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Council of Elrond

2026-02-10T22:20:08Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{header image|rivendell}}{{disambig-more|Council of Elrond|[[The Council of Elrond (disambiguation)]]}}{{Sources}}{{events
| image = Alan Lee - The Council of Elrond (detail).jpg
| event=Council of Elrond
| othernames=
| location=[[Rivendell]]
| date=[[25 October]], {{TA|3018}}
| result=Formation of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| partof=[[Quest of the Ring]]
| participants=Elrond, counselors of Elrond and other Elves, [[Gandalf]], Men, two Hobbits, Dwarves from [[Erebor]]
| description=
| references=
| gallery=the Council of Elrond
}}
The '''Council of Elrond''' was a council led by [[Elrond]], held on [[25 October]] of {{TA|3018}}<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref> in [[Rivendell]]. The attendees were called together at the essential moment by fate, each thinking they were guided only by circumstance.<ref name="Council" /> The main purpose of the council was to discuss what should be done with [[the One Ring]], which was brought there by the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] [[Frodo Baggins]].<ref name="Council">{{FR|II2}}</ref>

==Attendees==
The following people are known to have attended the Council:
* [[Elrond]]. As convener of the council and de facto ruler of Rivendell, Elrond headed the Council.
* [[Gandalf]], one of the [[Wizards]], was one of the [[Wise]].
* [[Frodo Baggins]], the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], came to Rivendell on the advice of Gandalf.
* [[Bilbo Baggins]], a former Ring-bearer, and the "Ring-finder".
* [[Glorfindel]], a [[Noldor|Noldo]] of Rivendell who had aided Frodo earlier on his travel to Rivendell.
* [[Erestor]], and several unnamed advisers of Elrond's household.
* [[Aragorn]], a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]], [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and [[Heir of Isildur]], who had been Frodo's travel companion, guide and aide since [[Bree]].
* [[Boromir]], son of the [[Denethor|Steward of Gondor]]. His brother [[Faramir]] had a [[Seek for the Sword that was broken|prophetic dream]] thrice, and he himself once. It spoke of "[[Narsil|the Sword that was broken]], "[[Rivendell|Imladris]]", "[[Isildur's Bane]]" and a "[[Hobbits|Halfling]]". In order to find the meaning of the dream, Boromir went to "Imladris" - Rivendell.
* [[Glóin]] and his son [[Gimli]] were sent by [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] to warn Bilbo about a messenger from [[Mordor]] who appeared at the gate of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and asked for information of the One Ring. As king [[Brand]] of [[Dale]] was also encountered, Dáin decided to send messengers to Rivendell. They also came to seek news of what happened to [[Balin's Colony]], which entered [[Moria]] thirty years before.
* [[Legolas]], was sent by his father [[Thranduil]] with ill news. [[Gollum]], put in the custody of the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] by Aragorn, managed to escape after a surprise attack of [[Orcs]].
* [[Galdor of the Havens]], a messenger of [[Círdan]] who just happened to be present at the time. His role in the Council was no larger than asking a couple of questions.

==History==
At the Council, Gandalf, Elrond and Bilbo told the history of the Ring to all. At hearing the potential of "Isildur's Bane", Boromir proposed to use the Ring to defend his native [[Gondor]], and overthrow [[Sauron]], its creator. Gandalf and Elrond were against it, and stated that the Ring was the essence of Sauron, and thus would corrupt and ultimately destroy whoever tried to use it. To dissolve Galdor's doubts, Gandalf spoke about the [[Ring Verse]] that appeared on the Ring, and recited it in [[Black Speech]], angering Elrond in the process.
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - The Lord of Rivendell.jpg|250px|thumb|''The Lord of Rivendell'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
The fate of the Ring was considered. The Ring was indestructible as it could be unmade only where it was created, in the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]], and several solutions were proposed. It was suggested to give it to [[Tom Bombadil]] who could not be corrupted, or to send it to [[Valinor]] under the guardianship of the [[Valar]] and the [[Calaquendi|High Elves]]. But it was deemed that the Ring could not be hidden or disposed, as it would remain dangerous for the generations to come.

Eventually it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring where it was made.

It then became necessary to decide who should take responsibility for such a perilous undertaking. Bilbo offered to finish the job he had started, but Gandalf told him he could not take back the Ring due to having possessed it for some time. Eventually Frodo surprised everyone including himself by telling them he would take the Ring. After some thought Elrond agreed. At this point Sam emerged from hiding and demanded to accompany Frodo, and since it was hardly possible to separate them Elrond agreed.<ref name="Council"/>

Who would further accompany the "[[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]]" was the subject of some debate for the following two months, although it was clear that Gandalf, Aragorn, Boromir, Gimli and Legolas would join them. Elrond opted for two more; "Nine walkers" would counter the "[[Nazgûl|Nine Riders]]". He originally intended to send two of his household, such as Glorfindel, but Gandalf opted to include [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] instead, as he deemed friendship and loyalty more important than strength.<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Not much is known, as information only runs up to the chapter ''[[Many Meetings]]'', but it can at least be deduced that Glóin was present.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Not all of the mentioned people were present. Glorfindel, Glóin, Erestor, Galdor were omitted.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The Council of Elrond begins without introduction in the sixth episode. Glóin, Galdor and Erestor are omitted.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|250px|The Council of Elrond in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.]]
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The attendants are described as being "summoned", and in the extended edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'', it is explicitly stated that the Council was called because the Ring was found; Boromir was ordered by his father to claim it. This is in contrast to the original text, where fate seems to bring them together.

:The process of the council is significantly shortened. There are no or minimal references to the history of the Second Age, the Rings of Power, the [[War of the Ring|current War]], the politics of the races and the characters' backgrounds. The only characters who speak are the protagonists who will later form the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]]. Unrelated characters (such as Bilbo, Erestor or Glóin) are absent or don't speak at all. According to [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game|Decipher cards]], some of the non-speaking participants are tradesmen from [[Dale]] and [[Lake-town]]. [[Figwit]] is also present.

:The brief council is shadowed by sudden chaos and arguing over who would take the responsibility of the Ring. It is seen that the fight is inflamed by the Ring's evil influence as it sits in the middle of the court. Gandalf puts an end by reciting the [[Ring Verse]], darkening the area and quieting everyone shouting.

:The composition of the Company of the Ring was decided at the council. Sam was not the only one eavesdropping; Merry and Pippin were with him doing the same.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Only Elrond, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Aragorn, Gandalf and Frodo are mentioned, though the other three Hobbits are also present. The first seven are quickly chosen, but as Elrond tells of two great warriors, Merry and Pippin barge in.

{{references}}
{{councilofelrond}}

[[Category:Events]]
[[Category:Third Age]]
[[de:Elronds Rat]]
[[fr:encyclo:evenements:3a:conseil d elrond]]
[[fi:Elrondin Neuvonpito]]

Bilbo Baggins

2026-02-10T22:14:45Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Finder of the One Ring and Ring-bearer}}{{header image|shire}}
{{disambig-two|Bilbo Baggins|tenth child and fifth son of [[Samwise Gamgee]]|[[Bilbo Gardner]]}}
{{infobox character
| name=Bilbo Baggins
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| image=Mike Szabados - Bilbo Baggins.jpg
| caption="Bilbo Baggins" by Mike Szabados.
| pronun=
| othernames=''See [[#Other names|below]]''
| titles=
| position=Burglar, [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Rivendell]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Thorin and Company]]
| language=[[Westron]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=[[22 September]], {{TA|2890}}<ref name="TA">{{App|B2}}</ref>
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=131
| notablefor= [[Quest of Erebor|The Quest of Erebor]] Recovering the [[One Ring]]
| family=[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]
| parentage=[[Bungo Baggins]] and [[Belladonna Took]]<ref name="TA"/>
| siblings=
| spouse=Never married
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=Between 3' and 3'6<nowiki>''</nowiki>
| hair=Brown, later White
| eyes=
| clothing=Green velvet breeches, red or yellow waistcoat (with brass/gold buttons), brown or green jacket, dark green hood and cloak, [[mithril coat]], boots<ref name="Letter27">{{L|27}}</ref>
| weapons=[[Sting]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar, and had been the wonder of the Shire for sixty years, ever since his remarkable disappearance and unexpected return.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[A Long-expected Party]]"}}</center>
'''Bilbo Baggins''' was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] who lived in [[The Shire]] during the final years of the [[Third Age]]. His adventure with the dwarves [[Thorin]] and [[Thorin and Company|Company]] earned him a fortune, and brought the [[One Ring]] of [[Sauron]] back into knowledge.

==Personality==
Before his adventures, Bilbo was considered a very prim and respectable Hobbit for his polite disposition and aversion to anything out of the ordinary. He had strict culinary and hygienic principles, being often less than thrilled with the rough conditions of travel at first. But, being the son of [[Bungo Baggins]] and [[Belladonna Took]], Bilbo had blood from two important Hobbit families, the [[Baggins Family|Bagginses]] and the [[Took Family|Tooks]]. Because of his adventurous "Tookish side" (which sometimes conflicted with his stay-at-home "Baggins side"), Baggins was rather restless and "strange" for a Hobbit. After his return from Erebor, he was regarded much less fondly than before by his fellow Hobbits, but paid them no mind. Though considering himself happily retired from adventures, he often left his home for many days to meet with old friends and strangers, including [[Dwarves]].

Bilbo was noteworthy as the first [[Ring-bearers|ring-bearer]] in the history of [[Middle-earth]] to give up [[the One Ring]] voluntarily; he surrendered the ring to [[Frodo Baggins]] at [[Gandalf]]'s request.

==History==
===Early life===
[[File:Miriam Ellis - The Old Took’s Fireworks, Midsummer’s Eve, 1301.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Bilbo and [[Drogo Baggins]] frolic at one of [[Gandalf]]'s fireworks shows - Art by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sketch of Bilbo Baggins.png|thumb|120px|Sketch of Bilbo Baggins by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
Bilbo Baggins was born on [[September 22]] by [[Shire Reckoning]],<ref group="note">How the date of Bilbo's (and Frodo's) birthday corresponds with our calendar is a matter of debate. [[Appendix D]] of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' says that our New Year's Day (January 1) corresponds "more or less" to the Shire's "January 9", and in standard years our September 14 and the Shire's "September 22" both fall 256 days after that date. However, Appendix D also says that the Shire calendar's "[[Midyear's Day]]" is "intended to correspond as nearly as possible to the summer solstice." In the Shire calendar, "September" ([[Halimath]]) 22 is 83 days after Midyear's Day. If we take the summer solstice to be our June 21, then Bilbo's and Frodo's birthday must be 83 days later, which is our September 12.</ref> in the year {{TA|2890|n}} of the [[Third Age]], the son of [[Bungo Baggins]] and [[Belladonna Took]]. He was a grandson of the [[Gerontius Took|Old Took]].<ref name="TA" />

During his youth, Bilbo attended several parties during which he loved to listen to [[Gandalf]]'s stories<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|9}}</ref> about [[Dragons]], [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] and princesses and was impressed by the Wizard's fireworks. Bilbo also saw the [[Fell Winter]], and was the last hobbit by the End of the Third Age to remember it. His role in the Winter is unknown. After the death of his parents, respectively in {{TA|2926}} and {{TA|2934}}, he inherited [[Bag End]]. In the eyes of his neighbours, he originally seemed just like his father, a solid, sensible, unadventurous and respectable hobbit.<ref name="Party">{{H|1}}</ref> But when becoming older he started to become "strange" and often left his home for many days to meet with strangers, including [[Dwarves]].

Eventually, Gandalf came to believe that Bilbo was the ideal person for an important task he had at hand, for Bilbo was both small-sized and adventurous. Gandalf came to the Shire to visit him in {{TA|2941}} but he had disappeared again because of [[Yestarë|Elven new year]].<ref name="Erebor" />

===Quest of Erebor===
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - An Unexpected Party.jpg|thumb|left|"An Unexpected Party" by [[The Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
Gandalf managed to address him on a morning, while he sat outside his hobbit-hole. He reluctantly asked Gandalf for [[tea]] next day. Indeed Gandalf came back, bringing [[Thorin and Company|thirteen Dwarves]] with him. First came [[Dwalin]], followed by [[Balin]], next were [[Fíli]] and [[Kíli]], then [[Dori]], [[Nori]], [[Ori]], [[Óin]] and [[Glóin]], and at last [[Bifur]], [[Bofur]], [[Bombur]], [[Thorin]] and Gandalf. The Dwarves remained in Bag End for supper and afterwards [[Far over the misty mountains cold|sang a song]] about the [[Sack of Erebor]] and explained the reasons for their unannounced coming: the Dwarves were planning [[Quest of Erebor|a quest]] to reclaim the [[Lonely Mountain]] (and its sizable hoard) from the Dragon [[Smaug]]; or, failing this, to at least recover a sizable amount of treasure from the dragon. Gandalf had volunteered Bilbo to be the company's burglar in order to accomplish these goals. Even with the Dwarves' protests and Bilbo's feeble objections, Gandalf convinced [[Thorin]] that Bilbo was the right person. Thus the Hobbit became the fourteenth member of [[Thorin and Company|the Company]] which left the Shire in {{TA|2941}}.<ref name="Party" /> Bilbo's initial task was to steal as much treasure from Smaug's hoard as possible, as well as recover lost family heirlooms. However, Gandalf's foreboding shows that he instinctively knew that Bilbo's presence would be essential in bringing about Smaug's death and restoring the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]].<ref name="Erebor" />
====Across Eriador====
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - The Trolls (Colored by H.E. Riddett).jpg|right|thumb|''The Trolls'' by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
The next day, after assembling at the [[Green Dragon]], the company's journey to the Lonely Mountain began. Thorin and company travelled through the [[Lone-lands]] along high hills and beside castles. After approximately one month, Gandalf disappeared. Oín and Gloín failed to make a fire during a rainy night, and Balin spotted a fire in the distance, which was rare in those regions, and sent Bilbo to investigate.

Bilbo saw three [[Trolls]] when he approached the campfire. He tried to steal one of the Trolls' money purses but was discovered and captured by [[William]], one of the trolls. He escaped the trolls but was helpless to prevent all the dwarves from being captured when they came looking for him. Gandalf, however, came in the nick of time and saved them all by imitating the Trolls' voices. This led to an argument between the Trolls, who argued until dawn, when the sun turned the Trolls to stone. Upon discovery of a troll cave, Gandalf and Thorin took two fine elvish swords from the Trolls' treasure. Bilbo discovered a small elvish blade, no longer than a small knife in size.<ref>{{H|2}}</ref> He kept it with him for the rest of his adventure, wearing it inside his breeches.<ref name="Riddles" />

In June they came to [[Rivendell]]. During their visit Bilbo met [[Elrond]], and became enchanted with the [[Elves]]. On midsummer eve Elrond inspected the swords of Thorin and Gandalf, and looked at [[Thrór's Map]]. Elrond explained that the swords were forged in [[Gondolin]] and were named [[Orcrist]] and [[Glamdring]]. When inspecting the map Elrond found Moon letters that spoke of the [[Back Door|back door of Erebor]], which read:<ref name="ReferenceA">{{H|3}}</ref>

{{blockquote|Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole.|{{H|3}}}}

====Over the Misty Mountains====
[[File:Donato Giancola - The Hobbit - Expulsion.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Expulsion'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
The next day the company left Rivendell<ref name="ReferenceA" /> and found, with Elrond's advice, the correct way over the [[Misty Mountains]], the [[High Pass]]. During a stormy night, the company took shelter in a dry cave. When everybody was sleeping, [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblins]] appeared and took their ponies to [[Goblin-town]]. At this moment Bilbo woke up and after seeing that the ponies had disappeared, yelled. Goblins swarmed the cave and captured Bilbo and the dwarves. But thanks to Bilbo's yell, Gandalf awakened in time and avoided capture. Bilbo and the dwarves were brought before the [[Great Goblin]]. When he saw Thorin's sword, Orcrist, he was enraged and wanted to kill Thorin and his companions. But Gandalf came in time to save them and killed the Great Goblin. While escaping, Bilbo was carried by Dori. But when a goblin attacked Dori, he dropped Bilbo.<ref>{{H|4}}</ref>
[[File:Daniel Govar - Riddles in the Dark.jpg|thumb|150px|left|"Riddles in the Dark" by [[Daniel Govar]]]]
When Bilbo's consciousness returned he picked up a strange [[The One Ring|golden ring]]. After wandering through the dark passages he came to the lake of [[Gollum]]. Gollum, desiring to eat the hobbit but not willing to face his blade, engaged in a riddle contest. If Bilbo won, according to the predetermined rules, Gollum would lead him to safety. If Gollum won, Bilbo would allow himself to be eaten. As Bilbo saw no other way to escape, he agreed with Gollum's proposal.<ref name="Riddles">{{H|5}}</ref>
[[File:Cor Blok - The Game of Riddles.jpg|thumb|"[[Riddle-game|The Game of Riddles]]" by [[Cor Blok]]]]
Bilbo won the contest by accident, wondering out loud as he fingered the ring he had picked up, "What have I got in my pocket?" Gollum mistook this for a question, and Bilbo decided to stick to it. Gollum lost, but went back to his little island to take the ring Bilbo had picked up (as it was a magic ring) to turn himself invisible and kill the hobbit anyway. But of course the ring was not there, and Gollum, enraged, suddenly guessed that Bilbo had it. He chased Bilbo, but Bilbo unwittingly used the ring and escaped his notice. Gollum led Bilbo to the eastern door of the goblin-tunnels, through which Bilbo departed in safety.<ref name="Riddles" /> Soon after leaving the caves Bilbo found his companions and used the Ring to slip past Balin, the look-out. [[Balin]] was very impressed that he hadn't noticed Bilbo and his reputation among the dwarves increased. Bilbo told Gandalf and the dwarves about his encounter with Gollum and his escape, but he said nothing of the ring. Thus he rejoined his fellow adventurers.<ref name="Pan">{{H|6}}</ref>

The company had not journeyed long when they heard the howl of a [[Wargs|Warg]]. On Gandalf's order they climbed in a group of trees. Bilbo, however, was not able to climb in one of the trees:<ref name="Pan" />
{{blockquote|He could not get into any tree, and was scuttling about from trunk to trunk, like a rabbit that has lost its hole and has a dog after it.|{{H|6}}}}
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Bilbo woke with the early sun in his eyes.jpg|thumb|"Bilbo woke with the early sun in his eyes" by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
With the help of Dori, Bilbo managed to climb in one of the trees. Immediately thereafter, hundreds of Wargs arrived. Gandalf kept them at bay with pyrotechnical pinecones, but eventually goblins came and set the trees on fire. Even Gandalf had begun to despair when the [[Eagles]] of [[Gwaihir]] came to rescue them, taking Bilbo last. The Eagles brought them first to [[Eagle's Eyrie|a wide shelf of rock on the mountain-side]], where they spent the night,<ref name="Pan" /> and then to the [[Carrock]].<ref name="Queer">{{H|7}}</ref> Bilbo did not enjoy his experience being carried by his rescuers, apparently suffering from a fear of heights.<ref name="Pan" />

====Across Wilderland====
From the Carrock they came to [[Beorn]]'s [[Beorn's Hall|Hall]]. Gandalf took only Bilbo at first, but with a story introduced the dwarves in pairs of two, convincing Beorn to invite them for dinner. Bilbo slept uneasily, fearing to be killed by Beorn, while the company spent the night in Beorn's hall. They remained in Beorn's hall, while Beorn had disappeared, for the next two days. On the third day of their stay Beorn returned and gave them mounts, bows, and stocks. He also provided them with council for their coming journey. They departed Beorn's house and travelled three days before they arrived at the edge of [[Mirkwood]]. Bilbo alone (and perhaps Gandalf) noticed that a bear still followed them. At the edge of Mirkwood they returned the ponies, and Gandalf said farewell to Bilbo and the Dwarves. Bilbo was saddened by Gandalf's parting.<ref name="Queer" />

After many days' journey the company came to the [[Enchanted River]]. Bilbo noted that there was a boat at the other shore. Fíli threw an iron hook to grapple the boat and pulled it across the river toward them. The company crossed the river in pairs. While crossing the river, Bombur fell in. They rescued him, but he was asleep because of the river's magic and had to be carried on a litter. Eventually, the dwarves started to give up hope and sent Bilbo to climb a tree midway through the wood. Bilbo declared he could see only trees, not realising they were at the bottom of a bowl formation. Giving up hope, the company noticed campfires of the feasting [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] and, despite the warnings of Beorn and Gandalf, they left the [[Old Forest Road|road]] to contact the elves. However, whenever the company tried to contact them, they extinguished the fires, leaving a complete darkness in the forest, and disappeared suddenly. Thrice the dwarves tried to contact the Elves but all of their attempts failed. After their third attempt Bilbo lost his companions.<ref name="Flies">{{H|8}}</ref>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Butterflies Above Mirkwood.jpg|thumb|"[[Butterflies]] above [[Mirkwood]]" by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Later, a [[Spiders|spider]] attacked Bilbo, who had fallen asleep. Bilbo woke up in time to defend himself with his little blade. He named his blade ''[[Sting]]'' after his first kill. Bilbo discovered that his companions had been captured by the spiders and stowed in their webs. Calling the spiders' names, he lured them away (with [[The One Ring|his ring]]) and came back to rescue the Dwarves. When the spiders returned, the dwarves fought them in a long battle. Eventually, the company won with no serious injuries, but found out that Thorin was missing. Unknown to Bilbo and the other Dwarves, he had been captured by the Wood-elves whose feasts they had interrupted.<ref name="Flies" /> Shortly after the fight with the spiders the remaining members of the company were also captured and brought before [[Thranduil]], king of Mirkwood. Bilbo, with his ring, escaped notice and thus capture. He followed the elves into the [[Elvenking's Halls]], where the dwarves refused to tell their errand to Thranduil and were locked up.<ref name="Barrels">{{H|9}}</ref>

