tongue…" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|Letters]]'', 176). Another reason Hebrew was chosen as a basis for Khuzdul is that it is unlike any of the European languages, and thus sufficiently alien to western ears to show just how different the Dwarven speech was from the Elvish languages.

It is said in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' that [[Aulë]], the creator of the first Dwarves, taught them "the language he had devised for them," which implies that Khuzdul is technically, in reality and fictionally, a constructed language.

==Etymology==
The word "Khuzdul" is composed of the stem ''[[Khazâd|KH-Z-D]]'', and the adjectival ending ''-ul'', which has the meaning similar to "-ish" or "-ian". Tolkien also used the term ''Khazâdian'' (albeit sparingly).
==Neo-Khuzdul==
For ''[[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]]'', the linguist [[David Salo]] used what little is known of the Khuzdul to create enough of a language for use in the movies. This is usually referred to as neo-Khuzdul by [[Tolkienists]].

==External links==
* [http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/khuzdul.htm Khuzdul] by [[Helge Kåre Fauskanger]]

[[Category:Languages]]

Races

2008-07-30T20:17:39Z

70.19.194.16: /* List of races */

Many '''races''' inhabit [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s '''legendarium'''. They vary in appearance, intellect, manner and more, but will here be divided into two specific categories: Those who speak, and are thus (for the most part) intelligent, and beasts that are known to talk.

== Origins ==
Each race has it's origin, and each of those is different. In the beggining there was [[Eru]], [[Iluvatar]], the Creator. He has no beginning according to Tolkien's [[Legendarium]] and so from him come all other races. First he makes [[Ainur]], the holy ones. He prepares to make a creation of [[Elves]], then the [[Men]]. These races are blessed amongst the other races, who primarily come afterwards by other means.

==Ainur==
===Valar===

The [[Valar]] are the first actual race, but do not really take regular appearance in [[Middle Earth]], being considered Gods. They are the dominant Ainur, the other holy beings serving them (with the exception of Eru). They are spiritual form, but do take physical form when they speak to the peoples of [[Arda]]. They live in [[Aman]]. Each Valar have their own purpose, much like the mythological gods of Greece and Rome.

They are as follows:

*[[Manwë]] is the chief of the Valar

*[[Varda]] is the chief goddess of the Valier, Maker of the stars and spouse of Manwë]]

*[[Aule]] is the smith and master of crafts.

*[[Yavanna]] is the Goddess of nature

*[[Vana]] is called the ever young. Spouse of Oromë and sister of Yavanna.

*[[Oromë]], for he is the god of the hunt.

*[[Tulkas]] was greatest of the Valar in strenght and deeds of prowess.

*[[Melkor]], called [[Morgoth]] by the [[Noldor]], he went astray and was jealous of the other Valar. Because of this he became the first [[Dark Lord]] and rebelled against the Valar, bringing evil into the world.

*[[Ulmo]], lord of the waters.

*[[Mandos|Námo Mandos]], keeper of death in his famed halls.

*[[Irmo|Irmo Lórien]], lord of dreams

*[[Nienna]]

*[[Estë]]

*[[Vairë]]

*[[Nessa]]

===Maiar===

The [[Maiar]] are lesser Ainur, being servants to the Valar. They are seen more often carrying out tasks in middle earth. Most notable are: [[Sauron]], servant of Melkor, [[Ossë]], servant of Ulmo, [[Melian]], who married the Elf, [[Elu Thingol]]. There are many Maia, and certainly more than the valar. Many are noted but some are just counted among the servants of the Valar. Notably among these are the [[Balrogs]], demons of fire, who are possessed with spirits of Maiar.

====Istari====

The [[Istari]] are Maiar, sent by the Valar in the form of Men, or rather [[wizards]], in order to aid the fight against evil. Being Maiar they have extraordinary capabilities, being able to turn the tide of many a battle. Because of their great power there need not be many of them, so there were five. They were led first by [[Saruman]], The White, who headed the order. He later turned to evil and became [[Saruman of Many Colors]], forsaking his position in the order. Replacing him was [[Gandalf]], the Grey, who was later Gandalf, the White, signifying his leadership of the order. It was he who aided the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in their quest to destroy the [[Ring of Power]], also aiding defenders of [[Minas Tirith]] against Sauron's host, as well as many other deeds. The third is [[Radagast]], the Brown, who was renowned for his love of nature and capability of conversing with it, but it is said he was distracted from his course. The last two are alluded to often as the [[Blue Wizards]], whose names were [[Alatar]] and [[Pallando]] when they were in Valinor. It is said they went east and strayed into evil. Their names were then [[Morinehtar]] and [[Rómestámo]], respectively. They are hardly spoken of after they went east. So of all the five Istari, only Gandalf [[Mithrandir]] stayed true to their original duty.