[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Bilbo comes to the Huts of the Raft-elves (II).jpg|200px|thumb|"Bilbo comes to the Huts of the Raft-elves" by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
Later, exploring the elven halls with the aid of his magic ring, Bilbo discovered that Thorin was also captured by Thranduil and devised a plan for the dwarves to escape. One day, [[Galion]] (Thranduil's butler) and the head of the guard, were drunk, and Bilbo was able to steal the keys. He freed the Dwarves from their cells and packed them in barrels. His plan worked, with the dwarves being packed and launched into the [[Forest River]]. Poor Bilbo was forced to cling to the barrels, invisible, and grew cold and wet.<ref name="Barrels" />

{{blockquote|He came up again spluttering and clinging to the wood like a rat, but for all his efforts he could not scramble on top. Every time he tried, the barrel rolled round and ducked him under again. It was really empty, and floated light as a cork. Though his ears were full of water, he could hear the elves still singing in the cellar above.|{{H|9}}}}

Upon reaching the [[Long Lake]], Bilbo, with the aid of Thorin, Fili and Kili, searched for the barrels with Dwarves and freed them. They then went to [[Lake-town]], where they received a warm welcome. The [[Master of Lake-town]] invited Thorin and his companions to the feast he'd organised. Despite the feigned hospitality of the [[Master of Lake-town]] and his people Bilbo had an awful cold and could hardly say anything during the banquet. The company stayed two weeks in Lake-town. They were given new ponies and provisions for many days, and they were brought, by boat, to the northern tip of the Long Lake.<ref>{{H|10}}</ref>

====Encounter with the Dragon====
On their way again, the party came to the [[Lonely Mountain]] when autumn waned. Thorin sent Balin, Fíli, Kíli and Bilbo to spy the [[Front Gate]]. Bilbo saw smoke coming out of the front gate, which made the party assume that Smaug was still alive. They returned to their camp and at Bilbo's suggestion they started to search for the [[Back Door]] at the western slopes of the Lonely Mountain. Eventually, the company discovered the back door. But none of them were able to open it, and Bilbo sat for days on the doorstep, thinking. Soon the dwarves began to grumble about the hobbit, but Bilbo finally solved the riddle of the thrush knocking at the last light of Durin's Day:<ref name="Doorstep">{{H|11}}</ref>

{{blockquote|At the very moment he heard a sharp crack behind him. There on the grey stone in the grass was an enormous thrush, nearly coal black, its pale yellow breast freckled with dark spots. Crack! It had caught a snail and was knocking it on the stone. Crack! Crack! Suddenly Bilbo understood. Forgetting all danger he stood on the ledge and hailed the dwarves, shouting and waving.|{{H|11}}}}
[[File:Olanda Fong-Surdenas - Smaug the Mighty.jpg|thumb|left|''Smaug the Mighty'' by [[Olanda Fong-Surdenas]]]]
The dwarves found that he was right, and with the key managed to open the passage.<ref name="Doorstep" /> Bilbo was, of course, elected to enter the passage first, taking only [[Balin]] with him. Soon Balin halted, but Bilbo went on, finding Smaug's lair and stealing a single jewelled cup before returning. While the Dwarves passed the retrieved treasure to each other and praised Bilbo for his deed, they heard the mountain rumbling. Bilbo had done ill in this, Smaug had awoken and was raged when he missed his cup. Smaug ravaged the mountain and the dwarves were forced to hide in the tunnel, though they lost their ponies. Despite their grumbling, the dwarves had begun to rely on Bilbo's advice for their course of action, and agreed to wait. Bilbo soon decided, however, to return and try and find a weakness in Smaug. Slipping on his ring, he approached the dragon's hoard.<ref name="Inside">{{H|12}}</ref>

Gandalf had indeed done well in choosing Bilbo, for the old worm did not recognise Bilbo's scent, neither could see him, and was puzzled. Nevertheless he sensed the hobbit's presence, and challenged him. Knowing that it would be unwise to reveal his true name or stay quiet, Bilbo replied with a series of riddles, which no dragon can resist puzzling out. Bilbo gave himself a series of names such as "[[Ringwinner]]" and "[[Luck]]wearer", referring to his adventures on the way to the Mountain. Becoming pleased with his riddling, one of the names Bilbo conferred upon himself was "Barrel-rider", and flattered the dragon:<ref name="Inside" />

{{Blockquote|"Well, thief! I smell you and I feel your air. I hear you breathe. Come along! Help yourself again, there is plenty and to spare!" But Bilbo was not quite so unlearned in dragon-lore as all that, and if Smaug hoped to get him to come nearer so easily he was disappointed. "No thank you, O Smaug the Tremendous!" he replied. "I did not come for presents. I only wished to have a look at you and see if you were truly as great as tales say. I did not believe them." "Do you now?" said the dragon somewhat flattered, even though he did not believe a word of it. "Truly songs and tales fall utterly short of the reality, O Smaug the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities," replied Bilbo. "You have nice manners for a thief and a liar," said the dragon.|{{H|12}}}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Scouring the Mountain.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Scouring the Mountain'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
This confrontation did not last especially long, for Bilbo tricked Smaug into showing his underside. Bilbo then saw the gap in the dragon's hard scales, an unprotected place. Bilbo, upon seeing this, cracked a joke and hastily departed, and for this was nearly burned to death. All the same, he escaped and recovered, and told the dwarves what he had learned. This indirectly aided the company, for a [[Thrushes|thrush]] overheard, and this would prove beneficial in the end.<ref name="Inside" />

====Death of Smaug====
As darkness fell, Bilbo urged the dwarves to close the door for fear of Smaug's vengeance. Reluctantly, but at last, they gave in. Just as the door closed, Smaug ravaged the side of the mountain, blocking up the door and destroying the doorstep. However, by mentioning the word "Barrel-rider", Bilbo had led Smaug to believe that the company had been aided by the people of Laketown.<ref name="Inside" /> Thus, Smaug wreaked his vengeance on Laketown. Smaug destroyed the town, but one company of archers, led by [[Bard]], resisted the dragon. When his last arrow, the [[black arrow]], remained, a thrush, who had overheard Bilbo talking about the unprotected patch of Smaug's skin, fluttered around Bard's shoulder. The Thrush passed his knowledge on to Bard who, armed with the knowledge, shot Smaug dead. Smaug fell onto the town, which was devastated by the dragon's attack, but Bard survived and swam to the shores of the lake. There, Bard, an heir of [[Girion]] of [[Dale]], was proclaimed by the people to be king of restored Dale. Bard summoned [[Thranduil]] to help rebuild Laketown and Dale in return for part of the treasure. The armies of Mirkwood and Lake-town joined together and marched to the Lonely Mountain to take their share of the treasure.<ref>{{H|14}}</ref>

Meanwhile, in the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo and the dwarves decided to inspect the hoard while Smaug was away. During this time Bilbo stumbled across a gigantic and beautiful gem. Recalling an earlier conversation, Bilbo realised that it was the famous [[Arkenstone]], but felt strangely reluctant to give it up. Instead, he put it in his pocket and continued on. After a song and gathering of treasure, Thorin gave Bilbo a beautiful [[Mithril-coat|coat]] of ''[[mithril]]'' as the first reward for his services. Thorin led the party to the front gate, and then Balin led them to the [[guardroom]], where they sheltered.<ref>{{H|13}}</ref>

After Bilbo and his companions awoke the next morning they found that many birds, including the aforementioned Trush, assembled at the Lonely Mountain. Although the Thrush tried to say something to the company, none of them could understand him. Therefore the Thrush summoned the [[Ravens|raven]] [[Roäc]], who was able to speak [[Westron]]. Roäc told Bilbo and the dwarves about the events in Lake-town and told Thorin about the approaching armies. He counselled them to make peace with Bard and Thranduil, though it cost them dearly in gold. Thorin rejected this advice and announced that he would not share the treasure with anyone. Then, Thorin sent Roäc as a messenger to his cousin [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin]], lord of the [[Iron Hills]], to request aid. The next days they made preparations and blocked the gate with a wall, while they received news from the ravens.<ref name="Gathering">{{H|15}}</ref>

====The Battle of Five Armies and return journey====
{{Blockquote|There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.|[[Thorin|Thorin Oakenshield]], ''[[The Return Journey]]''}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Arkenstone.jpg|thumb|"[[Arkenstone|The Arkenstone]]" by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When Bard and Thranduil came to the Front gate, Thorin harshly responded in polite words to Bard. Bard's reasoning did little for the stubborn King under the Mountain and Thorin rejected Bard's proposal to share the treasure.<ref name="Gathering" /> Bilbo feared war, and to prevent this gave the Arkenstone into the hands of [[Bard]] for negotiation. With the praise of Bard, Thranduil, and Gandalf he returned, only to be rejected and cast away for his deed by Thorin. But Bilbo was successful in that Thorin was willing to negotiate, and war was prevented temporarily.

And yet war did come. [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]], at the summons of Thorin, came from the [[Iron Hills]] with an army of Dwarves. Bard refused to let the dwarves enter the mountain, which would mean a long and almost certainly unsuccessful siege. But just as battle was about to be joined, Gandalf called them all to be wary of the new coming danger - the alliance of [[Wargs]] and [[Orcs|Goblins]] against them. Dáin, Bard, and Thranduil took council together, and decided upon a strategy of defending the slopes of the Lonely Mountain. Then the enemy came. Thus was the [[Battle of Five Armies]] fought.
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Death of Thorin Oakenshield.jpg|thumb|right|''The Death of Thorin Oakenshield'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
During the battle Bilbo stood with Thranduil and Gandalf on [[Ravenhill]]. As the battle went against the Men, Dwarves, and Elves, Bilbo reflected gloomily on the ingloriousness of war and the bitterness of the end. But then the [[Eagles]] of [[Gwaihir]] came, and [[Beorn]] too, and the battle was won. But Bilbo did not see this result, for a falling stone knocked him out. Invisible as he was, his bruised body was not discovered until the next day. Bilbo then bade farewell to the mortally wounded Thorin and his other friends.
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - The Hall at Bag-End, Residence of B. Baggins Esquire (Colored by H.E. Riddett).jpg|thumb|right|''The Hall at Bag-End, Residence of B. Baggins Esquire'' by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
The victors divided the treasure and Bard took Bilbo's fourteenth share of the gold and silver in return for the Arkenstone. Bilbo, despite having forfeited his share, was offered a rich reward but refused to take more than two small chests of gold and silver. When Bilbo and Gandalf bid farewell to Thranduil Bilbo gave him a necklace of silver and pearls. Thranduil gave the [[Hobbits|hobbit]] the title "[[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]]" and then he returned with Gandalf to [[the Shire]]. There he discovered that he was believed dead, and an auction was going on of his house and possessions. He bought back his own things, and settled once more peacefully into [[Bag End]].

===Years between===
[[File:Michele Mantoani - Bilbo Baggins.jpg|thumb|"Bilbo Baggins" by [[:Category:Images by Michele Mantoani|Michele Mantoani]]]]
Bilbo lived on in health and comfort. He was considered somewhat of an oddity, because of his unexplained wealth and his travelling nature and also because he stopped growing old at 50, these of course having their explanation in his previous adventure.<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref>

Occasionally he received strange visitors; dwarves or Gandalf, or he often left the Shire for journeys from time to time. Other hobbits looked at him with amazement and suspicion, but his generous and kind nature put him high in the regard of those who knew him best especially the poorest and less significant hobbits.<ref name="party" />

Although he had no close friends, he maintained visiting relations with his relatives (except the [[Sackville-Bagginses]]) and especially favored young [[Frodo Baggins]], his cousin from both the side of his father and mother; and with whom they shared same birthday. Frodo was an orphan living in [[Brandy Hall]], crowded with "queer" [[Bucklanders|Bucklander]] [[Brandybuck Family|relatives]], until {{TA|2989}} when Bilbo adopted Frodo as his heir, and raised him in Bag End. Together they celebrated lively their common birthdays and Bilbo was notorious for his (inevitable) after-dinner speeches, reciting boring poetry and, after drinking, allusions to his absurd adventures.<ref name="party" /> The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the [[Water-valley]] and talked about adventure; they were often seen by [[Wandering Companies]] of [[Elves]] (although the hobbits did not see them). When they returned home Bilbo often told Frodo that the Road is like a big dangerous river and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".<ref name="three" />

Most of his time was spent reading, writing [[There and Back Again|his memoirs]], which only Frodo was allowed to read, writing poetry, translating [[Elvish]] and avoiding his nasty relatives. Young [[Sam Gamgee]] started helping [[Hamfast Gamgee|his father]] tending the garden, whom Bilbo taught reading and writing and also some poetry and lore,<ref name="party" /> such as ''[[The Fall of Gil-galad]]'' (which Sam wrongly believed Bilbo composed himself).<ref>{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

Despite his health and youthfulness, Bilbo himself began to feel ''stretched'' and thin. As time passed and he used his magic ring (and perhaps because of [[Sauron]]'s growing power), his mind was preoccupied with it, often worrying if it is safe and checking on it; once he tried locking it somewhere but he couldn't relax if it wasn't in his pocket, and wanted to use it more often. Sometimes he felt it like "an eye" watching on him.<ref name="party" />

===Bilbo's Farewell Party===
[[File:Livia Prima - Bilbo's Party.jpg|thumb|"[[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Party]]" by [[:Category:Images by Livia Prima|Livia Prime]]]]
At last, in September of {{TA|3001}}, Bilbo threw a [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|grand party]] for his 111th birthday (which happened to be shared with Frodo) that was long prepared and Bilbo became the favourite matter of gossip for the region. During this party he gave [[Bilbo’s Birthday Speech|a speech]], did a vanishing act with his ring and sneaked to Bag End. He only took with him a [[There and Back Again|book]] that he was composing, his sword [[Sting]], his [[mithril coat]], and a dark green hood and cloak which had been given to him by [[Thorin]] years before. He attempted to leave the Ring for Frodo, along with [[Bag End]] and the rest of his possessions, but had an internal struggle; he left it only thanks to the urging of Gandalf, and Bilbo was the first ringbearer to give up the One Ring in this way. [[Nar (companion of Bilbo)|Three]] [[Anar (dwarf)|Dwarven]] [[Hannar|companions]] were working on his farewell gifts, and left for the east with them.<ref name="party" />

On his way to the east he passed through [[Woody End]] and said farewell to [[Gildor]] and other [[Elves]] at their encampment above [[Woodhall]].<ref name="three">{{FR|Three}}</ref> The [[Third Age 3002|next year]] he visited Rivendell and became a guest of Elrond<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> and apparently he met Gildor once more again around there.<ref name="three" /><ref group="note">Gildor says he met Bilbo a second time far from the Shire, and as Gildor presumably is one of the [[Elves of Rivendell]], it's possible they met at or near Rivendell.</ref>

===End of the Third Age===
[[File:Andrea Piparo - Bilbo in Rivendell.jpg|thumb|''Bilbo in Rivendell'' by [[:Category:Images by Andrea Piparo|Andrea Piparo]]]]
He lived a very pleasant life of retirement in Rivendell: eating, sleeping, writing poetry, and working on his memoir, ''[[There and Back Again]]'' and wrote a book called ''[[Translations from the Elvish]]''.

When Frodo came to Rivendell seventeen years later, they reunited in the [[Hall of Fire]]. While alone, Bilbo mentioned his old ring to Frodo, wishing to see it, but Frodo refused and a shadow fell upon the two. Bilbo briefly turned into a fleshy figure, though he quickly apologized. Shortly afterwards Bilbo finishes composing (with [[Aragorn]]; whom he calls the ''[[Dúnadan]]'') the ''[[Eärendillinwë]]''.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

Bilbo attended the [[Council of Elrond]], offering to take the Ring to [[Mount Doom]]. Nevertheless, this task fell to the younger Frodo, and in farewell Bilbo gave him [[Sting]] and his old ''mithril'' coat, both of which served Frodo well in the struggles to come.

The [[War of the Ring]] was fought far from where Bilbo dwelt, but successfully, and in the end Frodo returned home. Because of the Ring's destruction, that prolonged his life, Bilbo started ageing again; as [[Arwen]] told to Frodo later, Bilbo started looking ancient according to his kind.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>

===Passage west===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Departure at the Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|''Departure at the Grey Havens'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Two years later, however, Bilbo as a former ringbearer accompanied Frodo Baggins, Gandalf, and certain Elves to the [[Grey Havens]], there to take ship for the West, on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}. He had already celebrated his 131st birthday, becoming the oldest Hobbit in the history of Middle-earth. As a mortal, he died in the West.

While sailing west, Bilbo composed [[Bilbo's Last Song|a last poem]] looking back on Middle-earth in farewell.

==Legacy==
Already an eccentric during his life in Hobbiton, the disappearance of the "Mad Baggins" was a long-lasting discussion around the Shire. Many speculated that he got mad and seeking adventures he found his death in a river or pool, with Gandalf being responsible for not letting him settle down. Meanwhile Frodo, knowing that he is alive and well somewhere, continued to honor Bilbo's birthday along with his, every year.<ref name="shadow" /> Bilbo thus was one of the many legendary hobbits that were incited by Gandalf to seek adventures; and other hobbit figures of traditions (such as his uncles [[Hildifons Took|Hildifons]] and [[Isengar Took|Isengar]]<ref>{{App|Took}}</ref> or [[Basso Boffin]]) that were taken by the 'wandering-madness', either lost for ever, or returning to remain eccentric and uncommunicable.<ref>{{AB|Foreword}}</ref>

Many years after his second "disappearance" he became a fireside-story for hobbit-children, a legendary figure who used to vanish magically and reappear with bags of treasure.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Sam Gamgee named his tenth child [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]] after his hero.<ref>{{App|Samwise}}</ref>

The keepers of the Red Book who copied and translated it were unwilling to make alterations to Bilbo's own text, out of respect for the hero of old, and stuck close to it and its faults. But other later copiers of the Book, based on other notes, wrote the [[Riddles in the Dark|true account]] on the finding of the Ring, resulting to the two differing versions of the story.<ref>{{FR|Finding}}</ref>

===Literary work===
{{Quote|Bilbo was not assiduous, nor an orderly narrator, and his account is involved and discursive, and sometimes confused: faults that still appear in the Red Book, since the copiers were pious and careful, and altered very little.|{{HM|FR}}, "Foreword" (first edition only)}}
*A [[A Walking Song|walking-song]] (poem set on an old tune)
*[[Bilbo's will]]
*''[[There and Back Again]]''
*[[Translations from the Elvish]]
**''[[The Fall of Gil-galad]]''
*''[[Errantry]]''
*[[The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late]]
*''[[Eärendillinwë]]'' (with [[Aragorn]])

==Etymology==
Within the legendarium, "Bilbo" represents a translation of the original [[Hobbitish]] ''Bilba''.<ref name="PM" />

[[John D. Rateliff]] has suggested that the name ''Bilbo'' is very likely a name invented by Tolkien, a "short, simple, made-up name appropriate for a hero of a children's book or light-hearted fantasy story".<ref>{{HM|HHO}}, pp. 47-8</ref>

It has also been noted by [[Paula Marmor]] that [[Wikipedia:Bilbo (sword)|bilbo]] is a kind of Spanish sword deriving its name from Bilbao. The element ''bil'' ("sword") is found in some [[Germanic]] names (such as ''Bilihar'').<ref>{{HM|IE}}, "Etymological Excursion", p. 184</ref>

According to the ''[http://www.bosworthtoller.com/ Bosworth-Toller Anglo-Saxon Dictionary]'', a dictionary of Old English, the element ''bil'' refers to either a farming or military blade, significant in that it must have two edges.<ref>{{webcite|website=BT|articleurl=http://www.bosworthtoller.com/004331|articlename=BIL|accessed=25 August 2015}}</ref> The element ''bó'', equivalent to ''bá'', means both.<ref>{{webcite|website=BT|articleurl=http://www.bosworthtoller.com/0047561|articlename=bó|accessed=25 August 2015}}</ref>

==Other names==
*'''Barrel-rider''', given by himself during his conversation with Smaug, used also by the dragon.<ref name="Inside" />
*'''''Bilba Labingi''''', the original [[Hobbitish]] name for "Bilbo Baggins".<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}, pp. 48-50</ref>
*'''Burglar''', given by [[Gandalf]], which he wrote in Bilbo's door.<ref name="Party" />
*'''Child of the Kindly West''', given by [[Thorin|Thorin II Oakenshield]].<ref name="HReturn">{{H|Return}}</ref>
*'''Clue-finder''', given by himself during his conversation with Smaug.<ref name="Inside" />
*'''[[Elf-friend]]''', given by [[Thranduil]].<ref name="HReturn" />
*'''Luckwearer''', given by himself during his conversation with Smaug.<ref name="Inside" />
*'''Mad Baggins''', first given by [[Rorimac Brandybuck]] after Bilbo disappeared suddenly from his Birthday Party.<ref>{{FR|I1}}</ref> It later became the name of a favourite character of legend who would vanish with a bang and a flash, only to reappear with bags of jewels and gold.<ref>{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*'''Mr. Lucky Number''', given by Smaug.<ref name="Inside" />
*Bilbo '''the Magnificent''', given by [[Thranduil]].<ref name="HReturn" />
*'''[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]''', for his bearing of the [[One Ring]].
*'''Ringwinner''', given by himself during his conversation with Smaug.<ref name="Inside" />
*'''Stinging Fly''', given by himself during his conversation with Smaug.<ref name="Inside" />
*'''Thief''', from [[Gollum]] after Bilbo stole the [[One Ring]]. [[Smaug]] also used it after he stole a cup.<ref name="Riddles" />
*'''Web-cutter''', given by himself during his conversation with Smaug.<ref name="Inside" />

==Genealogy==
{{Baggins}}
==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Hobbit (1967 film) - Bilbo Baggins.png|Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]
File:Sagan om Ringen - Bilbo Baggins.png|Bilbo in [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'']]
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Bilbo Baggins.jpg|Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Bilbo.jpg|Bilbo in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Bilbo.jpg|Bilbo in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:David T. Wenzel - Bilbo finds the One Ring.jpg|Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book)]]
File:LOTR 1990-2--1-.png|Bilbo in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Ring, Vol. I]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Bilbo Baggins.jpg|Bilbo in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Bilbo Baggins.JPG|Bilbo in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Hobbit (2003) One Ring.JPG|Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
File:Aragorn's Quest - Bilbo.png|Bilbo in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Bilbo Baggins.jpg|Bilbo in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Hobbit (film series) - Bilbo.jpg|Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Young Bilbo.jpg|Young Bilbo in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1967: [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]:'''
:Many characters are omitted, and Bilbo takes over the roles of several. He causes the "Groans" (substitutes for the trolls) to quarrel, and he kills the dragon [[Smaug|Slag]] with the Arkenstone. At the end, he marries the [[Mika Milovana|princess]] of Dale.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:Bilbo hosts [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|an 111th birthday party]] at [[The Shire]]. He dines with [[Gandalf]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry.]] During the party, he dissapears, using [[The One Ring]]. The Narrator then recounts that Bilbo gifted Frodo the Ring as a birthday present. Later, in [[Rivendell]], Bilbo tells of [[Quest of Erebor|his journey]] and discovery of the One Ring. Bilbo tells that he discovered the curious properties of the Ring and begun to understand that it was The One. On the morning following the [[Council of Elrond]], Bilbo gifts Frodo his sword, [[Sting]], and his [[Mithril-coat]], noting that it is strong enough even to deflect the knives of [[Nazgûl|The Black Riders]], despite its light weight. After Frodo puts it on, Bilbo remarks that he looks like a true [[Hobbit]]. Before the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] departed, Frodo and Bilbo huddle in a cloak on the stairs to conserve heat. As the Fellowship departs, Bilbo wishes them good luck.

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:[[Orson Bean]] was the voice of Bilbo.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Norman Bird]] was the voice of Bilbo, and [[Billy Barty]] the body double. Although Bilbo returned to physical aging after giving up the ring, when we see Bilbo again in Rivendell, he has not physically aged.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Orson Bean reprised his role as Bilbo. He lives in [[Rivendell]], and listens to the tale of Frodo of the Nine Fingers. Some archive footage from Rankin/Bass' ''The Hobbit'' is also shown at the start of the film.

'''1985: [[The Hobbit (1985 television film)|''The Fairytale Adventures of Mr. Baggins, the Hobbit'' (1985 film)]]:'''
:Mikhail Danilov played Bilbo.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Bilbo is played by [[Ian Holm]], who also played [[Frodo Baggins]] in the radio series 20 years earlier. Although the book states that he didn't visibly age after finding the Ring, Holm portrays Bilbo as older than he should look. In his brief appearance in the [[Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All...|Prologue]] showing the finding of the Ring, he is disguised to look younger.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Ian Holm]] reprised his role as an older Bilbo,<ref name="PJCasting1">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150232032911558&id=141884481557|articlename=One comment that...|dated=22-April-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> whilst the younger Bilbo was portrayed by [[Martin Freeman]].<ref name="PJCasting2">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A description of Bilbo in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

:{{Blockquote|Like all Hobbits, Bilbo Baggins is fond of his comfortable existence; all he needs to be happy is a full pantry and a good book. When the Wizard Gandalf and 13 Dwarves unexpectedly appear on Bilbo’s doorstep and invite him to join them on a dangerous adventure, Bilbo’s life changes forever. Initially sceptical of the invitation, Bilbo’s spirit of adventure leads him to join the Company of Thorin Oakenshield and become the “burglar” required to complete their quest to outwit a ferocious dragon and reclaim the Dwarves’ stolen treasure. To everyone’s surprise, including his own, Bilbo’s wit and courage prove that there is indeed more to this Hobbit than meets the eye.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Bilbo is provided by [[Felix Felton]].

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Bilbo is portrayed by [[Paul Daneman]], and several times, when he introduces himself, he spells out his last name ("B-A-GG-I-N-S").

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Bilbo is provided by [[Ray Reinhardt]].

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Bilbo is provided by [[Ray Reinhardt]].

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Bilbo is played by Horst Bollman.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Bilbo is portrayed by [[John Le Mesurier]].

'''1989: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Bilbo Baggins is provided by Peter Bzdúch.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Bilbo is played by Klaus Herm.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Bilbo Baggins is provided by Marián Labuda. Though Bilbo appears as a character in the same scenes he does in the novel's narrative, his primary role is that of an omniscient, overarching narrator of the entire series. This is portrayed as Bilbo reading from and commenting on the War of the Ring while writing new chapters in the [[Red Book of Westmarch]]. There is a slightly metafictional or postmodern tone to Bilbo's narration, as he occasionally breaks the fourth wall and addresses his nephew Frodo (and sometimes other characters from the Fellowship) directly, with Frodo or the other characters sometimes equally breaking the fourth wall and briefly responding to Bilbo. Until his journey to the Grey Havens at the end of the story, Bilbo spends almost its entirety in Rivendell (from where he narrates and writes the Red Book and notes for it). The prologue about hobbits and the events of his 111th birthday are briefly summarized by Bilbo at the start of the first episode and then the action shifts towards Frodo and Gandalf, and then to Frodo and his three hobbit companions.

===Video games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Bilbo Baggins is the main character of the game. Together with his companion, [[Thorin]], he travels to [[Lonely Mountain|the Lonely Mountain]]. There they plunder Smaug's lair.<ref name="Newspaper">{{webcite|author=Phil Garratt|articleurl=http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg|articlename=Software Review: The Hobbit|website=[http://www.worldofspectrum.org WorldOfSpectrum.com]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Bilbo Baggins first appear in the introduction of the game, in which [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]] appears.

:Bilbo makes a second appeareance in [[Rivendell]], where he can be found in the bedrooms. He asks the player about the Ring and gives him Sting and a Mithril mail.<ref>{{webcite|author=Chris Wallner|articleurl=http://www.thecomputershow.com/computershow/walkthroughs/lordoftheringsvol1walk.htm#rivendell|articlename=Lord Of The Rings: Volume 1 - Walkthrough|dated=|website=thecomputershow.com|accessed=2 March 2012}}</ref>

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The first time that the game references to Bilbo is during the introduction, when Gandalf mentions that Bilbo won the Ring from Gollum.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]], Introduction</ref> He also makes an appearance in Rivendell, after the [[Council of Elrond]]. When Frodo comes to say goodbye he gives him Sting and his mithril shirt.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]], Rivendell</ref> He is voiced by [[Jim Piddock]].

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Bilbo is the main protagonist and the titular playable character of the game. The story of ''The Hobbit'' is adapted rather faithfully, but many additional side-adventures for Bilbo are present, involving him killing multiple enemies. He performs several quests in the Shire before reaching Green Dragon, saves an elf named [[Lianna]] in Troll cave, rescues a Dwarf named [[Balfor]] from Goblin-Town, uncovers a treachery among men of Lake-Town and helps Dwarves restore ancient working of Erebor, among other things. He is portrayed with red hair and is voiced by [[Michael Beattie]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Bilbo is a non-playable character, who resides at the [[Rivendell|Last Homely House]] in [[Rivendell]]. The player can find him at the [[Hall of Fire]], chatting with [[Lindir]]. Among other things, he sends the players to Goblin-town with a task to verify several directions and turns in the place, which he had forgotten, but requires for the book he is writing.

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Bilbo appears in Rivendell.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Bilbo is present in Rivendell, where players can discuss with him various topics at different stages of the story.

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=hobbit
|house=[[Baggins Family]]
|born=[[22 September]], {{TA|2890}}
|died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
|prev=[[Gollum]]
|list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
|dates=[[19 July]],<ref name=Atlas>{{HM|AME}}, Section 5, p. 98</ref> {{TA|2941}} - [[22 September]], {{TA|3001|n}}
|next=[[Frodo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{references|note}}
{{Thorin and Company}}{{companyroute}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{councilofelrond}}
{{hobbitfilms}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Baggins]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Bilbo Beutlin]]
[[fi:Bilbo Reppuli]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:bessac:bilbo bessac]]

Meriadoc Brandybuck

2026-02-10T22:14:24Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Member of the Fellowship & Esquire of Théoden}}{{header image|shire}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| image=Jenny Dolfen - Master Holbytla.jpg
| caption="Master Holbytla" by [[Jenny Dolfen]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Merry, "the Magnificent", [[Kalimac Brandagamba]], [[Holdwine|Holdwine of the Shire]]
| titles=[[Master of Buckland]], Knight of Rohan, Esquire of [[Théoden]]
| position=
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=Early {{TA|2982}}
| birthlocation=[[Buckland]]
| rule={{FoA|11}} - {{FoA|63|n}}
| death=Between {{FoA|63}} and {{FoA|120|n}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=103+
| notablefor=Accompanying [[Frodo Baggins]] in the early stages of the Ring-quest Participating in the slaying of the [[Witch-King of Angmar]] Co-leading the [[Battle of Bywater]] with [[Peregrin Took]] Writing ''[[Herblore of the Shire]]''
| family=[[Brandybuck Family|Brandybuck]]
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] and [[Esmeralda Took]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Estella Bolger]]
| children=At least one son<ref name=later/>
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than average Hobbit
| hair=Brown, curly<ref name="Isengard">{{TT|Road}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]]
| steed=[[Stybba]]
}}
{{Quote|Take your sword and bear it unto good fortune!|[[Théoden]] to Merry, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Passing of the Grey Company]]"}}

'''Meriadoc ''"Merry"'' Brandybuck''', called '''''The Magnificent''''', was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck]].<ref name="tree">{{App|Brandybuck}}</ref> He was one of the four Hobbits in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] and later became the Knight of Rohan, participating in the slaying of the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]] alongside Lady [[Éowyn]].

Merry was an heir to the [[Brandybuck Family|Brandybucks]] of [[Brandy Hall]]. After his participation to the [[War of the Ring]], he eventually inherited the [[Master of Buckland|Mastership]] in [[Buckland]] after his father's death.

==History==
Meriadoc was the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck|Saradoc]] and [[Esmeralda Took|Esmeralda]]. Claiming descent from [[Gorhendad Oldbuck]], he also had [[Took Family|Tookish]] blood through his mother, and also his father's grandmother, [[Mirabella Took]]. He was also first cousins with Peregrin Took.<ref name="tree" /> With him they wandered in the [[Marish]] and were friends of [[Farmer Maggot]].<ref name="mushrooms" />

Around {{TA|3000}} Merry witnessed a strange scene: he saw [[Bilbo Baggins]] becoming invisible in order to avoid a meeting with the [[Sackville-Bagginses]]. Startled, he got through the hedge and walked along the field inside, and watched as Bilbo reappeared, and put a [[The One Ring|glint of gold]] in his pocket. This made teenage Meriadoc very curious and he even looked into Bilbo's [[There and Back Again|private diary]].<ref name="Conspiracy" />

Merry kept this knowledge private but was always suspicious. He was present with his family at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]<ref name="tree" /> and [[23 September|the next day]] of Bilbo's disappearance, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] had a hard day keeping his things from unwanted hobbits who came to loot [[Bag End]], and put Merry to keep an eye on them in order to rest; until the [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Bagginses]] came to Merry demanding to see Frodo. Later [[Lobelia Sackville-Baggins|Lobelia]] left angrily calling Frodo a "Brandybuck", which Merry said was a compliment.<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref>

Since Bilbo's disappearance, he believed that Frodo would soon follow. He shared his secrets with [[Conspirators|a group of Frodo's friends]], namely [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Fredegar Bolger]]. Especially after [[April]] {{TA|3018}} he noticed how Frodo was saying "farewell" to his favourite places, selling [[Bag End]] to the [[Sackville-Bagginses]], and secretive talks with [[Gandalf]]. All along, Sam Gamgee had been their "chief investigator". He heard Gandalf's instructions to Frodo for his departure,<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref> and warned his friends about it.<ref name="Conspiracy" />
[[File:Abe_Papakhian_-_A_Conspiracy_Unmasked.jpg|thumb|left|Abe Papakhian - ''A Conspiracy Unmasked'']]
The Conspirators, sought to protect Frodo (and [[The One Ring|the Ring]]) without his knowledge. When Frodo sold [[Bag End]] to move to [[Crickhollow]], Merry and Fredegar were told to wait for him and make preparations for his arrival.<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref> However, knowing that Frodo would begin a secret journey, also arranged for provisions and [[ponies]], planning to accompany him. On the [[September 25|appointed day]], Merry was worried that Frodo was late and as the fog was getting thick, he crossed the [[Bucklebury Ferry]] towards [[Stock]] to see if his friends were lost; just as he crossed, he saw [[Farmer Maggot]]'s wagon approaching, bringing Frodo, Sam and Pippin.<ref name="mushrooms">{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>

After dinner in Crickhollow, Frodo prepared to reveal to his friends that he was going to have to leave Crickhollow and go to [[Rivendell]]. It was then that the conspirators revealed themselves to Frodo and demanded to be taken along when he left. Because of their preparations, they were able to start right away.<ref name="Conspiracy">{{FR|I5}}</ref>

===Journey with Frodo===
{{quote|You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.|Merry, ''[[A Conspiracy Unmasked]]''}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
During the following trip to [[Rivendell]], Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the [[Old Forest]] than any of the other Hobbits. However, when they encountered [[Old Man Willow]] Merry (and Pippin) were both captured and had to be rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{FR|I6}}</ref> Merry and Pippin were captured again (along with Sam and Frodo) by a [[Barrow-wights|Barrow-wight]] upon the [[Barrow-downs]], but Tom again came to their rescue. Before leaving, he told them to keep the [[Daggers of Westernesse]] found in the Barrow Downs, and he advised them to spend the night at the [[The Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]], inside [[Bree]].<ref>{{FR|I8}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Weathertop on the Horizon.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''Weathertop on the Horizon'']]
Upon reaching the inn, Merry was out for a walk and saw a [[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]. He tried to follow it, but it disappeared. Merry was then overtaken by the [[Black Breath]] and fainted. But before any harm could come to him, [[Nob]] came to his aid; he returned to the Prancing Pony and warned his companions who were talking with [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]].<ref name="Strider">{{FR|I10}}</ref> During the trip through the wild with Strider, he often saw the most deeply into the others. After Frodo was wounded on [[Weathertop]], he became the one who consulted most with Strider, and in a way became the spokesman for the Hobbits.

After reaching [[Rivendell]], he, with Pippin, insisted on not being left behind on the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Therefore they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref>

At the gate of [[Moria]], [[Gandalf]] commended Merry for being "''of all people''" on the right track with the riddle (though this was accidental). His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well while running ahead with Pippin.<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref> When they reached [[Lothlórien]], he was allowed to sleep in a [[telain]] with Frodo, Sam, Pippin and a few elven guards. He, as with the rest of the Company, walked blindfolded into the Woods of Lórien in a show of support for [[Gimli]], who had to be blindfolded due to being a [[Dwarves|dwarf]].<ref>{{FR|II6}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Plains of Rohan 2.jpg|thumb|"The Plains of Rohan" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
At the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Merry and Pippin ran straight into a company of [[Orcs]] while they were looking for Frodo. [[Boromir]] attempted to rescue them, but many [[Uruk-hai]] arrived, and they shot him with arrows. Captured with Pippin by Uruk-hai, the two were separated from the rest of the Fellowship. Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive [[Grishnákh]] into thinking that they had the One Ring, and he could have it.<ref>{{TT|III3}}</ref> Because of this, they escaped into [[Fangorn Forest]] during the attack by [[Éomer]] and his [[Rohirrim|Outriders]]. There they met [[Treebeard]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Wellinghall'']]
[[File:Zina Saunders - Flotsam and Jetsam.jpg|thumb|Zina Saunders - ''Flotsam and Jetsam'']]
Thus they became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of Fangorn. They drank of the [[Ent-draughts|Ent-draught]] which caused Merry and Pippin to become the tallest hobbits in history. Also, they were present at the [[Entmoot]],<ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref> and the resulting destruction of [[Isengard]], after which Treebeard appointed them door-wardens of [[Orthanc]]. It was while they were enjoying [[Saruman]]'s [[pipe-weed]], that they were reunited with some of their former companions, who arrived after the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].<ref>{{TT|III8}}</ref>

===Esquire of Théoden===
While Pippin and Gandalf headed away to [[Minas Tirith]], Merry stayed with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, developing a close friendship with King [[Théoden]]. Out of love for him, Merry offered the King his service, which Théoden warmly accepted. "''As a father you shall be to me''", Merry said at that time, and Théoden responded "''For a little while''".<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>

As Théoden's esquire, Merry returned with him to [[Edoras]] and was forbidden - firmly but gently - by the King to ride with them to the aid of Minas Tirith because he could not ride the mighty horses of the Rohirrim so fast and so far. Merry was disappointed until a young rider named [[Dernhelm]] offered to bear him on his horse.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref> In this manner he rode to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], having a secret understanding with [[Elfhelm]] and several others of the Rohirrim.<ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Éowyn against Witch-king'']]
During the charge and the commencement of the battle he was almost useless, hiding behind Dernhelm and shaking with fright and nausea. However, Dernhelm's steed, [[Windfola]], threw them both upon the coming of the [[Witch-king]]. Affected by the Black Breath, Merry lay almost senseless on the ground, hearing the voice of Dernhelm standing over the body of Théoden—who had been mortally wounded by the Witch-king—defying the Nazgûl. He was startled as he opened his eyes to find that Dernhelm was really [[Éowyn]], the King's niece. After Éowyn was thrown down, perhaps mortally wounded, Merry rose to attack the Witch-king in order to protect her. He pierced the sinew behind the Witch-king's mighty knee with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]] he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith. He witnessed Éowyn's destruction of the Witch-king with a thrust into the head, and her subsequent collapse.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref> After the death of the Witch-king, he begged forgiveness of a dying Théoden for disobeying his command to remain at Edoras, and the king forgave him with the words "''Great heart will not be denied.''" After the death of the king, he walked beside Théoden's pall-bearers, and fell into a stupor induced by the [[Black Breath]] at some point in his journey.<ref name="Houses">{{RK|V8}}</ref>

After the battle, Pippin found him ill and wandering in a daze outside of [[Minas Tirith]] and alerted Aragorn, who brought him into the city. Almost killed by the Black Breath, Merry and Éowyn were revived by Aragorn in the [[Houses of Healing]].<ref name="Houses" /> Because of his condition he was unable to take part in the [[Battle of the Morannon]],<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> but afterwards attended the burial of [[Théoden]], at which he wept greatly. Upon his departure for the Shire, he was given a special horn by Éomer and Éowyn as a parting gift, which was later used in the [[Battle of Bywater]].<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>

Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the uprising against [[Sharkey]] and his [[Ruffians]].<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref>

===After the war===
At some time he stayed with Pippin at Crickhollow<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and he married the sister of his friend Fredegar, [[Estella Brandybuck|Estella]].

He was afterwards known as '''Meriadoc the Magnificent''', and became [[Master of Buckland]] after his father, and received great gifts from his friends King Éomer and Lady Éowyn.<ref name="later">{{App|Later}}</ref> He wrote several scholarly works which were probably part of the [[Red Book]]: ''[[Herblore of the Shire]]'', ''The [[Reckoning of Years]]'' and ''[[Old Words and Names in the Shire]]''. At some point he visited Rivendell several times where probably he collected historical information from the remaining Elves there, and probably assisted the assembly of the [[Tale of Years]] in the [[Great Smials]].<ref name="records">{{FR|records}}</ref> In {{FoA|13}} he was made with Pippin and Sam Counsellor of the [[North-kingdom]].<ref name="later" />

In {{FoA|63}}<ref name="records" /> Meriadoc was 102 but still hale. That spring he received an invitation from King Éomer. With his friend they resigned from their offices and came down to Rohan<ref name="later" /> (presumably after the death of his wife) where he was known as Master Holbytla and [[Holdwine]] of the Shire.