== Elves ==
[[Elves]], called the [[Firstborn]] of Illuvatar, were the first people of middle earth. They were created by Eru and are described generally as tall and fair, but have many specific characteristics. They were placed in middle earth and summoned for a journey to Aman. They are divided by those who refused, those who stopped along the way and those who made it to Aman.

== Men ==

[[Men]] were the secondborn, looking much like Elves but slightly less in stature, and not as fair. They never were accepted in Aman, but for a few special exceptions. They too are separated in loyalty, but still comprise a majority of those who are 'good', and are called [[Edain]]. Evil men include the [[Swarthy men]] or [[Easterlings]]. Later on they developed into more advanced peoples including the men of [[Gondor]] and [[Numenor]], but some remained unsophisticated as those of [[Rohan]] and [[Harad]]. Being second they are cut off in smaller tribes at first, but later the dominion of Men surpasses Elves as the leaders of middle-earth.

=== Hobbits===

[[Hobbits]] are an offshoot of men, but rather shorter than the 'Big Folk', as they call them. They have many defining characteristics that make them different from just short men and certainly not dwarves. While their exact origin is unknown, they are known as perhaps an offshoot of men. Not dealing in te affairs of other races they inhabit specific regions. There are several varieties including the Hobbits of the [[Shire]] and the [[Riverfolk]]

== Dwarves ==

The [[Dwarves]] came last of the 'good' peoples, though they are not intrinsically good. They were made by Aulë, who in eagerness to create people of his own, made the Dwarves, despite the fact that he could not inspire life. Because of this he was forced to destroy them, but at the last moment Manwë had pity on them, and so the Dwarves came to existence. Short in stature and hardy, they keep to themselves and are prone to good or evil.

==Ents==

[[Ents]] are Shepherds of the trees, and though looking very much like them are certainly not trees. They stand as humans but tower in the treetops and are covered in foliage. They originally tended the trees in [[Beleriand]] and lived happily with their [[Entwives]]. However, after the new shaping of the world they were lost and the Ents slowly died out.

==Orcs==

[[Orcs]] were originally created by Morgoth as a mockery of the Elves which Eru created. Fearing light they try to remain hidden or are provided for with dark clouds from their master. The making of Orcs was called Morgoth's most despicable act. How they come about is unknown; it is said they were created by tortured elves in Morgoth's dungeons, but how and of what frequency this happened is unknown. They, however, cannot be created of nothing, as only Eru can truly do this. Orcs spread wide as servants of evil. Some worked in manual service, many were warriors- basic troops that could spread fear and evil across the country, and others were wild, bound to evil service but going where they will.

===Greater Orcs===

[[Greater Orcs]] are not spoken much of, except in the earlier tales of [[Arda]]. Generally they are stronger and larger than regular orcs.

===Goblins===
[[Goblins]] are a smaller, more wild species of orc. Most of them dwell in caves, such as the infamous subterranean goblins of [[Moria]]. This by all means does not mean Goblins are completely bestial, and indeed were rather organized at times, especially under kings such as [[Azog]]. Additionally, Goblins do not always stay underground, but indeed prefer it as they hate light.

===Uruk-Hai===
[[Uruk-hai]] are a larger breed of orcs made by Saruman after he turned to evil. They are larger and stronger than the average orc as well as more disciplined and intelligent (to certain degree), and probably most importantly they are not afraid of the sun. A cross between men and orc the name Uruk-Hai means 'orc-folk'. They had greater success than their smaller counterpart, but only came towards the end of the [[Third Age]] and Sauron's destruction.

==Trolls==

[[Trolls]] were made by Morgoth in mockery of Ents, as orcs were of elves. They are large humanoid creatures that vary in type. Generally trolls too fear the sun and even turn to stone if exposed to it. Made before the first age many went into hiding and reappear in service of Sauron.

===Cave Trolls===

[[Cave-trolls]] are a subterranean variety of troll, seen frequently in Tolkien's writings, particularly in the [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]]. They are incapable of speech and so are probably not considered an organized race, but none the less are still trolls.

===Hill and Snow Trolls===

[[Hill Trolls|Hill]] and [[Snow Trolls]] are mentioned only a little in Tolkien's works, but none the less do make a presence. Their names give explanation to their appearance and dwelling, but for the most part they are like regular trolls. While they are not spoken of much, they do make prominent appearance in Electronic Art's [[The Battle for Middle-earth II - The Rise of the Witch-king]]

===Olog-Hai===

[[Olog-Hai]] were a larger, stronger and (slightly) more intelligent breed of of troll. Created by Sauron in the third age, their largest advantage to regular trolls perhaps is that they do not turn to stone in daylight. Olog-Hai are to normal trolls as Uruk-Hai are to normal orcs, and they are indeed to be feared.

----
Here follows beasts known to speak:

==Eagles==

The great [[Eagles]] played instumental role in the fight against evil, especially considering how lofty they were and the fact that they were still 'beasts'. These giant Eagles were sent from [[Valinor]] to aid the will of the Valar. This way the Ainur did not become physically involved in the affairs of Middle-Earth, but still could lend aid. This is of course not to say the Eagles would aid Elves and Men on a whim, but would generally only come at most dire need in order to change course of Middle-Earth.

==Ravens==

The [[Ravens]] of Middle-Earth were also of extraordinary skill, but not in combat. Like the Eagles, they too bore tremendous eyesight and so were exceptional spies and scouts. Unlike Eagles they were not inclined specifically to good or evil, but were used by both. Known masters could be good, such as Radagast the Brown, but could also be Evil, such as when Saruman used the [[Crebain]] of [[Dunland]] to spy on the [[Fellowship]]. A small but useful tool, they could be effective in their own way.

==Wolves==

The [[Wolves]] of Middle-Earth were a fearsome lot. Curious enough, they were all evil while [[Huan]], a domestic hound, was a champion of good. At any rate, the wolves developed over the years into a variety of fearsome beasts, all terrifying.

===Werewolves===

Perhaps the fiercest Wolves of Middle-Earth, the [[Werewolves]] were a grotesque creation by Morgoth. Giant Wolves embodied with a tortured spirit, they were some of the fiercest beasts of Morgoth's reign. Famous among them were [[Draugluin]] and [[Carcharoth]], both slain by [[Huan]]. Werewolves faded from the legendarium around the end of the First Age, probably destroyed in the [[War of Wrath]].

===Wargs===

[[Wargs]] were a lesser version of their predecessors, created by [[Sauron]], most likely in remaking of the Werewolves which he used to command on [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] as [[Gorthaur]]. Many of these Wargs were enlisted as evil steeds, while others ran wild and grew into a large force of wild Wargs, who knew no allegiance, but were still inclined towards evil. They were known to speak, rarely, but in instances, such as those who attacked [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] in the chapter [[The Ring Goes South]].

==Spiders==

The giant [[Spiders]] of Middle-Earth were a widespread evil. They began when [[Ungoliant]], an evil Maiar, took form of spider and aided [[Morgoth]] in destruction of Valinor. She then fled to Middle-Earth and bred amongst the spiders there, creating a giant ferocious breed that came to be known as the [[Children of Ungoliant]]. They long plagued Middle-Earth, and played notable roles in [[The Hobbit]], where they ensnared the party of Dwarves, as well as when [[Frodo Baggins]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]] encountered [[Shelob]], last of the Children of Ungoliant, in [[The Two Towers]]. After Shelob this gruesome race died out.