They stayed in Edoras with the King before he died that autumn, then they travelled to [[Gondor]] with Pippin, where he was known as Master [[Perian]], to spend their remaining years. They both were laid in [[Rath Dínen]]. It was said that upon [[Aragorn|King Elessar]]'s death, their bodies were placed beside his.<ref name="later" />

==Character==
[[File:Nia Kovaleski - Merry and Pippin.jpeg|thumb|right|''Merry and Pippin'' by [[:Category:Images by Nia Kovalevski|Nia Kovaleski]]]]He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and [[Peregrin Took]], a young relative. He was one of the few (if any) who saw [[Bilbo Baggins]], Frodo's uncle, actually use [[the One Ring]]. He also managed to read, at least in part, Bilbo's book: ''[[There and Back Again]]'', where he learned about the Ring.<ref name="Conspiracy" />

He can easily be recognised as a very sharp Hobbit, and his tone throughout ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' depicts him as practical, loyal, resourceful, and the best able to cope with the sudden happenings that drew him out of his peaceful home. He was also praised by [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] as having a 'stout heart'<ref name="Strider" /> and [[Éowyn|Lady Éowyn]] as 'valiant'.<ref>{{RK|Houses}}</ref> He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with [[Fredegar Bolger|Fatty Bolger]] to [[Crickhollow]] to prepare his newly-bought home.<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name '''''Meriadoc''''' means "Great Lord" in [[Welsh]] (from ''mawr'' "great" and ''udd'' "lord").<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.namenerds.com/welsh/meaning.html|articlename=Welsh Names|website=[http://www.namenerds.com/ Name Nerds]|accessed=21 February 2016}}</ref>

Merry's full [[Westron]] name was ''Kalimac'', which was abbreviated to ''Kali''. As this latter means "jolly, gay", Tolkien translated it as ''Merry'', from which ''Meriadoc'' was chosen as a plausible full form. This is in contrast to other Hobbit personal names, which were converted into roughly corresponding English forms.<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien himself comments on the "[[Celtic]] cast" of this and other [[Buckland]] and [[Bree]] names that end in ''–ac'', ''-ic'', or ''-oc''.<ref>{{HM|PM}}, "[[The Appendix on Languages]]"</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the pre-publication manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Merry's name was originally "Marmaduke Brandybuck".<ref>{{RS|1Iiii}}, p. 33</ref> He also had a cousin named ''Bercilak'', a name that is shared by the Green Knight from [[Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (poem)|Sir Gawain and the Green Knight]] in some translations.<ref>{{Webcite|articleurl=https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/articles/zf2kxyc|articlename=KS2 English: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - Episode 1|website=bbc.co.uk|accessed=25 July 2024}}</ref> This name was later changed to [[Lanorac Brandybuck]].<ref>{{RS|2XVI}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
''[[Wikipedia:Conan Meriadoc|Conan Meriadoc]]'' (also spelled ''Meriadek'') was the legendary leader of a group of Welsh mercenaries who settled Armorica (modern Brittany) in the fourth century and founded the [[Wikipedia:House of Rohan|House of Rohan]] in [[Wikipedia:Geoffrey of Monmouth|Geoffrey of Monmouth]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Historia Regum Britanniae|Historia Regum Britanniae]]''.<ref>{{HM|IE}}, "Giving of Names", "The Celtic-sounding Names", pp. 202-203</ref><ref>[[Mark T. Hooker]], ''[[The Hobbitonian Anthology]]'', p. 57</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Merry.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Merry.jpg|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:Lord of the Rings Adventure Game - Merry.jpeg|''[[Lord of the Rings Adventure Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Meriadoc Brandybuck.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Meriadoc Brandybuck.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:SBG - Merry mounted.gif|''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:John Howe - Merry Brandybuck.jpg|''[[War of the Ring: The Card Game]]''
</gallery>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry is provided by Michael Collins.<ref name="RT1672">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1672, [[25 November|November 25]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Simon Chandler]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by Pat Franklyn.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Casey Kasem]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Merry is portrayed by [[Richard O'Callaghan]].
'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:Matthew Morgan provided the voice of Merry in the two episodes of this series that make up ''The Adventures of Tom Bombadil''.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Merry was played by [[Dominic Monaghan]]. Some book-readers argue that, like Pippin, he was made far less competent in the movie than he was in the books: instead of a clever "conspirator" who helped orchestrate Frodo's escape from the Shire, he was portrayed as someone who did not know what he was getting himself into. The movie trilogy also shows a blonde Merry as opposed to the brown-haired young hobbit in the novels.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Meriadoc Brandybuck is provided by Miroslav Noga. His full name is never really alluded to, and he is addressed only as Merry. Noga portrays Merry as an intelligent, crafty, and cheerful member of the hobbit quartet.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Quinton Flynn]]. Merry and Pippin are shown as the Conspirators, although the "[[Three is Company|three]]" does not include Sam. Merry meets Frodo in the [[Green Dragon Inn]], and he and Pippin and Sam are not seen again until [[Bamfurlong]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Merry is not involved in any quests in [[Rivendell]] and only has a few lines during the next meeting with the player in [[Lothlorien]]. The journey of Merry and Pippin from [[Parth Galen]] and until the Ring of [[Isengard]] and related in a series of flashbacks and Session Plays. After the destruction of the Ring but before the departure of the Fellowship from [[Minas Tirith]], Merry and Pippin get involved in additional adventures in [[Gondor]] and [[Mordor]].

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Brandybuck Family]]
| born={{TA|2982}}
| died=Between {{FoA|63}} and {{FoA|120|n}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]]
| list=[[Master of Buckland|Master]] of [[Buckland]]
| dates={{SR|1432}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
| next=Unknown
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=[[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]
| dates={{SR|1434}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{references}}
{{fellowship}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{masters}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Celtic names]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Masters of Buckland]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Meriadoc Brandybock]]
[[fi:Meriadoc Rankkibuk]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/brandebouc/meriadoc brandebouc]]

Peregrin Took

2026-02-10T22:14:05Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Member of the Fellowship, Knight of Gondor and Thain of the Shire}}{{header image|shire}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Peregrin Took
| image=Campbell White - Peregrin Took.jpg
| caption="Peregrin Took" by Campbell White
| pronun=
| othernames=Pippin [[Ernil i Pheriannath]] Thain Peregrin I [[Razanur Tûk]] ''([[Peregrin Took#Names and Titles|see more below]])''
| titles=[[Thain]], [[Guard of the Citadel]]
| position=
| location=[[Great Smials]], [[Tuckborough]] [[Gondor]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=Spring {{TA|2990}}
| birthlocation=
| rule={{FoA|13}} - {{FoA|63|n}}<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref>
| death=Between {{FoA|63}} and {{FoA|120|n}}<ref name=later/>
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=95+
| notablefor=Accompanying [[Frodo Baggins]] in the early stages of the Ring-quest Participating in the destruction of [[Isengard]] Looking into the [[Orthanc-stone]] Saving [[Faramir]] Co-leading the [[Battle of Bywater]] with [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
| family=[[Took Family|Took]]
| parentage=[[Paladin Took II]] and [[Eglantine Banks]]
| siblings=[[Pearl Took|Pearl]], [[Pimpernel Took|Pimpernel]] and [[Pervinca Took|Pervinca]]
| spouse=[[Diamond of Long Cleeve]]
| children=[[Faramir Took I|Faramir]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Almost golden<ref name="SD">{{SD|Epilogue}}, p. 115</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{quote|There must be someone with intelligence in [[Fellowship of the Ring|the party]]." "Then you certainly will not be chosen, Peregrin Took!|Pippin and [[Gandalf]], ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Ring Goes South]]"}}</center>

'''Peregrin ''"Pippin"'' Took''' was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], the son of [[Paladin Took II|Paladin Took]]. He was the youngest of the four Hobbits in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], being in his tweens, but grew up quickly and eventually became a Knight of Gondor. [[Elrond]], at least, seemed to doubt his capability for the quest, but Pippin proved to be a loyal and courageous friend.

After the [[War of the Ring]], Peregrin eventually inherited the [[Thain]]ship in [[the Shire]] after his father's death.

==Ancestry==
He was born in the [[Third Age]] [[Third Age 2990|2990]] (1390 in [[Shire Reckoning]]) to [[Paladin Took II|Paladin Took]] and [[Eglantine Banks]], making him a great-great-grandson of the [[Gerontius Took|Old Took]]. Pippin became Thain in later years, and his father inherited the title in S.R. 1415 from [[Ferumbras Took III]] when he died without an heir. Pippin had three older sisters, [[Pearl Took]], [[Pimpernel Took]], and [[Pervinca Took]].<ref name="Took">{{App|Took}}</ref>

Through his father, Pippin was a first cousin of [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] (the future [[Master of Buckland]]), the second cousin once removed of [[Frodo Baggins]], and the first cousin twice removed of [[Bilbo Baggins]]. He was not blood-related to [[Samwise Gamgee]], but Pippin's son [[Faramir Took I|Faramir]] married Sam's daughter [[Goldilocks Gardner]] in 1463.

==History==
When he was young he was a guest at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]] with his family. As his uncle the [[Thain]] [[Ferumbras Took III|Ferumbras]] was childless, Pippin's father, Paladin, became the Thain.<ref name="Took" /> Pippin's closest friends were his cousins, [[Merry Brandybuck]] and Frodo<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref> (all descendants of the Old Took). Pippin and Merry often wandered at the [[Marish]] and used to visit [[Farmer Maggot]]; he knew the lands around the Marish and enjoyed the beer of the ''[[Golden Perch]]'' at [[Stock]].<ref name="short">{{FR|I4}}</ref>

He was one of the [[Conspirators]], who knew the truth behind Frodo's mysterious behaviour and reasons for departure of the Shire. Along with Merry, [[Fredegar Bolger]] and [[Folco Boffin]] they helped Frodo pack his household and send carts to [[Crickhollow]]; they celebrated together his last [[22 September|birthday]] in [[Bag End]], and stayed with Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] when the others left for [[Buckland]].

===Travels with Frodo===
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Three is Company.jpg|thumb|left|''Three is Company'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
The [[23 September|next day]] he accompanied Frodo and Sam to [[Bucklebury]]. During the first days of the travel, Pippin was he who complained first for being tired, sleepy or hungry. The [[24 September|next day]] they encountered [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] who were turned away by a [[Wandering Companies|company]] of [[High Elves]] led by [[Gildor]], and Pippin greeted them expressing his respect. During their camp he felt he was in a dream, enchanted by the [[Light of Valinor|light]] of their faces and their beautiful voices. Once he fell asleep, the Elves moved and laid him to a soft bed at a bower under the trees.<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

The [[25 September|other morning]] he woke up first and wanted to finish off the elven bread if not for Sam's insistence to leave some for him and Frodo. When Frodo woke up they had an argument as Frodo wanted to cut through Marish to avoid any Black Riders, and Pippin regretted for not stopping at Stock.<ref name="short" />

In Buckland, they joined Merry and Fatty. It was there that Frodo learned about his friends' "conspiracy" and that they did not intend to let him leave [[The Shire]] without them. They left the Shire to meet [[Gandalf]] in [[Bree]]. Pippin's enthusiasm to accompany Frodo is the result of his adventurous 'Tookish' nature as well as his loyalty and friendship to his cousin.

The stuffiness and eeriness of [[The Old Forest]] made Pippin the most uncomfortable of the four [[Hobbits]] with him becoming more and more suspicious of the intentions of the Forest; Pippin was, however, right to be suspicious as he was trapped by [[Old Man Willow]] before being rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]]. On the way to [[Bree]], from Tom Bombadil's house, Pippin again fell into misfortune as he was trapped by a [[Barrow-wights|Barrow-wight]] on the [[Barrow-downs]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
Whilst at [[The Prancing Pony]] Pippin began to recklessly tell the story of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]'s birthday and subsequent disappearance. In order to prevent information about the Ring being revealed, Frodo started to sing - during the song Frodo fell from the table and the Ring slipped upon his finger. As a result, The Prancing Pony was attacked by the [[Nazgûl]] during the night, but the four Hobbits were unharmed thanks to the mysterious [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]], [[Aragorn|Strider]].

===Fellowship of the Ring===
When Pippin finally arrived at [[Rivendell]] he was concerned that he and Merry would be left behind whilst both Sam and Frodo get to go on the [[Quest of the Ring|Quest]]. However, his indignant attitude paid off as [[Gandalf]] believed that the friendship between Pippin and the other Hobbits would be beneficial to the Quest.

When in [[Moria]], Pippin incurred the wrath of Gandalf on two separate occasions: Pippin annoyed Gandalf with a foolish question while Gandalf was trying to open the [[Doors of Durin|West-gate of Moria]]; and, when inside the [[Well-chamber]] in Moria,<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[The Chronology of The Lord of the Rings]], p. 40</ref> Pippin's curiosity got the better of him as he dropped a stone down a well which lead to the [[Fellowship of the Ring|the Fellowship]] hearing the drums in the deep - in doing so Pippin gained the retort, "''Fool of a Took!''" from Gandalf.

===With Treebeard===
During the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], [[Boromir]] died defending Merry and Pippin from capture by the [[Uruk-hai]] who were taking the Hobbits back to [[Saruman]] at [[Isengard]] on the mistaken belief that one of them had [[The One Ring|the Ring]]. On the journey to Isengard, Pippin displayed intelligence and resourcefulness by cutting his own bonds and leaving his [[Elven brooches|Elven brooch]] from [[Lothlórien]] on the ground for Aragorn to find.

Whilst held captive, Merry and Pippin became aware that the [[Orcs|Orc]] [[Grishnákh]] had guessed that they might have the Ring, so they used Grishnákh's greed to untie them and take them away from the other Orcs. When the [[Rohirrim]] attacked the Uruk-hai, Grishnákh was killed by a spear and Merry and Pippin were able to escape into [[Fangorn Forest]] where they encountered [[Treebeard]] and the other [[Ents]].

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Wellinghall'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Merry and Pippin struck up a friendship with Treebeard, telling him about all that had happened on their journey, whilst Treebeard told the two hobbits about the loss of the [[Entwives]](and much more besides). Treebeard decided to call an [[Entmoot]] at [[Derndingle]] to decide the Ents' next move. While the Entmoot was going on, Pippin and Merry were left in the care of a 'hasty' Ent named [[Quickbeam]] who had already decided to go to battle with the Orcs as many of his tree friends had been killed.
[[File:Peter Pracownik - Six of Cups (LOTR).jpg|thumb|180px|[[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and Pippin relax and joke after the fall of [[Orthanc]] - Art by [[Peter Pracownik]]]]
Merry and Pippin [[Ents#The March of the Ents|marched with the Ents]] to Isengard where the Ents killed the remaining servants of Saruman, filled the [[Ring of Isengard]] with water, and kept Saruman hostage in [[Orthanc]]. Whilst sitting on their "field of victory", Merry and Pippin were reunited with Aragorn, [[Gandalf]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]] with whom they shared some [[pipe-weed]] and a meal.

Following Gandalf's confrontation with Saruman, [[Gríma]] threw the [[Orthanc-stone|palantír of Isengard]] out of the window at Gandalf which Pippin subsequently picked up. After Gandalf took it from him, Pippin remained curious about it, and later remarked to Merry about how he would like to look at it again. Unable to sleep, Pippin was finally overcome by curiosity. He stole the palantír from Gandalf's keeping while he slept, but when he looked into it, he was seen by [[Sauron]] who mistakenly believed that Pippin and the Ring were with Saruman in Isengard. After a Nazgûl flew by on its [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]], Gandalf realised that war was coming soon, and he rode immediately for [[Minas Tirith]], taking Pippin with him for safe keeping.

===Guard of the Citadel===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Pippin Comforts Merry.jpeg|thumb|right|''Pippin Comforts Merry'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
Upon arriving in Minas Tirith, Pippin went with Gandalf to the [[Citadel of Gondor|Citadel]] and recounted Boromir's death to [[Denethor]], who was Boromir's father as well as the [[Ruling Steward]]. In return for Boromir's untimely death, Pippin decided to pledge his allegiance to the grieving [[Stewards of Gondor|Steward]] and so became a [[Guards of the Citadel|Guard of the Citadel]]. Pippin befriended [[Beregond]], of the [[Third Company of the Citadel]], who showed him 'round the city and told him the secret passwords and ways of the city, and became good friends with Beregond's son [[Bergil]].

[[File:Anke Eißmann - Pyre of Denethor.jpeg|thumb|left|''The Pyre of Denethor'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
Denethor was amused with the Hobbit's manners, especially the way he spoke to him in a very informal and personalized familiar language, as with a close friend or social equal, since the [[Hobbitish|Hobbit-speech]] lacked formal forms. Denethor's servants were astonished to this view, and probably gave strength to the rumor that Pippin was of very high social rank within his own country, and soon a wild rumor circulated, that the "[[Ernil i Pheriannath]]" had promised 5,000 Hobbits to the defence of the city.

During the [[Siege of Gondor]], Pippin was instrumental in saving [[Faramir]]'s life. After Faramir had returned from battle, he was badly wounded and suffering from the [[Black Breath]]; [[Denethor]] looked into the [[Anor-stone|palantír of Minas Tirith]] and saw the full might of [[Mordor]]. Believing that Sauron's forces would prevail in battle, Denethor ordered his servants to set a pyre so both he and Faramir could burn alive, but Pippin was able to fetch Gandalf and Beregond who were both able to help save Faramir.

After the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], Pippin found [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] all in a daze - due to Merry's confrontation with the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] - and took him to the [[Houses of Healing]] where he was healed by [[Aragorn]]. Pippin accompanied the forces of [[Rohan]] and [[Gondor]] to the [[Black Gate]] where he participated in the [[Battle of the Morannon]], and saved Beregond's life by slaying a [[Hill-trolls|hill-troll]]. Pippin was crushed beneath the troll, but he was pulled out by [[Gimli]] who recognized his foot.

===Return to the Shire===
When Pippin and the other Hobbits returned to The Shire, they were enraged to see what had happened to their peaceful corner of the world. Pippin went off to [[Tookland]] to raise up the [[Took Family|Took]]s in rebellion, and when he returned for the [[Battle of Bywater]] he brought 100 strong hobbits with him. Pippin and Merry jointly commanded the Hobbit victory and their names were placed at the top of [[The Roll]] commemorating those who fought in the battle.<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Pippin and Diamond.jpg|thumb|left|Pippin meets his future wife.]]
Pippin and Merry were heroes, and would tell all the other hobbits the stories of their travels to far-off lands. They would often go out abroad wearing their armour (Pippin had remained a Knight of Gondor) and people thought they were lordly - a position likely enforced by their extraordinary height caused by the [[Ent-draughts]] (they were at least 4'5<nowiki>''</nowiki> tall - taller than [[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]]).<ref name="Concerning">{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref>

In {{SR|1427}} (at the age of 37), he married [[Diamond of Long Cleeve]], and they had a child together, [[Faramir Took I|Faramir]], [[Fourth Age 9|three years later]].<ref name="later" />
===Thainship===
[[File:Gregor Roffalski - Thain Peregrin I.jpg|thumb|''Thain Peregrin I'' by Gregor Roffalski]]
In {{SR|1434}} (at the age of 44) Pippin succeeded his father [[Paladin Took II|Paladin]] by becoming the 32nd [[Thain|Thain of the Shire]], and was also made a Counsellor of the North-kingdom by King Elessar.<ref name="later" />

In {{SR|1436}} King Elessar rode north and met Pippin, Merry and Sam at the [[Brandywine Bridge]]. In {{SR|1452}} the King, as a gift, added the [[Westmarch]] to The Shire, and in {{SR|1462}} at Sam's request Pippin appointed [[Fastred of Greenholm|Fastred]] - son-in-law of Sam - as the first [[Warden of Westmarch]].<ref name="later" />

As Thain, Pippin collected a library of historical information at [[Great Smials]], especially information relating to [[Númenor]] and the heirs of [[Elendil]]. It was at Great Smials that ''[[Appendix B|The Tale of Years]]'' was likely put together, with assistance from Merry, although Pippin himself probably didn't write any works. His successors expanded the collection.<ref name="Records">{{FR|Records}}</ref>

In {{SR|1484}}, at the age of 94 and having been Thain for 50 years, Pippin and Merry passed on their possessions and offices to their sons and left [[The Shire]] to visit [[Rohan]] where they stayed with [[King of Rohan|King]] [[Éomer]] for his last days. Then they moved to [[Gondor]] where they spent their last few years. Their bodies were placed in [[Rath Dínen]]; they were later laid beside King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] following his death in {{FoA|120}} ({{SR|1541}}).<ref name="later" />

==Etymology==
'''Peregrin''' is a translation of Pippin's [[Hobbitish]] name ''Razanur'', which was the name of a legendary traveller. It probably contains the [[Westron]] elements ''razan'' ("stranger"), ''raza'' ("foreign"), which is why [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] chose ''Peregrin'' to represent ''Razanur''.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}, manuscript F 2, On Translation, $49</ref> When Peregrin Took became Thain he was registered as '''Thain Peregrin I'''.<ref name="Took" />

The name ''[[wikipedia:Peregrine (name)|Peregrin]]'' is derived from Latin ''peregrinus'', which means "foreign". The term was used for a person who wandered abroad. The English word ''pilgrim'' is derived from the same root.<ref name="Jim Allen">{{HM|IE}}, The Giving of Names, p. 192</ref>

==Other names==
*'''[[wikipedia:Pippin (name)|Pippin]]''' is a 'pet-form' of ''Peregrin'' related to the Westron abbreviation ''[[Razar]]'' which is a type of small red [[apples|apple]].<ref name="PM"/>
*'''[[Razanur Tûk]]''' - Peregrin's true [[Westron]] name.<ref name="PM"/>
*"''Fool of a Took''" and "''Tom-fool of a Took''" - given to him by [[Gandalf]] for his often mischievous behaviour, and, in particular, for dropping a stone down the well in [[Moria]].<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref>
*''[[Ernil i Pheriannath]]'' - [[Sindarin]] for "Prince of the Halflings", an erroneous title given to Pippin by the people of [[Minas Tirith]] on the belief he must be of high importance to be travelling with Gandalf.<ref name="Minas">{{RK|V1}}</ref>
*[[Guards of the Citadel|Guard of the Citadel]] - the office Pippin held when he swore fealty to [[Denethor]].<ref name="Minas" />
*Knight of Gondor - a position which Aragorn confirmed Pippin held;<ref name="Partings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref> it is unclear whether being a Guard of the Citadel equates to being a Knight or if Aragorn elevated him to that position.
*[[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]] - a position granted to Pippin when he became Thain.<ref name="later" />

:''See also: [[Took Family]] for information on Pippin's surname.''