==List of races==

List of '''races''' that inhabit [[Arda]]

*[[Ainur]]
**[[Valar]]
**[[Maiar]]
***[[Istari]]
*[[Dwarves]]
*[[Elves]]
*[[Ents]]
*[[Men]]
**[[Hobbits]]
*[[Orcs]]
**[[Greater Orcs]]
**[[Uruk-hai]]
**[[Goblins]]
*[[Trolls]]
**[[Cave-trolls]]
**[[Hill trolls]]
**[[Snow trolls]]
**[[Olog-hai]]

List of '''Beast Races''' known to talk:

*[[Eagles]]
*[[Ravens]]
*[[Wolves]]
**[[Werewolves]]
**[[Wargs]]
*[[Spiders]]

[[Category:Arda]]
[[Category:Races]]

Uruk-hai

2008-07-30T20:14:44Z

70.19.194.16: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

{{race
|image=[[Image:John Howe - The Uruk-hai.jpg|250px]]
|name= Uruk-hai
|dominions=[[Isengard|Northern Rohan and Isengard]], [[Mordor]]
|languages=Various dialects of the [[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
|height= over 5' 5"
|length=
|skincolor= Probably sallow
|haircolor= Probably black
|feathers=
|distinctions= Elvish ears(?), Large build
|lifespan= Possibly eternal
|members= [[Uglúk]]
}}
{{quote|...and others, too, came out of the forest. Great Orcs, who also bore the White Hand of [[Isengard]]: that kind is stronger and more fell than all the others.|[[Éomer]], ''[[The Riders of Rohan]]''}}

The '''Uruk-hai''' were a new breed of [[Orcs]] that appeared during the [[Third Age]].

==Appearance==
The Uruk-hai made up a large part of [[Saruman]]'s army, together with the [[Dunland|Dunlendings]] and other [[Men|human]] enemies of [[Rohan]], and similar large Orcs also served as the elite troops of [[Mordor]]. They were faster than normal Orcs and could travel during the day without being weakened. They were not only faster but smarter, stronger and larger, though some were still shorter than Men. There are suggestions that the Uruk-hai were the result of crossbreeding Orcs and [[Men]]. Certainly, other creatures in Saruman's armies, and under his command in the Shire, appear to have been hybrids, though these "half-orcs" were as tall as Men and are never described simply as Orcs, as the Uruk-hai frequently are. Saruman's army of Uruk-hai fought against [[Kings of Rohan|King]] [[Théoden]] of Rohan and his people at [[Battle of the Hornburg|Helm's Deep]].

The race of uruks, described as "black orcs of great strength" first appeared about the year [[Third Age 2475|2475]] of the Third Age, when they conquered [[Ithilien]] and destroyed the city of [[Osgiliath]]. These were evidently of Sauron's breeding, but it is not clear whether or not these uruks should be regarded as identical with the Uruk-hai, who could be a further 'improvement' to the race achieved by Saruman.

The Orcs and Uruks in the service of [[Barad-dûr]], the folk of Mordor, used the symbol of the red [[Eye of Sauron]]. The Red Eye was also painted on their shields. At least one, a guard, on the march with [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] had a black knife with a long saw-edged blade, used by Pippin to cut through the ropes on his hands. These Uruks of Mordor referred to Sauron as the Great Eye, and [[Grishnákh]] was their captain. They were all long-armed and crook-legged, not as tall as the [[Isengard|Isengarder]] Uruks but larger than the [[Moria]] Orcs. They could see better in the dark than the Isengarders could.

The Uruk-hai of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] used an S [[Cirth|elf-rune]] wrought in white metal on the front of their iron helms. It was clear this "S" stood for Saruman, because their shields had a small white hand (the symbol of Saruman) centered on a black field. [[Aragorn]] commented that their gear was not in the manner of other Orcs at all. Instead of curved scimitars, they used short, broad-bladed swords. Their great [[Bows|bows]] were made of yew wood, in length and shape as those of Men. They also appeared different physically: greater stature, swarthy, slant-eyed, thick legs and large hands. Although they did not like the light of the [[Sun]], they could withstand it better than other orcs. Saruman promised them man-flesh as a treat. He aided them with his wizardry as well: when Aragorn, [[Gimli]], and [[Legolas]] followed the party of Uruks who kidnapped Merry and Pippin, Saruman's will caused weariness of the heart for the pursuers and lent speed to the Orcs. [[Uglúk]] led the Uruk-hai of Isengard, and since they were the strongest he felt that he led the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] march as well, insisting on going back by way of Isengard. This was the group that slew [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir]].