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | OLD |y| CHU | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |OLD=[[Gerontius Took|The Old Took]] ''1190 - 1320''|CHU=[[Adamanta Chubb]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | HIL |y| ROS | | NCH | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ROS=[[Rosa Baggins]] ''1256 - unknown''|HIL=[[Hildigrim Took|Hildigrim]] ''1240 - 1341''|NCH=''numerous children''}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | ADA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ADA=[[Adalgrim Took|Adalgrim]] ''1280 - 1382''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree | PAL |y| EGL | | | DAU | | | | | | | SAR |y| ESM |PAL=[[Paladin Took II|Paladin II]] ''1333 - 1434''|EGL=[[Eglantine Banks]] ''unknown''|DAU=''3 daughters''|ESM=[[Esmeralda Took|Esmeralda]] ''1336 - unknown''|SAR=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] ''1340 - 1432''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | PEA | | PIM | | PER | | PIP |y| DIA | | MER | | |PEA=[[Pearl Took|Pearl]] ''1375 - unknown''|PIM=[[Pimpernel Took|Pimpernel]] ''1379 - unknown''|PER=[[Pervinca Took|Pervinca]] ''1385 - unknown''|PIP='''PEREGRIN I''' ''1390 - 1484+''|DIA=[[Diamond of Long Cleeve|Diamond]] ''1395 - unknown''|MER=[[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc]] ''1382 - 1484+''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | GOL |~| FAR | | | | | | | | |GOL=[[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]] ''1431 - unknown''|FAR=[[Faramir Took I|Faramir I]] ''1430 - unknown''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), Frodo's counterpart Bingo Baggins was accompanied by his Took nephews, Frodo and Odo. They were similar characters but Odo was more limited and unaware than Frodo (Took) while Frodo was "more susceptible to the beauty and otherness of the Elves". Christopher Tolkien speculates that some aspects of Frodo Took have been preserved in Samwise Gamgee. Through a process that [[Christopher Tolkien]] described as "strangely torturous" these characters were gradually folded into the singular character of Peregrin Took.<ref>{{RS|1IIU}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Sagan om Ringen - Pippin.png|[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Pippin.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Pippin.jpg|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:Lord of the Rings Adventure Game - Pippin.jpeg|''[[Lord of the Rings Adventure Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Pippin.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Peregrin Took.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:John Howe - Peregrin Took.jpg|[[War of the Ring: Second Edition (2011 board game)|''War of the Ring: Second Edition'' (2011 board game)]]
</gallery>
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Basil Jones]] provided the voice of Pippin.

'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:After [[Gandalf]] encourages [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] to take [[The One Ring]] to [[Rivendell]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and Pippin decide they will accompany him. The [[Hobbits]] cross the main country road from [[Michel Delving]] to [[Bywater]] and go east through [[Green Hill Country]]. They flee the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] on the road to [[Woodhall]], and the [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. They hide from the Riders and, after they leave, watch a group of dancing [[Elves]]. They camp with the Elves and eat food. The Hobbits decide to avoid all roads and take the path through the [[Old Forest]]. When camping for the night, they discover that Pippin has been completely swallowed by the [[Old Man Willow]] and Merry’s legs are sticking out. Frodo finds it impossible to set them free until helped by [[Tom Bombadil]]. Tom sings, which loosens the Tree, and pulls Merry and then Pippin out of the tree. The Hobbits continue on to [[Bree]] and meet Strider at the ''[[Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]]]''. After a letter from Gandalf tells that his true name is [[Aragorn]] and that he is to be trusted, the Hobbits join him on the way to Rivendell. Frodo is attacked by Black Riders on the way and [[Glorfindel]] heals him, though he is still injured, and gifts him his horse [[Asfaloth]]. The Hobbits arrive at Rivendell and Frodo awakens from his coma four days later. The Hobbits and the others in Rivendell hold a lively feast in celebration. The [[Council of Elrond]] convenes and they decide to take the Ring to [[Mordor]] and destroy it in the fire where it was created. A [[Fellowship of the Ring]] is formed, comrpising The Hobbits, Gandalf, Aragorn, [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. Pippin departs third last, behind Merry and before Gimli. The Fellowship takes one final look at the House of [[Elrond]] and departs.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The part of Peregrin Took voiced by [[Dominic Guard]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Mac McCaddon]] provided the voice of Pippin.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Pippin was voiced by the American actor [[Sonny Melendrez]]. He and Merry meet on the Pelennor Fields prior to the fall of the Witch-king. Pippin also does not accompany the army that marches to the Black Gate.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Pippin was voiced by [[John McAndrew]].

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:The role of Pippin is played by [[David Learner]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Billy Boyd]] played Pippin. His characterisation differed from the book, as he was more heavily relied upon for comic relief in the movies than in the book. Frodo's move to Crickhollow and the conspiracy are both omitted, so Pippin and Merry instead become entangled in the Quest of the Ring by accident when they run into Frodo and Sam while raiding Farmer Maggot's crop, neither of them having any prior knowledge of the One Ring or Frodo's quest.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Peregrin Took is provided by Robert Roth. He is addressed almost exclusively by his nickname Pippin. Roth portrays Pippin as resourceful, but a bit of a rascal and happy-go-lucky, befitting his position as the youngest and least experienced hobbit of the quartet.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[James Arnold Taylor]] provides the voice of Pippin. He is the comic relief character, and his jokes are primarily centered on food.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The player catches up with Pippin at several points in his journey: in [[Rivendell]], at [[Cerin Amroth]] in [[Lothlórien]], at the ruins of [[Isengard]], and in [[Minas Tirith]]. The adventures of Merry and Pippin from after being captured by the Uruks up to the destruction of Isengard by the [[Ents]] are related in a series of Session Plays. After the destruction of the Ring but before the departure of the Fellowship from [[Minas Tirith]], Merry and Pippin become involved in additional adventures in [[Gondor]] and [[Mordor]].

==See also==
*[[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]]
*[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
*[[Took Family]]
{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| name=Peregrin Took I
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Took Family]]
| born={{TA|2990}}
| died=Between {{FoA|63}} and {{FoA|120|n}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Paladin Took II]]
| list=32nd [[Thain]] of [[The Shire]]
| dates={{SR|1434}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
| next=[[Faramir Took I]]
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=[[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]
| dates={{SR|1434}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
}}
{{seq-end}}{{fellowship}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{thains}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Greco-Roman names]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Thains]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Took]]

[[de:Peregrin Tuk]]
[[fi:Peregrin Tuk]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:touque:peregrin touque]]

The Shire

2026-02-10T22:13:18Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{header image|shire}}
{{location infobox
| name=The Shire
| image=Ted Nasmith - Green Hill Morning.jpg
| caption="Green Hill Morning" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Sûza]]'' ([[Westron|W]]) ''Drann'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| location=[[Eriador]]
| type=[[Region]]
| description=
| regions=[[Eastfarthing]], [[Southfarthing]], [[Northfarthing]], [[Westfarthing]]; [[Buckland]], [[Westmarch]]; [[Bridgefields]], [[Green Hill Country]], [[Marish]], [[Tookland]], [[Woody End]]
| settlements=[[Bywater]], [[Hobbiton]], [[Michel Delving]], [[Tuckborough]]
| inhabitants=[[Hobbits]]
| created={{TA|1601}}<ref name="FRHobbits">{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref><ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> {{SR|1452}} - [[Westmarch]] added to the Shire<ref name="AppB5">{{App|B5}}</ref>
| destroyed=
| events=[[Battle of Greenfields]] [[Battle of Bywater]]
| gallery=the Shire
}}

The '''Shire''' was a region in [[Eriador]] inhabited by [[Hobbits]].

==Geography==
The Shire is described as a small but beautiful and fruitful land, beloved by its inhabitants. The Hobbits had an extensive agricultural system in the Shire, but did not proceed with industrialisation. Various supplies could be found in the Shire, including cereals, fruit, wood and [[pipe-weed]] (a favourite treat of Hobbits).

The Shire was quite densely populated in parts with many villages and a few towns, but it still was open enough to allow for wide forested areas and marshes. There were green, rolling hills and freshly tilled earth, along with gardens and flower boxes on window sills.

Thanks to the protective presence of the [[Rangers of the North]] in the lands of the former Arnor, the Shire for centuries ignored the wide world outside, despite being traversed by the [[East Road]].

From the west to the east, the Shire originally measured 40 leagues (120 miles) from the [[Far Downs]] to the [[Brandywine Bridge]]. From the north to the south, it measured 50 leagues (150 miles) from the [[North Moors|northern moors]] to the [[marshes in the south]].<ref name="FRHobbits" /> The total area of the Shire must have extended roughly about 20,000 square miles.<ref group="note">[[Robert Foster]] estimates the total area of the Shire to be "about 18,000 square miles"; [[Karen Wynn Fonstad]] has calculated a larger figure, about 21,400 square miles. See: {{HM|Guide}}, entry "Shire" and {{HM|AME}}, revised edn (London: HarperCollins, 1991), p. 69</ref>

In {{SR|1452}}, [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] gave the [[Westmarch]] to the [[Shire-hobbits]] as a gift. This extended the western boundaries of the Shire to the [[Tower Hills]].<ref name="AppB5" /> [[Buckland]], to the east of the Brandywine, remained an independent region occupied by [[Hobbits]].

[[File:Christopher Tolkien - A Part of the Shire.jpg|thumb|500px|center|''[[A Part of the Shire]]'' by [[Christopher Tolkien]]]]

The boundaries of the Shire were as follows:<ref name="FRHobbits" />

{{navigation
| title=Boundaries of the Shire
| north-west=
| north=[[North Moors]]
| north-east=Possibly [[Dwaling]]
| west=[[Tower Hills]]
| east=[[Baranduin|Brandywine River]]
| south-west=
| south=[[Marshes in the south]]
| south-east=Possibly [[Sarn Ford]]
}}

==History==

{{Quote|But it is not your own Shire. Others dwelt here before hobbits were; and others will dwell here again when hobbits are no more. The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot for ever fence it out.|[[Gildor Inglorion]] in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Three is Company]]"}}
The Shire was a fertile and well-tilled part of [[Arnor]], with many royal farms, [[corn]]lands, vineyards, and woods. It had long been deserted during the waning days of the Kingdom when it was known as the splinter-realm of [[Arthedain]];<ref name="FRHobbits" /> it had been the hunting grounds of the [[King of Arnor]].<ref>{{PM|Prologue}}, p.9</ref> The [[Hobbits]] from [[Bree]] got official permission from King [[Argeleb II]] at Norbury ([[Fornost]]) to settle the lands. This was finally done in {{TA|1601}} (Year 1 in [[Shire Reckoning]]) by Hobbits from [[Bree]], led by the brothers [[Marcho]] and [[Blanco]].<ref name="FRHobbits" /> They were joined by other hobbits who lived in [[Dunland]] and parts of depopulated [[Cardolan]] and [[Rhudaur]].

[[File:Ted Nasmith - One Morning Long Ago.jpg|thumb|left|''One Morning Long Ago'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
By 30 years later, almost all of the Hobbits of Middle-earth could be found in the Shire. The [[Shire-hobbits]] considered themselves as subjects of the [[Kings of Arthedain|King]], at least nominally, considering the isolation of their country. Nevertheless the Hobbits sent some support troops to the great battles Arnor fought against [[Angmar]]. After the fall of Arnor, the Shire remained a minor but independent political unit and the title of [[Thain]] was established to fill the absence of a Kingship.<ref name="FRHobbits" />

Its small size, relative lack of importance, and brave and resilient Hobbit population made it too modest an objective for conquest. More important was that the Shire was guarded and protected by the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North]] (and [[Gandalf]]), who watched the borders and kept out intruders. The only strangers to enter the Shire were the [[Dwarves]] travelling on the [[East Road]] that ran through the Shire to and from their mines in the [[Blue Mountains]], and the occasional [[Elves]] on their way to the [[Emyn Beraid]] or the [[Grey Havens]].

In {{TA|2340}}, the [[Oldbucks]] of the [[Marish]] crossed the [[Brandywine]] because of overpopulation and founded [[Buckland]].

However, the Shire faced its adversities since it was inside the range of the [[Great Plague]] of {{TA|1636}}, and [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains|Goblins]] from [[Mount Gram]] invaded the Shire until they were driven out after the [[Battle of Greenfields]] ({{TA|2747}}). The Shire also suffered because of the [[Long Winter]] ({{TA|2758}}) soon followed by the [[Days of Dearth]] ({{TA|2760}}) and the [[Fell Winter (Third Age)|Fell Winter]] ({{TA|2911}}) when [[White Wolves]] entered the Shire.<ref name="AppB2" />

[[Saruman]] followed Gandalf's interest for the Hobbits and put spies in Bree and Southfarthing. In the years leading up to the [[War of the Ring]], his spies saw that the Shire was closely guarded by the Rangers. When Gandalf suspected that Bilbo Baggins possessed the [[One Ring]] the guard was doubled<ref name="AppB2" /> (perhaps at his request to [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain]] [[Aragorn]]).

===War of the Ring===
During the [[War of the Ring]], the Shire was first visited by the Nine [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] when the Rangers were off to the War. This left the Shire defenseless, leaving it open to be captured by Sharkey (Alias of Saruman) and some [[Ruffians]], through the use of [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]]. It was liberated after [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] returned from Gondor. Their victory at the [[Battle of Bywater]] and the death of Saruman put a final end to the War.

Yet the physical damage which Saruman caused by forced industrialisation was undone by the Hobbits' efforts and the soil from [[Lothlórien]] (given to Sam by [[Galadriel]]) and {{TA|3021}} was considered to be the most productive and prosperous year in their history.

===Fourth Age===
With [[Aragorn]]'s return as the King of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], the Shire joined the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref> and in {{FoA|6}} became a Free Land, protected enclave inside the Kingdom; a royal order forbade the entrance of any one other than [[Hobbits]] into the Shire. In {{FoA|31}}, King Aragorn extended the land westwards to [[Emyn Beraid]]; this land was named [[Westmarch]] and many hobbits relocated there.<ref>{{App|Later}}</ref>

==Administration==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - The Shire.jpg|250px|left|thumb|The Shire in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'']]
At its founding, the Shire was a part of Arthedain and the Hobbits considered themselves to be subjects of the King. It was only after the fall of Arthedain that the Shire became an independent state. Once independent, the Hobbits of the Shire selected a '''[[Thain]]''' to lead them. The office of Thain was hereditary, initially belonging to the [[Oldbuck Family|Oldbuck]] family. When the Oldbucks left the Shire for [[Buckland]], the office passed to the [[Took Family|Took]] family of [[Tuckborough]]. While nominally the Thain ruled over the four [[Farthings]], in practice authority was so decentralised that the title was seen as more of a formality and ceremonial.

The Shire was originally divided into four [[Farthings]] ([[Northfarthing]], [[Southfarthing]], [[Eastfarthing]], and [[Westfarthing]]). Within the Farthings there were smaller, unofficial divisions, such as towns or regions associated with particular families. The [[Took Family|Tooks]], for instance, mostly lived in or near [[Tuckborough]]. In many cases, Hobbit family names were derived from their places of origin. For example, [[Samwise Gamgee]]'s surname was derived from the town of [[Gamwich]] whence the family originated.

The only elected official of the Shire was the '''[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]''' in the [[White Downs]] (by extension seen as the mayor of the Shire). The Mayor's chief duties were serving as postmaster of the Shire's [[Messenger Service]], charging the [[Watch]], and presiding at fairs.

The sole law enforcement officials in the Shire were the [[Shirriffs]]. Their primary responsibility was the protection of the Shire from trespassers. There were three in each Farthing and were distinguished from "civilians" by a feather worn in their caps. The [[Bounders]] were the land's border-guard, charged with turning back unwanted people or beasts; their number varied according to need.

After [[Westmarch]] was added to the Shire, the Thain established the title of [[Warden of Westmarch]]. This was a hereditary office with unclear responsibilities. It was first given to the [[Fairbairn family|Fairbairns]], descendants of Samwise Gamgee.

Buckland, which was not part of the Shire proper, was controlled by the '''[[Master of Buckland]]''' at [[Bucklebury]]. The office of Master was established by the Oldbucks when they left the Shire. Their descendants continued to hold the office when they became the [[Brandybuck Family|Brandybucks]].

==Etymology==
A "shire" ([[Old English]] ''scír'') is an organised region with a county town, which in the case of the Hobbits' Shire was [[Michel Delving]].<ref name="Nomen" /> [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] notes that the usual Germanic word for "district", represented in Dutch by ''gouw'' and in German by ''Gau'', was replaced in English by ''scír'' at an early date. ''Ge'', the English cognate of these words, survives only in a handful of place-names, such as [[wikipedia:Surrey|''Surrey'']] (from Old English ''Suðer-ge'', "southern district").<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 775</ref>

==Other names==
The original [[Westron]] name for "Shire" was '''''[[Sûza]]''''',<ref name="AppF">{{App|F2}}</ref> while the definite form ("''The'' Shire") was ''Sûza-t''.<ref>{{PM|II}}, p. 45</ref>

The [[Sindarin]] name is only attested in the [[Lenition|lenited]] form '''''Drann''''' and the adjectival ''Drannail'',<ref>[[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], "The ''King's Letter'': An Historical and Comparative Analysis" by [[Carl F. Hostetter]], pp. 21-22</ref><ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 129</ref> so it would be ''Trann''.<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=http://eldamo.org/content/words/word-1044609725.html|articlename=S. #''Trann'' loc.|website=Eldamo|accessed=22 January 2020}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
{{quote|I could draw you a map of every inch of [Sarehole] [...] I loved it with an intensity of love that was a kind of nostalgia reversed [...] It was a kind of lost paradise and it was wonderful.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] interview to John Ezard<ref>''[[Oxford Mail]]'', [[3 August]] [[1966]], p. 4</ref>}}
On Tolkien's maps, the Shire is located at about the same position as England is on modern European maps and has been cited as an example of [[Wikipedia:Deep England|Deep England]] ideology (though, of course, England is on an island while the Shire is a landlocked country). Throughout the narrative, Tolkien also implies numerous points of similarity between the two, such as weather, agriculture and dialect. One can also see England as Tolkien's source of inspiration for the Shire in its very name. Tolkien had spent his youth in [[Sarehole]], Worcestershire.

According to [[Paula Marmor]], the hobbit brothers [[Marcho]] and [[Blanco]] bear names related to horses, parallel to [[Hengest]] and [[Horsa]], the [[Wikipedia:Hengest and Horsa|legendary leaders]] who brought the Saxons to Britain. Hengest was the founder of [[Wikipedia:Kent|Kent]] whose geography is similar to the Shire (North Downs above, hills to the west, water to the east and marshes to the southeast).<ref>{{HM|IE}}, "An etymological excursion among the Shire-Folk" by [[Paula Marmor]]</ref>

The industrialisation of the Shire was based on Tolkien's witnessing of the extension of the Industrial Revolution to rural Warwickshire during his youth, and especially the deleterious consequences thereof. The rebellion of the hobbits and the restoration of the pre-industrial Shire may be interpreted as a prescription of voluntary simplicity as a remedy to the problems of modern society.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Pictures of the Shire in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Hobbiton.jpg|The Shire in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - The Shire map.jpg|Map of the Shire from ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - The Yondershire map.jpg|Map of the "Yondershire" from ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1977: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Shire is featured in the opening and last scenes of the film. Only [[Bag End]] is featured extensively.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Shire scenes were shot on location in Matamata, New Zealand. Following the shooting, the area was returned to its natural state, but even without Hobbit holes it became a prime tourist attraction.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Shire scenes were shot at the same place where shooting of [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]] took place. Unlike the previous time, Hobbiton was constructed out of permanent materials, with intention of lasting for decades.

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The first three levels of the game take place in the Shire, from [[Frodo]] leaving [[Bag End]] up until the entrance into the [[Old Forest]].

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:The Shire is the first level of the game. Unlike the original story, Bilbo has to perform various side-quests before he ever reached [[Green Dragon]].

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:The Shire is a battleground appearing in Evil campaign and skirmish mode.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Shire is one of the starting regions of the game, where Hobbit-characters start, represented almost in its entirely - of the original map by Christopher Tolkien only some parts of [[Westfarthing]] and [[Southfarthing]] are not represented. Also, part of the [[Northfarthing]] is placed within the borders of [[Evendim]] region for gameplay purposes. The Shire is inhabited by hundreds of non-playable characters, involved in hundreds of quests.

:In 2022 an extension to the region called "[[the Yondershire]]" was added. This area includes the Shire's less-tamed north-western reaches and the surrounding territory, reaching to the [[Lhûn|River Lune]] in the west and the [[Hills of Evendim]] in the north. It encompasses the rest of the Northfarthing, and most of the Westfarthing that wasn't yet in the game. It is made for players of a higher level.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=https://www.lotro.com/update-notes/lotro-update-33-release-notes-en|articlename=Update 33 Release Notes|dated=20 April 2022|website=LOTRO|accessed=}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=Matt "Scenario" Elliott|articleurl=https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1436262669|articlename=A Casual Stroll Through Yondershire with Scenario|dated=|website=[https://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch]|accessed=}}</ref>

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:The Shire is one of game's battlegrounds, razed by Sauron's forces in the Evil campaign.

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:The Shire is featured in the beginning of the game.

'''2024''': ''[[Tales of the Shire: A "The Lord of the Rings" Game]]'':
:As it's name suggests, the Shire, specifically the village of [[Bywater]], is the main setting of the game.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL7HyTzcLQY Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game - Trailer | Nintendo Direct 2024]</ref>

==See also==
*[[Thain|Thains of the Shire]]

{{References|n}}

{{companyroute}}
{{thains}}
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:The Shire]]

[[de:Auenland]]
[[fi:Kontu]]
[[fr:encyclo:geographie:regions:eriador:comte]]
[[ru:Шир]]

Hobbits

2026-02-10T22:12:55Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Small Race that typically dwelt Underground}}{{header image|shire}}
{{disambig-more|Hobbits|[[The Hobbit (disambiguation)]]}}
{{people infobox
| name=Hobbits
| image = Mike Szabados - Frodo Baggins (cropped).jpg
| caption="Frodo Baggins" by [[:Category:Images by Mike Szabados|Mike Szabados]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Cūbugin'' ([[Westron|W]]), ''Periannath'' ([[Sindarin|S]]), ''Periandi'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) Halflings, Holbytlan, Little People
| origin=
| location=[[The Shire]], [[Buckland]], [[Bree-land]]
| affiliation=[[Host of the West (Arnor)|Host of the West]]
| rivalry=
| language=[[Hobbitish]] (a regional dialect of [[Westron]])
| members=[[Marcho]] and [[Blanco]], [[Sméagol]], [[Bandobras Took]], [[Bilbo Baggins]], [[Frodo Baggins]]
| lifespan=c. 96<ref name="LOTRProjectStats">{{webcite|author=Emil Johansson|articleurl=http://lotrproject.com/statistics/#lifeexpectancy|articlename=Lord of the Rings in Statistics|website=[http://lotrproject.com/ Lord of the Rings Project]|accessed=09-September-2012}}</ref>
| distinctions=[[Gift of Men|Mortality]], diminutive stature, furry feet
| height=2-4 ft or 0.6-1.2 m (often less than three feet in later days)
| hair=Typically curly brown,<ref name = "Letter 27">{{LE|27}}</ref> rarely blond (until the [[Fourth Age]]), and white and grey in later years
| skin=Nut-brown to white
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
{{Quote|In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[An Unexpected Party]]"}}
'''Hobbits''' were a small race that typically dwelt underground, believed to be related to [[Men]]. They played little role in history, save during the [[War of the Ring]].

==Description and culture==
{{Quote|There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly [[Eriador|West]]. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.|[[Thorin Oakenshield]] in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[The Return Journey]]"}}

Hobbits were between two and four feet tall,<ref name=Concerning>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> with differences between male and female: about 3 feet 6 inches for males<ref>{{NM|P2vi}}, "Heights", p. 195</ref> and seldom exceeded 3 feet for female.<ref name=atani>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> They had short legs, slightly pointed ears<ref name = "Letter 27"></ref> and furry feet with leathery soles, resulting in most never wearing shoes. Compared to the [[Dwarves]] they are a bit shorter and less stout or stocky. Early in their recorded history, Hobbits were divided in three kinds with different customs and temperament. The '''[[Stoors]]''' grew facial hair and had an affinity for water, boats and swimming and wore boots; the '''[[Fallohides]]''' were fair, tall and slim, an adventurous people, friendlier and more open to outsiders. Finally, the '''[[Harfoots]]''' were the most numerous and instituted the living in burrows. In later days the Harfoot traits became the "norm".
[[File:Kay Woollard - Dinner Time - A farmhouse kitchen.jpg|thumb|left|''Dinner Time - A farmhouse kitchen in the Shire'' by [[Kay Woollard]]]]

Hobbits had a life span somewhat longer than Men of non-[[Númenórean]] descent, averaging between 90 and 100 years. The time at which a young hobbit "came of age" was 33.<ref name=FRI1>{{FR|I1}}</ref> The oldest-living recorded hobbit (except [[Gollum]] and [[Bilbo Baggins]], whose lives were extended by the power of [[The One Ring]]) was The [[Gerontius Took|Old Took]], who reached the age of 130.

By nature they were of gentle disposition, neither cruel nor vindictive.<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #55</ref> Slow to quarrel, they never had been warlike, and never fought among themselves, nor hunted for sport; by the late Third Age the Shire-hobbits knew of weapons only as trophies or useless trinkets. However they were skilled with all kind of tools, as well as arms when there was a need; they were keen-eyed and used the bow well, and also the stones, successfully thrown against trespassing beasts.

Throughout their history Hobbits had showed unparalleled skill, courage and also endurance and resistance in times of danger and terror. During their [[Wandering Days]] Hobbits demonstrated an easiness to adapt to the environments they visited and adopted the customs and languages of the peoples they were in contact with. In the Shire, they had settled with a closed and comfort-loving lifestyle; they were fond of an unadventurous bucolic life of farming, eating, smoking [[pipe-weed]], socializing and talking about genealogies. Hobbits also liked to drink ale in inns, and ate at least six meals a day when they could get them. Every [[Highday]] and after noon, Hobbits celebrated a small holiday with evening feasts.<ref name=cal>{{App|Calendars}}</ref>

However, their hidden potentials resurfaced in difficult times; in the [[Long Winter]], [[Gandalf]] admired their uncomplaining courage and pity for one another, thanks to which they survived.<ref>{{UT|Erebor}}</ref> Another example of Hobbitish hardiness and resistant nature, was [[Gollum]], who despite using [[the One Ring]] for years, did not transform into a [[Wraiths|Wraith]] under the Ring's evil power (unlike the [[Nazgûl|nine Mannish Kings]]).<ref>
{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|website=FAQ of the Rings|articleurl=http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q1-GollumWraith |articlename=Why hadn’t Gollum turned into a wraith long ago?}}</ref> These surprising Hobbit traits also were tested and proven during the [[Quest of Erebor]] and, most notably, the [[War of the Ring]].

===Clans and families===
Hobbits were universally monogamous and "[[Wikipedia:Patrilineality|patrilinear]]" (family names descended in the male-line) and normally the titular family head was the eldest male, but his wife had an equal, but separate status. In the large powerful families (such as the [[Took Family|Tooks]]) the head of what we would call a clan was the eldest male of the most direct line of descent. If the master died first his titular headship of the clan was taken by his wife and, only after her death, by their son.

Chieftains and leaders of their clans and tribes were typically of Fallohide kind, as they were by nature more adventurous.

The custom in the "younger" families was that when the head had no male heir, the headship passed to the daughter's eldest son. In such cases the heir took the name of his mother’s family while retaining the father’s family name in second place; this was the case with [[Otho Sackville-Baggins]], who obtained headship of the Sackvilles through his mother [[Camellia Sackville|Camellia]].<ref name=L214/>

===Gift-giving===
The Hobbits generally exchanged gifts as a form of "payment" for services but also of thanksgiving in favors and friendships. According to an ancient custom, a hobbit baby, shortly after birth and its name-announcement, was given a gift by the head of the family, as a token of accepting it into the family (on the rare cases of adoptions, parents gave gifts to their new child). Gifts then became a means of recognizing family membership, and the head of the family ritually gave something, even if only a token ([[mathom]]), to a [[ribadyan|birthday celebrant]].

On its third birthday, a hobbit child gave presents to their parents, that typically was something that was personally found, or produced (made or grown). This may have been extended to other ages and relatives resulting to the celebrant both receiving and giving a gift. Birthdays had considerable social importance, and customs were regulated by fairly strict etiquette, usually reduced to formalities.<ref name=L214>{{L|214}}</ref>

==Origin==
[[File:Lidia Postma - Hobbits comparison.jpg|thumb|left|The three kinds of Hobbits. Arty by Lidia Postma]]
Hobbits did not have legends concerning their origin. Lacking better evidence, it is suggested that they are a miniature variant of [[Men]], or of a related branch.<ref>[[Letter to Arthur Ransome]]</ref> Nearly all scholars agree that Men were closely related to Hobbits, far more closely than Men were to either [[Elves]] or [[Dwarves]]. It was thus commonly assumed that Hobbits were among the Younger [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and were the result of the same act of creation as Men. This would imply that Hobbits had the [[Gift of Men]] to pass entirely beyond [[Arda]].

It is supposed that Hobbits branched out from Men as a race in the [[Elder Days]], but they don't appear at all in the chronicles of the [[Elves]].<ref name=Concerning>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Their exact origin is unknown but in their early days they could have been primitive and "savage".<ref name=atani/> Apparently they survived in [[Middle-earth]] for millennia far from importance and the knowledge of stronger races; they come into the records not earlier than the early [[Third Age]] where they were living in the [[Vales of Anduin]] in [[Rhovanion|Wilderland]], between [[Mirkwood]] and the [[Misty Mountains]]. They have lost the genealogical details of how they are related to the rest of mankind. While they stayed there, the [[Northmen]] knew them. Their descendants, the [[Rohirrim]], had that memory of the ''[[holbytla]]n'' and they remained an object of lore until they contacted them during the War of the Ring. Many old words and names in "[[Hobbitish]]" are cognates of words in [[Rohanese]], so much so that even someone without linguistic training could make out the relation ([[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] would later write an entire book devoted to the relationship, ''[[Old Words and Names in the Shire]]'').

==History==

[[File:Robin Wood - Mathom lore.jpg|thumb|''Mathom lore'' by Robin Wood]]
While situated in the Valley of the Anduin River the Hobbits lived close by the Northmen. Some time near the beginning of the [[Third Age]], they were uneasy because of the growing numbers of [[Easterlings|alien men]] from the [[East]] who passed the [[Greenwood]] and harassed the Northmen and no doubt they also sensed the rising [[Shadow]] of [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name=atani/> They took the arduous task of crossing the [[Misty Mountains]], beginning thus their '''[[Wandering Days]]'''. Some of the Stoors, however, returned to that place, and it is from these people that [[Gollum]] would come many years later.

The Hobbits took different routes in their journey westward, and eventually they came to a land between the River [[Baranduin]] (which they renamed ''Brandywine'') and the [[Weather Hills]]. Along the way they founded many settlements (most of them disappeared and were forgotten), and the divisions between the Hobbit-kinds began to blur. Only [[Bree]] and a few surrounding villages lasted to the end of the Third Age.

In the year {{TA|1601}}, two Fallohide brothers, [[Marcho]] and [[Blanco]], decided to cross the River Brandywine and settle on the other side. Large numbers of Hobbits followed them, and most of their former territory was depopulated. The new land that they found on the west bank of the Brandywine is called [[The Shire]].

Hobbits became first famous and a renowned part of the wider history during the [[Quest of Erebor]] ([[Bilbo Baggins]] was the first ever famous Hobbit) and later during the [[War of the Ring]]. In the later [[Ages]] they have dwindled and their numbers have diminished and although they still linger in the North-west of the Old World, they are rarely seen; they avoid the [[Big Folk]] with dismay, using their art of disappearing.<ref name=Concerning/>

==Some well-known Hobbits==
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Frodo and Bilbo.jpg|thumb|''Frodo and Bilbo'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
* [[Bilbo Baggins]]
* [[Frodo Baggins]]
* [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise "Sam" Gamgee]]
* [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]]
* [[Belladonna Took]]
* [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin "Pippin" Took]]
* [[Fredegar Bolger|Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger]]
* [[Otho Sackville-Baggins|Otho]] and [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]]
* [[Lobelia Sackville-Baggins]]
* [[Gerontius Took|Old Took]]
* [[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]]
* [[Sméagol]] (who became the creature [[Gollum]])
* [[Déagol]]

Though in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' it is mentioned that [[Gandalf]] "was responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures," no female Hobbits are depicted in [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s stories doing so; however Hobbit women do appear in his works, such as the formidable [[Lobelia Sackville-Baggins]], Sam's wife [[Rose Cotton]], and [[Belladonna Took]], one of the Old Took's remarkable daughters, who is said to have given up adventuring upon marrying the respectable [[Bungo Baggins]].

== Etymology ==
:''This section explains the fictional etymology of the word in the linguistic context of Middle-earth; for the actual origin of the word see the section [[#Inspiration]] below''.
''Hobbit'' was derived from [[Old English]] ''[[holbytla]]'', "hole-dweller" which represents the [[Rohanese]] language.<ref>{{HM|RW}}, p. 144</ref> In a letter, Tolkien commented on the pronunciation of the word ''hobbit'': "I am sure many hobbits drop their ''h''s like most rural folk in England".<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Letter to Alina Dadlez (19 September 1962)]]" (letter); quoted in {{CG|RG}}, p. 1036</ref>

The relationship hobbit/holbytla parallels the original [[Westron]] ''[[Kuduk]]'' (Hobbit), derived from the actual Rohirric ''[[kûd-dûkan]]'' (holbytla, hole dweller). This name obviously derives from the times when the hobbits lived at the [[Vales of Anduin]] with the [[Northmen]].<ref name="Road">{{TT|III8}}</ref><ref name="Translation">{{App|F2}}</ref>

Hobbits were also called ''[[Halflings]]'' by the [[Dúnedain]], first when they still measured 2 [[ranga]]r tall; twice as high as a hobbit who would reach only 1 ranga. The word retained even when the later generations of Dúnedain became shorter.<ref name=linear>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> Hobbits used the term when talking to those that knew them as Halflings but preferred to be called Hobbits.<ref>{{TT|Road}}, p. 557</ref>

''Halfling'' represents a translation of [[Westron]] ''[[banakil]]''. In [[Quenya]] the word is ''[[perian|Perian(d-)]]'' pl. ''Periandi''<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/press/856-most_expensive_Tolkien_book_in_the_world.php|articlename=Most expensive Tolkien bok in the world|website=[http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/index.php TolkienLibrary.com]}}, dedication to [[Elaine Griffiths]]</ref> and in [[Sindarin]] ''[[Perian]]'' pl. ''Periannath''.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref>

*''See also: [[Wikipedia:Hobbit (word)]]''

==Inspiration==
{{quote|I am in fact a Hobbit (in all but size). I like gardens, trees and unmechanized farmlands; I smoke a pipe, and like good plain food [...]; I like, and even dare to wear in these dull days, ornamental waistcoats. I am fond of mushrooms (out of a field); have a very simple sense of humour [...]; I go to bed late and get up late [...]. I do not travel much.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]|[[Letter 213]]}}

The name 'Hobbit' was probably constructed meaningless as a spontaneous inspiration, without prior intent, but it would have been natural for him to see in it the prefix ''hob'' as in [[Hobgoblin]]. When later he began to work out the language relations further (see: [[Mannish]]) he decided that it could be a derived form of an [[Old English]] word such as ''[[holbytla]]''. Tolkien also claimed "''that the only E. word that influenced the invention was ‘hole’; that granted the description of hobbits.''"<ref>{{L|319}}</ref>

According to Tolkien, the word ''hobbit'' came first, and then he decided to write ''[[The Hobbit]]'' around it. As a university lecturer, he was in the process of correcting reports when he started scribbling on a blank piece of paper and wrote, "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit", and the rest of the story sprang from that.<ref>[[Humphrey Carpenter]], ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'', p.172</ref> The idea of a little hole dwelling creature was introduced to Tolkien by one of his students in a story he had written.

It was revealed recently that the word pre-dated Tolkien's usage, though with a different meaning).<ref name="annot">{{HM|AH}}</ref> Tolkien's concept of hobbits, in turn, seems to have been inspired by Edward Wyke Smith's 1927 children's book ''[[Wikipedia:The Marvellous Land of Snergs|The Marvellous Land of Snergs]]'', and by Sinclair Lewis's 1922 novel ''[[Wikipedia:Babbitt (novel)|Babbitt]]''. Tolkien wrote to [[W.H. Auden]] that ''The Marvellous Land of Snergs'' "was probably an unconscious source-book for the Hobbits"<ref name=annot/> and he told an interviewer that the word ''hobbit'' "might have been associated with Sinclair Lewis's ''Babbitt''" who enjoys the comforts of his home.

The name ''hobbit'' had previously appeared in an obscure "[[Wikipedia:Denham Tracts|list of spirits]]" by Michael Denham, which includes several repetitions. There is no evidence to suggest Tolkien used this as a source — indeed he spent many years trying to find out whether he really did coin the word. Denham's "hobbit spirits" (which are never referenced anywhere except in the long list) have no obvious relation to Tolkien's Hobbits, other than the name (which may possibly imply hob- "small"): Tolkien's Hobbits are small humans, not spirits. Nonetheless, some few people have suggested that the reference in the Denham list should invalidate the trademark.

==In popular usage==
"Hobbit" is a trademark owned by the [[Middle-earth Enterprises]], as some of names, places and artifacts included in ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. For this reason [[Dungeons and Dragons]] and other fantasy tend to refer to Hobbits and Hobbit-like races rather as '''Halflings''' (''hin'' in the Mystara universe, ''hurthlings'' in Ancient Domains of Mystery).

''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_floresiensis Homo floresiensis]'', a possible species in the genus Homo (thus, related to humans) discovered in 2004, has been informally dubbed a "hobbit" by its discoverers due to its small size.

[[Tolkien fandom|Fans]] have noted that in depictions and adaptations such as [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]], Hobbits are shown with unusually large feet, a conception probably influenced by the widespread art of [[the Brothers Hildebrandt]]. However, Tolkien himself never mentioned that large feet was a general feature of Hobbits.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_printable;post=365823;guest=38267446|articlename=Big Feet|dated=|website=[http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?guest=35804230 The One Ring Forums]|accessed=2 September 2012}}</ref>

{{References}}
[[Category:Hobbits| ]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hobbits/hobbits]]
[[de:Hobbits]]
[[fi:Hobitit]]
[[pt-br:Hobbits]]

Elrond

2026-02-10T21:38:00Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Lord of Rivendell and wielder of Vilya}}{{header image|rivendell}}
{{infobox character
| name=Elrond
| people=[[Half-elven|Half-elf]]
| image=Tatyafinwe - Portrait of Elrond.jpg
| caption="Portrait of Elrond" by [[:Category:Images by Tatyafinwe|Tatyafinwe]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|['ɛlʲrond]}}
| othernames=''Elerondo'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Peredhel'' ([[Sindarin|S]], "[[Half-elven]]") Master Elrond
| titles=Lord of [[Rivendell]]
| position=Ring-bearer of [[Vilya]] Vice-regent of Eriador Herald to [[Gil-galad]]<ref name="Celeborn">{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>
| location=[[Mouths of Sirion]] (before {{FA|590}}) [[Lindon]] [[Rivendell]] [[Aman]] (after {{TA|3021}})
| affiliation=[[White Council]]
| language=[[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]], [[Westron]]
| birth={{FA|532}}<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, version C of the manuscript, year changed to [>532], p. 348</ref>
| birthlocation=[[Havens of Sirion]]
| rule={{SA|1697}} - {{TA|3021}} (ruled 4765 years)
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=6520
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Hador]],<ref group=note>Though Elrond and his brother Elros belonged to the House of Hador, they descended from [[House of Bëor|all]] [[House of Haleth|three]] [[House of Hador|Houses]] of the [[Edain]] as well as the [[Elves|Elven]] Houses of [[House of Fingolfin|Fingolfin]] and [[Elwë]] (Thingol).</ref><ref>{{NM|P3xi}}, ''Author's notes'', Note 1, p. 323</ref> but preferred the [[Elwë|House of Elwë]]<ref group=note>Elrond chose the fate of the Eldar to carry on the lineages of Elwë and Turgon, but he preferred the lineage of Elwë because Elwë had not been subject to the [[Doom of Mandos]].</ref><ref>{{PM|Ros}}, p. 371; and associated Note 19 on p. 376</ref>
| heritage=[[Half-elven]] father and mother
| parentage=[[Eärendil]] (father) [[Elwing]] (mother) [[Maglor]] (foster father)
| siblings=[[Elros]] (twin brother)
| spouse=[[Celebrían]]
| children=[[Elladan]] & [[Elrohir]] ([[twins]]) [[Arwen]] [[Aragorn]] (foster son)
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Dark<ref name="meetings"/>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="meetings"/>
| clothing=Grey mantle<ref name="Havens">{{RK|Havens}}</ref> Silver circlet<ref name="meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
<center>{{quote|But my memory reaches back even to the [[Elder Days]]. [[Eärendil]] was my sire, who was born in [[Gondolin]] before its [[Fall of Gondolin|fall]]; and my mother was [[Elwing]], daughter of [[Dior]], son of [[Lúthien]] of [[Doriath]]. I have seen three [[ages]] in the West of the world, and many defeats, and many fruitless victories.|Elrond in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}</center>
'''Elrond''' was the [[half-elven]] son of [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]], the father of [[Arwen]], and the Lord of [[Rivendell]] who consistently fought against [[Sauron]] throughout the Second and Third Ages. He was the twin brother of [[Elros]], who later became the first king of [[Númenor]].<ref name="Earendil">{{S|Earendil}}</ref>

Having been born in [[Beleriand]] towards the end of the [[First Age]], Elrond ever opposed [[Sauron]] and strove against him throughout the [[Second Age]], helping to bring about Sauron's defeat in the [[War of the Last Alliance]] as [[Gil-galad]]'s herald. Elrond inherited Gil-galad's Elven ring [[Vilya]], and during the [[Third Age]] he fought against the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] and, as a member of the [[White Council]], expelled the Necromancer from [[Dol Guldur]] (who was Sauron in another guise). Towards the end of the Third Age, he was the foster-father to [[Aragorn]] as he had been to Arathorn before him. Aragorn went on to marry Elrond's daughter Arwen. After the destruction of [[the One Ring]], Elrond sailed west with [[Gandalf]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], and [[Galadriel]]; their passing marked the end of the Third Age and the beginning of the [[Fourth Age|Fourth]].

Elrond is one of the most prominent, significant and recognisable characters in [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s legendarium, appearing in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' and ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''. He was critical to providing [[Thorin and Company]] with the information they needed to enter the [[Lonely Mountain]], and the [[Council of Elrond]] brought about the creation of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], which ultimately resulted in the destruction of the One Ring and the final defeat of Sauron.