==Etymology==
The name Uruk-hai has the element ''Uruk'', which is a [[Black Speech]] word meaning ''Orc''. Many known languages have a word related to thus ([[Quenya]] ''[[orco]]'', [[Sindarin]] ''[[orch]]'', [[Westron]] ''[[orka]]'', [[Khuzdul]] ''[[rukhs]]'' and presumably [[Drúedain|Drúedainic]] ''[[gorgûn]]''). The element ''-hai'', also present in [[Olog-hai]] and [[Oghor-hai]], means "folk, people".

==Portrayal in adaptations==
In both [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]] and [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]], Uruk-hai are portrayed identical as (and without distinction to) the [[Orcs]].

In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], Saruman appears to be the only one who created the Uruks. They are shown in the movie as being released from a kind of membrane in the mud deep under Isengard (special commentary on the DVD edition explained that they were trying to base the scene on a early description of Tolkien's that Orcs "worm their way out of the ground like maggots"). In the movies Uruk-hai are described as a crossbreed between Orcs and "goblin-men": this may be a dialogue error because in Tolkien's works "Orc" is a synonym for goblin. This description may however refer to humans corrupted by Goblins. These Uruks are sent after the Fellowship, and their leader is [[Lurtz]], a movie-only character.

His Uruks include Pikesmen, normal Uruk-Hai, Archers, and Berserkers.
The Berserkers are the shock troops. When they were first spawned a helmet filled with blood was placed on their heads, so that they were filled with a bloodlust for their enemies. They carry doubly-bent swords, and forgo any armor in lieu of agility, slaying foes left and right, completely devoid of fear and pain. Pikesmen, as the name suggests, carry long pikes, while archers carry crossbows. Normal Uruks wield a basic sword, cast from iron, simple but heavy, and deadly in an Uruk-hai's strong grip. They also use bladed shields, as seen in [[Amon Hen]] during [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]]'s fight against Lurtz.

The Uruks were also very efficient using siege equipment, and had been trained to use crossbows with deadly accuracy. The Uruks, like the lesser Orcs, seemed to not care of each other's presence, shown by the battering ram wielders at Helm's Deep, barging each other off of the thin bridge. The Uruks also hated the Orcs, believing they were a lesser being and often rioting, eg in the tower of Minas Morgul when Shagrat and Gorbag argued over Frodo's vest of Mithril and starting a mass war within the tower. The Uruks seem also to be able to control natural urges than the Orcs, eg the Orcs demanding to eat the hobbits they had captured, while the Uruks were protective. It would seem the only way Orcs were better than Uruks is in treachery, lying and being devious. The Uruks are also not seen to ever ride a mount, possibly due to size, weight and build (the Wargs which attacked the Rohan migration were ridden by trained Orcs).

== Music ==
Uruk-Hai is the original name of the one-man black metal band Burzum. There is also a Spanish black metal band called Uruk-Hai.

==See also==
* [[Olog-hai]]

[[Category:Races]]

Baranduin

2008-07-29T20:00:14Z

70.19.194.16:

The '''Baranduin''' ('The Brown River') was also referred to as the '''[[Brandywine River]]'''.

Flowing out of [[Lake Evendim|Nenuial]] ([[Lake Evendim]]) in northern [[Eriador]], the river flows eastward for about 60 miles before turning generally southward; after about another 120 miles it flows through the easternmost reaches of the [[Shire]], forming its eastern border except for [[Buckland]] which lies between it and the [[Old Forest]]. Its only major crossings in the Shire are the [[Brandywine Bridge]] (originally ''Bridge of Stonebows'') on the [[East Road]] and the [[Bucklebury Ferry]].

Skirting the Old Forest to the south, the river then loops south-westward, crossing an old road at [[Sarn Ford]] and flowing to the north of the depopulated region of [[Minhiriath]] before flowing into the [[Belegaer|Sundering Sea]] to the north of the forested region of [[Eryn Vorn]].

The name ''Baranduin'' was [[Sindarin]] for "golden-brown river". The [[Hobbits]] of the Shire originally gave it the punning name ''Branda-nîn'', meaning "border water" in original Hobbitish [[Westron]]. This was later punned again as ''Bralda-hîm'' meaning "heady ale" (referring to the colour of its water), which Tolkien renders into English as ''Brandywine''.