==History==
===First Age===
Elros and Elrond were born in the [[Mouths of Sirion|Havens of Sirion]] during the darkest days of the First Age, when the forces of [[Morgoth]] controlled most of [[Beleriand]]. When the twins were just six years old, the [[Sons of Fëanor]], bound by their [[Oath of Fëanor|Oath]], assaulted the Havens in the [[Third Kinslaying]], since they desired the [[Silmaril]] on the [[Nauglamír]] held by Elwing. Eärendil was at sea, and Elwing escaped with the Nauglamír and jumped into the sea.<ref name="Earendil" /> [[Maedhros]] and [[Maglor]], the only Sons of Fëanor to survive the assault upon the Havens, took Elros and Elrond as captives<ref name="Earendil" /> and abandoned them in a cave with a fall of water over the entrance instead of killing them.<ref name="L211">{{L|211}}, answer to Question 4</ref> But Maglor took pity upon Elrond and Elros and rescued them, and a mutual love grew between Maglor and the young twins afterwards.<ref name="Earendil" /> Elrond was given the name "Elf of the cavern" or "star-dome" (see [[#Etymology|Etymology]]), because Elrond was found in the cave.<ref name="L211" />
[[File:Tuuliky - Little Half-elf.jpg|thumb|left|Maglor raises Elrond. Art by [[:Category:Images by Tuuliky|Tuuliky]]]]

Following the [[War of Wrath]], because of his Half-elven heritage, the [[Valar]] gave Elrond and his brother a choice to be counted among the kindred of Elves or Men. Elrond chose to belong to the [[Firstborn]], while Elros chose to become mortal.<ref name="Earendil" /> Elros voyaged over the sea to Númenor following the star of Eärendil;<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> whereas Elrond remained among the Elves and carried on the lineage of King [[Elwë]].<ref>{{PM|XII}}</ref> Elrond subsequently remained in [[Lindon]] with [[Gil-galad]], where he became known as a healer and lore-master.

===Second Age===
A fair being calling himself [[Annatar]], emissary of the Valar, came seeking entrance to Lindon during the Second Age. Elrond and Gil-galad sensed that he was not what he seemed, and denied him. They were correct, as proven in the later [[War of the Elves and Sauron]].
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Gil-galad sends Elrond to aid Celebrimbor.jpg|thumb|''Gil-galad sends Elrond to aid Celebrimbor'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
In {{SA|1695}}, Gil-galad sent Elrond to aid Eregion. Elrond's forces came too late and proved too small to defend Eregion. While Sauron sent most of his army west to attack Lindon, he left a strong detachment behind to contain Elrond. In [[Second Age 1697|two years]], Eregion [[Sack of Eregion|was laid waste]] and Elrond, along with the surviving Noldor, ran the risk of being overun, when [[Dwarves|Durin's folk]] of [[Khazad-dûm]] attacked Sauron's rear guard, turning Sauron's attention to these new foes. This allows Elrond and the remaining Noldor to flee far north. There, he established the stronghold of [[Rivendell|Imladris]].<ref name="UTC">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref><ref>{{App|SA}}</ref>

Many more refugees joined Elrond's host as Sauron ravaged Eriador during the course of the war. By {{SA|1700}}, Imladris, despite being [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]], was the only part of [[Eriador]] not under Sauron's control. It was liberated by [[Gil-galad]]'s and [[Tar-Minastir]]'s forces. After Sauron's defeat, a Council was held at that time, establishing that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold, and appointing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador, passing the Ring [[Vilya]] to him.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

Elrond marched with Gil-galad and [[Elendil]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], serving as Gil-galad’s herald. He was present during the [[Battle of Dagorlad|last battle]] of that war, witnessing the deaths of Gil-galad and Elendil. When [[Isildur]] cut [[the One Ring]] from Sauron’s hand at the conclusion of the battle, he and [[Círdan]] advised Isildur to destroy the Ring, but Isildur refused their counsel. Elrond subsequently returned to Rivendell, which prospered in the coming years with the aid of the Ring of Air, [[Vilya]], that Elrond had received from Gil-galad.

It has been argued that, following Gil-galad’s death, Elrond had the right to become High King of the Noldor, but he never claimed the title. Indeed, after the Second Age ended, there were very few Noldor left in Middle-earth for there to be a king over.{{fact}}

===Third Age===
Following Isildur's death, Elrond received the shards of [[Narsil]], which he preserved for many years. He began his long tradition of fostering the heirs of Isildur by helping to raise Isildur's son [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], who had been left in Rivendell during the War of the Last Alliance.

In {{TA|109}}, Elrond married [[Celebrían]], the daughter of [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]. Their first children, the twins [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], were born in {{TA|130|n}}, and their daughter [[Arwen]] in {{TA|241|n}}.<ref name="AppB2" />

During the late reign of [[Arveleg I]], [[Second Siege of Imladris|Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by [[Angmar]] into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elvenfolk of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

Centuries later, when the Northern Kingdom fell, Elrond took the other heirlooms of Arnor (the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]) into his keeping, holding them for the one who would eventually be able to reclaim the throne of [[Arnor]].

Elrond, along with others of the [[Wise]], was joined by the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]], who was sent by the Valar from the West. As they decided, Gandalf invaded [[Dol Guldur]]. The Necromancer withdrew and the [[Watchful Peace]] began. In {{TA|2463}}, the Wise formed the [[White Council]] with the Wizard [[Saruman]] as its head.
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
Elrond was later separated from his wife when she was taken by [[Orcs]]. Their sons rescued her, but Elrond was unable to heal her mentally, and she decided to leave for the [[Uttermost West|West]] in {{TA|2510|n}}.

In {{TA|2851}}, the White Council met to decide whether to act on Gandalf's discovery of the identity of the [[Necromancer]] as Sauron, but [[Saruman]] dissuaded the others from acting upon Gandalf's revelation.

In {{TA|2933}}, Elrond took [[Aragorn]] as his foster-son in Rivendell, and had Arwen live in [[Lothlórien]] with her grandmother.

Elrond named Aragorn ''[[Estel]]'' ("Hope") and concealed his heritage from him until he came of age. When Aragorn became an adult, Elrond gave him the [[Ring of Barahir]] and the shards of Narsil, foreseeing that Aragorn might be the one to claim the thrones of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]. When Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, Elrond revealed to him that Arwen shared the choice of the Half-elven, and that one or the other of them would ultimately be parted from her forever. Elrond insisted that Arwen could not marry Aragorn until he became king of both Gondor and Arnor.
[[File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Elrond and Thrór's Map.jpg|thumb|Elrond examines [[Thrór's Map]] in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'']]
In {{TA|2941}}, Elrond welcomed [[Thorin and Company]] into his home, the [[Rivendell|Last Homely House]] before the wild. On Midsummer's Eve - the night before the [[Dwarves]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]], and [[Gandalf]] continued on their journey eastward - Elrond examined the swords which they had found in the trolls' cave. He read the runes and revealed that [[Thorin|Thorin's]] sword was called [[Orcrist]], the "Goblin-cleaver", and that Gandalf's sword was named [[Glamdring]], the "Foe-hammer". He told them that they were [[Elves|Elven]] swords from the ancient city of [[Gondolin]], destroyed long ago. He then looked at [[Thrór's Map]] and found that there were [[moon-letters]]. From the moon of that midsummer's eve he could read the words: 'five feet high the door and three may walk abreast' and 'stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the keyhole'. This information proved vital for Bilbo and the Dwarves to enter the [[Lonely Mountain]] through its secret entrance.<ref name="H3">{{H|3}}</ref>

During that same year, the [[White Council]] assailed [[Dol Guldur]] and rid [[Mirkwood]] of the Necromancer's presence.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref> Upon Bilbo and Gandalf's return to Rivendell, Elrond and the grey wizard discussed this and the events of the Lonely Mountain. They both agreed that it would be better if the Necromancer were banished from the world altogether.<ref name="H19">{{H|19}}</ref>

The White Council last met in {{TA|2953}}, when Gandalf expressed his concerns that the One Ring was Bilbo's ring found in the [[Goblin-town]]. Saruman quieted him, insisting that the Ring had been swept out to sea.

====War of the Ring====
When [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] first left the Shire with the One Ring, it was always his intention to go to Rivendell to seek the advice of Elrond. Indeed, in his letter left at Bree, Gandalf counselled him to do so. After Elrond healed Frodo of his wound sustained at [[Weathertop]], he then hosted the feast that was held when Frodo recovered.
[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel returns to Rivendell.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel returns to Rivendell'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
Elrond presided at the [[Council of Elrond]]. During that meeting, he narrated what he knew of the history of Isildur and the Ring. He identified Aragorn as the [[Heir of Isildur]], and when Frodo ultimately volunteered to carry the Ring, Elrond affirmed that decision. Elrond also appeared to have selected the members of the Fellowship other than Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], despite accepting [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] only reluctantly.

Later, Elrond sent his sons Elladan and Elrohir to join the [[Dúnedain]] Rangers who rode to [[Rohan]] to join Aragorn. Through Elrohir, Elrond advised Aragorn to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. During the [[Last Debate]], Elrohir supported Aragorn’s decision to attack Mordor as a diversion to allow Frodo time to reach Mount Doom, saying that this was Elrond’s advice.

After the passing of [[Sauron]], Aragorn was crowned as [[King of the West|King]] of the new [[Reunited Kingdom]] on [[1 May]], and according to his own promise Elrond escorted Arwen to [[Lothlórien]]. They arrived on [[20 May]] and Arwen went to [[Minas Tirith]] to wed Aragorn.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> He parted from her in great sorrow.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Departure at the Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|''Departure at the Grey Havens'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Elrond was one of the Elves who took the [[White Ship]] to [[Valinor]] along with Frodo, Gandalf, and the other [[Ring-bearers]]. The Third Age's end is marked by their departure.

==Characteristics==
{{Quote|He was as noble and fair as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[A Short Rest]]"}}
Elrond seemed ageless, resembling neither old nor young. However, one could see in his face the memories and experiences of thousands of years. He looked venerable both like an old king, a wise wizard, and an experienced warrior in his prime.

Elrond is described as dark-haired, while his eyes were grey, shining like starlight. He could be seen wearing a circlet of silver.<ref name="meetings" /><ref>{{H|Rest}}</ref>

His parents were [[Eärendil]] and [[Elwing]]. He was thus [[Half-elven]]: Eärendil was the child of the mortal [[Tuor]] and the elf [[Idril]], while Elwing was the grandchild of [[Beren]] (a [[Man]]) and [[Lúthien]] (daughter of the Elf-king [[Thingol]] and the Maia [[Melian]]). Consequently, Elrond was descended from all three tribes of the Elves ([[Vanyar]] and [[Noldor]] through Idril, [[Sindar]] through Lúthien), a Maia, and all three houses of the [[Edain]] ([[House of Hador|Hador]], [[House of Haleth|Haleth]] and [[House of Bëor|Bëor]]).

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Elrond.mp3|Ardamir}}
In a letter from 1958, [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] explained that ''Elrond'' is a [[Sindarin]] name that he was given because he was found in a cave, and that the name is a compound of ''eld>ell'', the Sindarin term for the High-Elven exiles, and ''rond'' based on primitive Elvish ''rondo'' meaning "cavern".<ref name="L211" /> In an essay that was probably written between 1959 and 1960, J.R.R. Tolkien translated the name as "Star-dome".<ref>{{WJ|Author}}, Note 26, second paragraph about Hadhodrond</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}, entry ''Elrond''</ref> The Sindarin elements are ''[[el]]'' ("star") and ''[[rond]]'' ("a vaulted or arched roof, the heavens").<ref name="Elements">{{S|Elements}}, entries ''êl'' and ''rond''</ref> In an essay on "The Problem of Ros" that was written in 1969 or later J.R.R. Tolkien translated the name as "star-dome, noting that it was given by [[Elwing]] in memory of the [[Menelrond]], the Hall of the Throne of Elwë.<ref>{{PM|Ros}}</ref> ''Elrond'' has also been translated as "Vault of Heaven".<ref name="Etym">{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 384</ref> In a letter from 1972, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote that the name Elrond means "The vault of stars".<ref>{{L|345}}</ref>

His [[Quenya]] name was most likely '''''Elerondo''''',<ref>[[Petri Tikka]], "[http://www.geocities.com/petristikka/elvish/PE17.html Quenya words in ''Parma Eldalambaron'' 17]"</ref> isolated from the patronymic ''Elerondiel'' ("[[Arwen|Daughter of Elrond]]").<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 56</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| FIN |y| EAW | | GLN | | THI |y| MEL | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finarfin]] ''b. {{YT|1230}}''|EAW=[[Eärwen]] ''b. {{YT}}''|GLN=[[Galadhon]] ''b. {{FA}}''|THI=[[Elu Thingol]] ''b. {{YT}}''|MEL=[[Melian]]}}
{{familytree| | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | GAL |y| CEL | | GLT | | LUT |y| BER | | | | | |GAL=[[Galadriel]] ''b. {{YT|1362}}''|CEL=[[Celeborn]] ''b. {{FA}}''|GLT=[[Galathil]] ''b. {{FA}}''|LUT=[[Lúthien]] ''b. {{YT|1200}}''|BER=[[Beren]] ''b. {{FA|432}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | |,|-|'| | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | NIM |y| DIO | | TUO |y| IDR | |TUO=[[Tuor]] ''b. {{FA|472}}''|IDR=[[Idril]] ''b. {{YT}}''|DIO=[[Dior]] ''{{FA|470}} - {{FA|506|n}}''|NIM=[[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]] ''d. {{FA|506}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | ELW |~|~|y|~|~| EAR | | | |EAR=[[Eärendil]] ''b. {{FA|503}}''|ELW=[[Elwing]] ''b. {{FA|503}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | CLB |~|~|y|~|~| ELR | | | | | | ELS | | | |CLB=[[Celebrían]] ''b. {{SA|300}}''|ELR='''ELROND''' ''b. {{FA|532}}''|ELS=[[Elros]] ''{{FA|532}} - {{SA|442}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |:| | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | ELL | | ELO | | ARW |~|~|y|~|~| ARA | | | |ELL=[[Elladan]] ''b. {{TA|130}}''|ELO=[[Elrohir]] ''b. {{TA|130}}''|ARW=[[Arwen]] ''{{TA|241}} - {{FoA|121}}''|ARA=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] ''{{TA|2931}} - {{FoA|120}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | EDN | | DAU | | | | | |EDN=[[Eldarion]] ''{{FoA|1}} - {{FoA|220|n}}''|DAU=''unknown daughters''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The name '''Elrond''' first appears in a draft for ''[[The Fall of Númenor (chapter)]]'', written about the same time as ''The Hobbit'' (before [[1937]]). There he is mentioned to be the son of [[Eärendel]], heir of the [[House of Hador]], who because of his mortal blood chose to remain in the [[Great Lands]] and became the leader of the Elves in the remnant of [[Beleriand]]. There he allied with the Faithful [[Amroth]] (a precursor of Elendil) against [[Sûr]] (Sauron).<ref>{{LR|P1II2}}</ref> In a rewrite of the same text, Elrond becomes the first [[King of Númenor]] instead, the builder of the city of Númenos, and is a mortal (which means that the text was likely written before ''The Hobbit'', as he appears alive there). It is Gil-galad who fights Sauron. With the conception of Elros, Tolkien added a later note that considered making Elrond stay with Gil-galad or return to Middle-earth.<ref>{{LR|P1II3}}</ref>

Elrond was then "borrowed" or imported into ''[[The Hobbit]]''. Subsequently he, along with [[Gandalf]], became one of the only characters to appear in all three of ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

In the chapter "[[A Short Rest]]" of ''The Hobbit'', it is said of Elrond that he
{{blockquote|...was an elf-friend — one of those people whose fathers came into the strange stories before the beginning of History, the wars of the evil goblins and the elves and the first men in the North. In those days of our tale there were still some people who had both elves and heroes of the North for ancestors, and Elrond the master of the house was their chief.|''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[A Short Rest]]"}}
Note that in this description he is not identified as an Elf himself, emphasizing his elf-friend (= Edain) heritage. In the subsequent fleshing out of his background, it is never mentioned that he was ever the "chief" of the people who came from "both elves and heroes of the North" (which would apply to the [[Half-elven]] or rather the [[Dúnedain of Arnor]]).

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Sagan om Ringen - Elrond.png|Elrond as portrayed in ''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Elrond.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Elrond.jpg|Elrond as portrayed in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:David T. Wenzel - Elrond.jpeg|Elrond in [[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book)]]
File:Lord of the Rings Adventure Game - Elrond.jpeg|Elrond in ''[[Lord of the Rings Adventure Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Elrond2.jpg|[[Hugo Weaving]] as Elrond in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Elrond.jpg|Elrond in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Elrond in LOTR- War in the North-1.png|Elrond in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Elrond.jpg|[[Robert Aramayo]] as Elrond in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'' series
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:Elrond is given the title 'alvkungen', which translates to 'Elf king'. After [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo’s]] recovery from the [[Morgul-wound]], those present at [[Rivendell]] hold a feast in celebration. The [[Council of Elrond]] convenes the next day and Elrond talks of the [[Elves]] battles against [[Sauron]]. Frodo asks how he can remember this, noting that [[Gil-galad]] died over three thousand years ago. Elrond tells Frodo that he has lived in [[Middle-earth]] for Three [[Ages]] and that he was present for the [[Siege of Barad-dûr|defeat of Sauron]] and watched as [[Isildur]] cut [[The One Ring]] from Sauron’s hand and took the Ring for himself. After [[Gandalf]] tells of how he escaped from [[Saruman]], Elrond tells the Council of their chief goal: Bring the Ring to [[Mordor]] and destroy it in the fire in which it was created. Elrond reminds them that destroying the Ring would bring peace for all of Middle-earth and that it is imperative that they put their lives on the line to bring about peace. After the members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] are decided and they begin to prepare for their journey, Elrond farewells Gandalf and wishes him luck on their quest.

'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Elrond appears in [[Rivendell]], crowned with a ring of stars. He feeds the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]], and identifies [[Orcrist]] and [[Glamdring]]. He needs little time to identify the latter. He is shown with a beard, although Tolkien clearly states [[Elves]] do not have beards. His voice was provided by [[Cyril Ritchard]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Elrond, voiced by [[André Morell]], appears at the [[Council of Elrond]]. He sits on a raised chair, and narrates the scene. Not until [[the One Ring]] is brought forward does he take an active part.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Elrond appears roughly the same as in the first of [[Rankin/Bass]]' films. The premise of the film, a [[minstrel of Gondor]] who tells the tale of "Frodo of the Nine Fingers, and the Ring of Doom" at [[Bilbo Baggins]]' 129th birthday party in Rivendell, allows Elrond to be a member of the audience, and then sails west, with [[Gandalf]] and the two allowed Bilbo and [[Frodo Baggins]] (his nephew) come because of their service in Middle-earth and being friends. Because Cyril Ritchard had passed away not long after completing his work on ''The Hobbit'', Rankin/Bass regular [[Paul Frees]] took over as his voice.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Elrond, played by [[Hugo Weaving]], first appears in the prologue as a commander of the army of [[Gil-galad]] in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. A later flashback scene shows him actually taking [[Isildur]] into [[Mount Doom]], trying to persuade him to destroy the Ring. [[Círdan]] is omitted.

:As in the book, Elrond heals [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s wound from [[Weathertop]]. Elrond then has a conversation with [[Gandalf]], discussing the many challenges that face them. Elrond argues that the Ring cannot remain in Rivendell (in the film, Frodo appears to have thought that he would be able to leave the Ring there). He also expresses his doubts about the race of [[Men]], and gives the first hints about [[Aragorn]]'s real identity. In the Council of Elrond, Elrond himself is the one who argues that the only option is to destroy the Ring. He does not select the Fellowship, but accepts those who volunteer.

:Elrond gains two additional scenes in the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition)|Extended Edition]] of the movie. In the first, he talks with Aragorn beside the grave of Aragorn’s mother. Elrond encourages the reluctant Aragorn to accept his fate of becoming [[Kings of Gondor|king]]. In the next scene, Elrond blesses the departing [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]].

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Though he had no scenes in the book, Elrond appears mainly in conversations with [[Arwen]], whose role is also greatly expanded. In a flashback, Aragorn remembers Elrond telling him to abandon his love for Arwen, allowing her to sail to [[Valinor]]. Aragorn attempts to do this, but Arwen denies him. In another scene, Elrond persuades Arwen that she should sail to Valinor, describing what will happen if she remains and Aragorn dies. Elrond then has a [[ósanwe|telepathic]] communication with [[Galadriel]] discussing the [[War of the Ring|war]] that is about to start. He apparently suggests that she send an army to [[Helm's Deep]] to aid the [[Rohirrim|Men]] there, since when [[Haldir]] arrives at Helm's Deep he says that he brings "word from Elrond of Rivendell."

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:In the final installment of Jackson's film series, Elrond's first scene is with Arwen, who has decided not to sail after all, but to return. Although he senses that she is dying, Elrond acknowledges her choice. At her suggestion, he has the [[shards of Narsil]] [[Andúril|re-forged]], then carries the new sword to Aragorn at [[Dunharrow]]. He finally convinces Aragorn to accept his destiny, and advises him to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Later, Elrond escorts Arwen to [[Minas Tirith]] for [[Aragorn]]'s coronation, and he finally sails to Valinor with the [[Ring-bearers]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Hugo Weaving reprises the role of Elrond.<ref name="IMCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Ian McKellen]]|articleurl=http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/110510.htm|articlename=2 Elves and another Wizard|dated=10-May-2011|website=[http://www.mckellen.com/ Ian McKellen's website]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> As in the book, he identifies Gandalf's and [[Thorin]]'s respective swords, as well as translating the [[Moon-letters|runes]] on Thorin's [[Thrór's Map|map]] in the [[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|first]] film. There is an additional scene where Elrond meets with the [[White Council]]. Like [[Saruman]], Elrond is somewhat skeptical of Gandalf's claims, deeming the Quest of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] unwise. However, he is clearly alarmed by Gandalf's revealing of the [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]] from [[Dol Guldur]]. Elrond is seen again in the [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies|third]] of these films where he participates in the [[Attack on Dol Guldur|battle]] of Dol Guldur, joining Saruman and Galadriel in fighting off the [[Nazgûl]].