To the Hobbits of the Shire, the Brandywine was the boundary between the known and unknown, and even those who lived in [[Buckland]] on the immediate opposite shore were considered "peculiar".

No tributary of the Baranduin are described except those near or in the Shire:
* [[The Water]] - central Shire, from the northwest
* [[The Stock-brook]] - arises in the Woody End
* River [[Shirebourn]] - rises in Green-Hill country, tributary is Thistle Brook
* [[Withywindle]] - from the Old Forest
* River [[Norbourn]] - in the [[Farthings|Northfarthing]]

There is a [[Girdley Island]] in the river just above the Brandywine Bridge.

==See also==
* [[Brandywine]] for other uses of the name.''
* [[:Category:Images of Baranduin|Images of Baranduin]]

[[Category:Rivers]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Shire]]
[[de:Baranduin]]
[[fi:Baranduin]]

Athelas

2008-07-29T19:50:10Z

70.19.194.16:

[[Image:John Howe - Athelas.jpg|thumb|''Athelas'' by [[John Howe]].]]
'''Athelas''' is also known as '''Kingsfoil''' or '''Asëa Aranion'''.

It was first brought to [[Middle-earth]] by [[Númenoreans]], but by the end of the [[Third Age]] the knowledge of its healing properties was lost among all but the [[Rangers of the North]]. According to folklore in [[Gondor]], it is especially powerful in the hands of the king, perhaps because of the [[Elvish]] heritage of the royal house. It was used by [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], secretly entering [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]] upon his return to [[Gondor]] to heal those touched by the [[Black Breath]], an act that enhanced his reputation and strengthed his claim to the crown.

[[Image:Athelas from Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring.jpg|200px|left]]
Athelas was also used by [[Huan]] and [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]] to heal wounded [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] in the early ''[[Lay of Leithian]]''. It contradicts the information from ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' of it being brought to Middle-earth by [[Númenoreans]], so it was either changed by [[Tolkien]] in later versions of his legendarium, or athelas grew in [[Beleriand]] before it was destroyed, and then brought ''back'' to Middle-earth by Númenoreans in the [[Second Age]].

----
Kingsfoil is also mentioned in [[Ursula K. Le Guin]]'s ''[[A Wizard of Earthsea]]'', as one of the herbs in the witch of Gont's hut.

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Athelas|Images of Athelas]]
[[Category:Plants]]
[[de:Athelas]]
[[fi:Athelas]]

Athelas

2008-07-29T19:49:31Z

70.19.194.16:

[[Image:John Howe - Athelas.jpg|thumb|''Athelas'' by [[John Howe]].]]
'''Athelas''' is also known as '''Kingsfoil''' or '''Asëa Aranion'''.

It was first brought to [[Middle-earth]] by [[Númenoreans]], but by the end of the [[Third Age]] the knowledge of its healing properties was lost among all but the [[Rangers of the North]]. According to folklore in [[Gondor]], it is especially powerful in the hands of the king, perhaps because of the [[Elvish]] heritage of the royal house. It was used by [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], secretly entering [[Minas Tirith in Gondor|Minas Tirith]] upon his return to [[Gondor]] to heal those touched by the [[Black Breath]], an act that enhanced his reputation and strengthed his claim to the crown.

[[Image:Athelas from Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring.jpg|200px|left]]
Athelas was also used by [[Huan]] and [[Lúthien Tinúviel|Lúthien]] to heal wounded [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] in the early ''[[Lay of Leithian]]''. It contradicts the information from ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' of it being brought to Middle-earth by [[Númenoreans]], so it was either changed by [[Tolkien]] in later versions of his legendarium, or athelas grew in [[Beleriand]] before it was destroyed, and then brought ''back'' to Middle-earth by Númenoreans in the [[Second Age]].

----
Kingsfoil is also mentioned in [[Ursula K. Le Guin]]'s [[''A Wizard of Earthsea'']], as one of the herbs in the witch of Gont's hut.

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Athelas|Images of Athelas]]
[[Category:Plants]]
[[de:Athelas]]
[[fi:Athelas]]