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, Elrond is portrayed by [[Leif Wager]].

'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''September 1: ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Elrond (portrayed by [[Robert Aramayo]])<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Alice Jones]]|articleurl=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/amazon-the-rings-of-power-series-first-look|articlename=Amazon’s Lord of the Rings Series Rises: Inside The Rings of Power
|dated=10-February-2022|website=[https://www.vanityfair.com VanityFair]|accessed=11-February-2022}}</ref> first appears sitting in a tree at [[Lindon]], writing the exact words of the speech that [[Gil-galad]] gives later. He is alerted by an [[Elves|Elf Attendant]] of the arrival of his friend, [[Galadriel]].

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Elrond is voiced by [[Garard Green]].<ref name="RT1674">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1674, [[9 December|December 9]], [[1955]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:In this adaptation, Elrond is voiced by [[John Pullen]]. Gandalf claims that he is not an Elf, but an Elf-friend.

'''1980: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Elrond is played by Friedrich W. Bauschulle.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Hugh Dickson]] provided the voice of Elrond in this radio series. He first appears in the episode containing the [[Council of Elrond]], and appears unintroduced. Dickson showcases great trouble with pronouncing Elvish, and especially diphthongs. Gimli is the son of "[[Glóin|Gloo-in]]", who fought the dragon "[[Smaug|Sma-oog]]". Legolas is the son of "[[Thranduil|Thrandoo-uhl]]". He reappears in the final 2 episodes - first in the return to Rivendell warning Frodo to look out for Bilbo in the Shire one Autumn soon, and finally with Galadriel and Bilbo in the Shire before they all ride to the Grey Havens.

'''2001: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Elrond is provided by Matej Landl.

===Games===
'''1982: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit (1982 text adventure game)'']]'''

:Elrond appears at Rivendell. The player can give him the curious map to read, and he also provides the player with lunch.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Like his predecessor Hugh Dickson, [[Jim Piddock]] shows incredible difficulty with diphthongs. "Glau-win" and "Thrandool" dislike each other, so too their sons.

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:In a short cutscene between the levels "Roast Mutton" and "Over Hill and Under Hill", Elrond is briefly mentioned. An artful image on a manuscript can be seen, while the [[Tom Kane|narrator]] explains Elrond examined the map and the swords.

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In an alternative, northern War of the Ring, Rivendell is the main base of operations for Glóin and Glorfindel. As such, Elrond is the source of missions and advice, and serves as the narrator throughout the game (Hugo Weaving reprises the role). Elrond is a playable character during the assault on [[Dol Guldur]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Elrond is a non-playable character and can be found in the library of the Last Homely House in Rivendell. During the Elven Prologue set hundreds of years before the War of the Ring he participates in a battle in the refuge of Edhellion, in northern [[Ered Luin]]. Elrond is heavily involved in the game original storyline and the characters are frequently bidden to return to him after uncovering troubling signs of the Enemy or achieving notable victories.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Hugo Weaving once again reprises the role, serving as the narrator for both Good and Evil campaign.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Early in the game Elrond sends his sons, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], to scout [[Fornost]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Inner Wards''</ref> He later interacts with main characters in Rivendell, guiding them on their path of defeating Argandaur.

==See also==
*[[Twins]]

{{references|notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=halfelf
| born={{FA|532}}
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Gil-galad]]
| list=[[Three Keepers|Keeper]] of [[Vilya]]
| dates={{SA|1701}} - after [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| nvac=None
| next=Presumably, still Elrond
}}
{{seq
| prow=2
| pvac=None
| prev=Titles established
| list=Lord of [[Rivendell]]
| dates={{SA|1697}} - [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| nvac=None
| next=Titles abandoned
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| list=Vice-regent of [[Eriador]]
| dates={{SA|1701}} - {{SA|3441|n}}
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{councilofelrond}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Half-elven]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:Ilkorin names]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Elrond]]
[[fi:Elrond]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/semi-elfes/elrond]]

User:Banazîr Galpsi/common.css

2026-02-10T21:37:39Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

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background-image:url(/w/images/7/7e/John_Howe_-_The_Shire.jpg) !important;
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background-image:url(/w/images/d/dc/Ted_Nasmith_-_Orthanc_in_the_Second_Age.jpg) !important;
/* TODO: remove watermark? */
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Rivendell

2026-02-10T21:37:12Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Elven refuge in the Misty Mountains}}{{header image|rivendell}}
{{disambig-more|Rivendell|[[Rivendell (disambiguation)]]}}
{{kingdom
| name=Rivendell
| image=J.R.R. Tolkien - Rivendell.jpg
| caption="Rivendell" by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[im'ladris]}}
| othernames= ''Imladris'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Imbeláris'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Karningul'' ([[Westron|W]]) First Homely House, House of Elrond Last Homely House ''Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| location=A hidden valley beneath the western [[Misty Mountains]] in [[Eriador]]
| capital=
| towns=
| regions=
| population=Primarily [[Elves]]
| language=[[Quenya]], [[Sindarin]], [[Westron]]
| govern1=[[Lord of Rivendell]]
| govern2=
| govern3=
| currency=
| holiday=
| precededby=[[Eregion]]
| event1=Founded
| event1date={{SA|1697}}
| event2=[[First Siege of Imladris|First Siege]]
| event2date={{SA|1697}} - {{SA|1700|n}}
| event3=[[Second Siege of Imladris|Second Siege]]
| event3date=c. TA 1400
| event4=[[Council of Elrond|Council of Elrond]]
| event4date=[[25 October]], {{TA|3018}}
| event5=Abandoned
| event5date=By {{FoA|120}}<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref>
| followedby=
}}

{{quote|And the house of Elrond was a refuge for the weary and the oppressed, and a treasury of good counsel and wise lore.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}

'''Rivendell''', or '''Imladris''', was an [[Elves|Elven]] outpost in the [[Misty Mountains]] on the [[Eastern Eriador|eastern edge of Eriador]]. Due to its location, it was called the '''Last Homely House''' from the point of view of a traveller going to the [[Misty Mountains]] and [[Wilderland]]; and also the '''First Homely House''' from the point of view of someone coming from these lands to the civilised lands of Eriador to the west.

It was established by [[Elrond]] in {{SA|1697}} as a refuge from [[Sauron]] after the [[Sack of Eregion|Fall of Eregion]].<ref name="SA">{{App|SA}}</ref> It remained Elrond's seat throughout the remainder of the Second Age and until the end of the Third Age, when he took the [[White Ship]] for [[Valinor]]. Rivendell had a strong alliance with the [[Kings of Arnor]] and after the fall of [[Arthedain]], it became a refuge for the [[Rangers of the North]] and the [[Heir of Isildur]].

==Geography==
[[File:Soni Alcorn-Hender - Valley of Rivendell.jpg|thumb|250px|right|''Valley of Rivendell'' by [[Soni Alcorn-Hender]]]]
Rivendell was located at the edge of a narrow gorge of the [[Bruinen|Bruinen River]],<ref>{{UT|Map}}</ref> but well hidden in the moorlands and foothills of the [[Misty Mountains]].<ref name="Rest">{{H|Rest}}</ref>

Pine-trees grew on the top of the valley, and there was a "steep zig-zag path" to the valley bottom. The vegetation in the valley bottom was mostly oak and beech.<ref name="Rest" />

==History==
===Second Age===
====Foundation====
During the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], and as [[Sauron]] was moving against Eriador, Elrond led an army of [[Elves of Lindon]] to the region. They arrived late but were joined by a detachment out of [[Eregion]] led by [[Celeborn]]. Despite this, Sauron's armies overwhelmed the Elves, and Elrond was unable to reach Eregion. Forced northward toward the headwaters of [[Bruinen]], Elrond established a stronghold.<ref name="SA" />

This became a refuge for those seeking shelter from Sauron's onslaught in Eriador, and Elrond's and Celeborn's Elves were soon joined by many fleeing the [[Sack of Eregion]]. More came as Sauron ravaged Eriador on his march toward [[Lindon]]. By {{SA|1700}}, Sauron had overrun all of Eriador and Imladris was [[First Siege of Imladris|besieged]]. The siege ended when Gil-galad's forces, strengthened by the armament sent by [[Tar-Minastir]], routed Sauron's armies and drove him out of Eriador.

A Council held at that time made Elrond Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador, and Imladris his seat. Gil-galad bestowed [[Vilya]] upon Elrond in secret. Aided by the power of the [[Three Rings|Elven ring]], Elrond made Imladris one of the chief seats of Elvish strength in the west in the latter part of the Second Age. Imladris remained an Elvish stronghold in Eriador to the end of the Second Age and into the Third.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

====Last Alliance====
At the end of the Second Age, [[Elendil]] and Gil-galad formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] to challenge Sauron, and their host halted for a while at Imladris in {{SA|3431}} and they stayed there for 3 years, gathered their forces before crossing the Misty Mountains.<ref name="SA" /><ref name="SV" />

[[Isildur]]'s wife and his youngest son, [[Valandil (King of Arnor)|Valandil]], were in Imladris at that time, and Isildur was journeying back to them after Sauron's defeat when he was ambushed at the [[Gladden Fields]].<ref>{{UT|7}}</ref> After receiving the shards of [[Narsil]], Valandil took up his role as King of [[Arnor]] and left Imladris for [[Annúminas]].<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref>

===Third Age===
After the fall of Gil-galad, Elrond remained in Imladris. During the Third Age, it was a refuge and sanctuary; many Elves gathered there, and it was the chief dwelling of the [[High Elves]] in Eriador, except the [[Elves of Lindon]], but also wise and powerful people of all the races. Most of the Elves who lived in Rivendell were High Elves.<ref>{{RGEO|Notes}}, p. 64</ref> The [[Heir of Isildur|Heirs of Isildur]] were also harboured there due to their kinship with Elrond, as descendants of his brother [[Elros]].<ref name="SV" />

Danger came to Eriador around {{TA|1300}} when [[Angmar]] was established in the north-east beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. It was late in the reign of [[Arveleg I]] that [[Second Siege of Imladris|Rivendell was besieged by Angmar]]. After an incursion by Angmar into Eriador in {{TA|1409}}, the Elves of Rivendell joined [[Elves of Lindon|those of Lindon]] and the [[Galadhrim]], whom Elrond brought over the Mountains, in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="eriador">{{App|Eriador}}</ref>

After the end of the North-kingdom in {{TA|1975}} [[Aranarth]], the first [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]], had [[Arahael|his son]] fostered in Rivendell, as were all subsequent sons of the chieftains. The heirlooms and treasures of the house of Isildur, including the shards of [[Narsil]], were also kept there after [[Arvedui]]'s death.<ref name="SV" /> Among these were also some of the few remaining documents containing the history of Númenor.<ref>{{UT|3}}</ref>
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Riding down into Rivendell.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"Riding down into Rivendell" by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
There was traffic across the Misty Mountains in the Third Age between Imladris and [[Lothlórien]], for Elrond's wife was [[Celebrían]], daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn.

In the [[Quest of Erebor]], [[Bilbo Baggins]] stopped off at Rivendell with the Dwarves on the way to the [[Lonely Mountain]]<ref name="Rest" /> and also on the way back to [[the Shire]] with [[Gandalf]].<ref>{{H|Stage}}</ref> Bilbo retired there after his 111th birthday, writing his memoir ''[[There and Back Again]]''.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|II1}}</ref>
[[File:Abe Papakhian - Renewed Shall Be Sword that was Broken.jpg|thumb|''Renewed Shall Be Sword that was Broken'' by [[:Category:Images by Abe Papakhian|Abe Papakhian]]]]
Years later, [[Frodo Baggins]] and his [[Travellers|companions]] journeyed to Rivendell, where they met Bilbo. Several other Elves, [[Dwarves]] and [[Men]] had also arrived at Rivendell on separate errands;<ref name="Meetings" /> at the [[Council of Elrond]] they learned that all of their errands were related to the fate of [[the One Ring]], and they had to decide what to do about it. In the end, the Hobbits influenced the decision.<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref>

Following the destruction of [[the One Ring]] at the end of the Third Age, Elrond's ring lost its power, and Elrond, with many of his household, left Rivendell to sail for [[Valinor]] from the [[Grey Havens]]; this marked the start of the [[Fourth Age]].

===Later history===
Although Elrond departed from Rivendell, [[Elladan and Elrohir]] remained for a while with some of the remaining [[Noldor]].<ref name="Prologue">{{FR|Prologue}}</ref> It is believed that [[Celeborn]] also relocated to Rivendell after the departure of [[Galadriel]] and having also grown weary of [[East Lórien]].<ref name="Prologue" /><ref>{{App|Great}}</ref>

It is not known when Rivendell was finally abandoned, but shortly before [[Aragorn]] died in {{FoA|120}}, he said to [[Arwen]] that "none now walk" in the garden of Elrond, indicating that the last of the [[Noldor]] had departed to [[Valinor]].<ref name="Tale" />

==Etymology==
''Rivendell'' ("[[Wiktionary:cloven|cloven]]-[[Wiktionary:dell|dell]]") is the [[Westron|Common Speech]] translation of the [[Sindarin]] name '''''Imladris''''' ("deep dale of the cleft").<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 774</ref> The name ''Imladris'' is also glossed as "flat-floored valley of the Cleft"<ref name="letter">[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Letter to Anthony D. Howlett]]" ([[Letters not published in "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien"|unpublished letter]])</ref> but also simply as "Canyon of the Cleft".<ref>{{VT|47a}}, p. 14, note 18</ref>

The original Common Speech name of ''Rivendell'' was '''''Karningul''''' (itself a translation of ''Imladris'').<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref>

==Other names==
The [[Quenya]] name '''''Arcimbelë''''' is used only once in a manuscript, and its meaning is unclear except for the element ''[[imbë]]'' ("deep vale").<ref name="Verb">{{PE|22c}}</ref>{{rp|125}} A more literal translation is given: ''Latimberista'', from ''latimbë'' ("glen") + ''rista'' ("cut"). However, on the same page, Tolkien stated that this name was not used in practice, and was replaced the Quenyarized form of ''Imladris'': '''''Imbeláris'''''.<ref name="Verb" />{{rp|127}}

One of the names of the House of Elrond in Imladris was '''Mar Vanwa Tyaliéva''' ("House of Past (or Departed) Mirth") in Quenya.<ref>{{PE|21}}</ref>{{rp|80}} This name was retained from the earlier [[Cottage of the Lost Play]] found in the [[Book of Lost Tales]].

==Inspiration==
A possible inspiration (so suggested by [[David Salo]]<ref>Aaron Fuegi, "[http://scv.bu.edu/~aarondf/Rivimages/realriv.html Rivendell in Switzerland]" at [http://scv.bu.edu/~aarondf/home.html the Last Homely House] (accessed 15 November 2011)</ref>) could have been [[wikipedia:Lauterbrunnen|Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland]], which Tolkien visited in [[1911]]:

{{blockquote|I am... delighted that you have made the acquaintance of Switzerland, and of the very part that I once knew best and which had the deepest effect on me. The hobbit’s journey from Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains, including the glissade down the slithering stones into the pine woods, is based on my adventures in 1911 (he was 19 and travelled to Lauterbrunnen)... Our wanderings mainly on foot in a party of 12 are not now clear in sequence, but leave many vivid pictures as clear as yesterday." (He talks of similar conditions of the travel of Bilbo camping out, walking mountain paths, carrying packs).|[[Letter 306]]}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Rivendell in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Rivendell.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Rivendell.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:BFME2 - Elrond Rivendell.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Rivendell1.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Concept Art of Rivendell.png|Rivendell in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Gandalf and Galadriel.jpg|Rivendell in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
</gallery>
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Rivendell appears in every instalment, although its role in the second and third film is rather minor.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Rivendell is the fifth level and the first where no fighting is required. After Frodo is taken to Rivendell by [[Glorfindel]], he is first woken by [[Gandalf]]; after that, the [[Council of Elrond]] starts. After the council, there is an opportunity to speak to the NPCs - [[Aragorn]], [[Arwen]], [[Boromir]], [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Gimli]], [[Legolas]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. The gameplay continues by entering a door. A short cutscene follows in which Bilbo gives [[Sting]] and the ''[[mithril]]'' shirt.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], "Rivendell"</ref>

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Rivendell is one of the battlegrounds in the game and a site of a skirmish between Elves and Goblins.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Rivendell is one of the major cities in the game, located between Trollshaws and the Misty Mountains. Rivendell is also one of the places that players can choose as Elven character's homeland. The Last Homely House refers to a large dwelling of Elrond, not to the entire refuge of Rivendell. It is located on the eastern side of Rivendell. One can find Elrond's library, the [[Hall of Fire]], the scholar's guild and various guest rooms.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Rivendell is one of the major cities in the game and the only place characters are obliged to visit more than once (other cities can be re-visited, but this is optional).

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Rivendell appears in the [[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey|first film]] after [[Gandalf]] leads [[Thorin and Company]] away from [[Yazneg]] and the [[Wargs]]. Much of Rivendell is familiar from [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' film series]] but new areas have been included, such as the meeting place of the [[White Council]] and a crystal table used for investigating the [[Moon-letters]] in [[Thrór's Map]].

{{references}}

{{companyroute}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]
[[Category:Elven realms]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[de:Bruchtal]]
[[fi:Rivendell]]

User:Banazîr Galpsi/common.css

2026-02-10T21:36:54Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard

2026-02-10T21:35:49Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{header image|isengard}}
{{song
| title=They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard
| composer=[[Howard Shore]]
| arranger=Erwin Beekveld
| writer=[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] [[Frances Walsh]] [[Philippa Boyens]] [[Peter Jackson]] [[Stephen Sinclair]]
| performer=[[Orlando Bloom]] [[Andy Serkis]] [[Marton Csokas]]
| additionalcredits=
| image=The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard!.jpeg
| duration=2:09
| track=
| previous=
| next=
| spotify=
| youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X-AF7fOzW0
| soundcloud=
}}
'''They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard''' is a 2005 music video made by Erwin Beekveld ([[1969]] - [[31 March]] [[2022]]).<ref>[https://www.discogs.com/es/artist/3862287-Erwin-Beekveld Erwin Beekveld] on discogs.com (accessed 27 June 2023)</ref> It is a mix of footage from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]''. The song is formed around the phrase, uttered by [[Legolas]], "They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard". This line is spoken in ''The Two Towers'', when Legolas spots the [[Uruk-hai]] and extrapolates their objective from the direction in which they run. It should be noted that Legolas states the Uruks turned north-east - a direction which would not lead them to Isengard, but straight back at the pursuers. The actual direction should be north-west.

The lyrics are scrambled lines from Legolas, [[Gollum]] and [[Celeborn]]. Footage of [[Frodo Baggins]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]] is also shown. The music is a computerized mix of two themes of [[Howard Shore]]'s music; "[[The Shire (soundtrack)|The Shire]]" theme and "[[The Ring Goes South (soundtrack)|The Ring Goes South]]" theme.

==Lyrics==
<poem>
'''[[Legolas]]''': They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard|Isengard-gard-gard-gard-gard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard|Isengard-gard-gard-gardgard-gard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
'''[[Gollum]]''': What did you say?
The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]! To [[Isengard]]!
The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]! To [[Isengard]]!
The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]]-The [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]! To [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard|Isengard-gard-gardgard-gard-gard]]!
'''[[Celeborn]]''': Tell me, where is [[Gandalf]]? For I much desire to speak with him.
Tell me, where is [[Gandalf]]? For I much desire to speak with him.
'''[[Legolas]]''': A [[Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]].
'''[[Gollum]]''': What did you say?
'''[[Legolas]]''': A [[Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]].
'''[[Gollum]]''': What did you say?
'''[[Legolas]]''': They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
'''[[Gollum]]''': Stupid fat [[Hobbit]]!
'''[[Legolas]]''': They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
'''[[Gollum]]''': Stupid fat [[Hobbit]]!
'''[[Legolas]]''': They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
They're taking the [[Hobbits]] to [[Isengard]]!
'''[[Gollum]]''': Stupid fat [[Hobbit]]!
Leave! Now! And never come back!
</poem>

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150429050325/http://www.beekveld.com/ Erwin Beekveld's website] at Web Archive
* "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NGguk8VXYc&ab_channel=PeterJackson Goodbye Orlando]" on [[Peter Jackson]]'s YouTube channel ([[Orlando Bloom]] singing to the video on his last day filming [[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]])
{{references}}
{{Fan films}}

[[Category:Fan films]]
[[Category:Songs (real-world)]]

Isengard

2026-02-10T21:35:22Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{header image|isengard}}{{disambig-more|Isengard|[[Isengard (disambiguation)]]}}
{{location infobox
| name=Isengard
| image=Ted Nasmith - Orthanc in the Second Age.jpg
| caption="Orthanc in the Second Age" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Angrenost'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) [[Treegarth of Orthanc]]
| location=[[Nan Curunír]],<ref name="TTTreebeard">{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref> at the southern tip of the [[Misty Mountains]]<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> 
| type=Fortress
| description=A circular wall of rock that enclosed the valley, in the centre of which stood the stone tower of [[Orthanc]]<ref name="FRCouncil"/>
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Dúnedain]]<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref> [[Dunlendings]]<ref name="UTIsen">{{UT|Isen}}, Appendix (ii)</ref> [[Saruman]]<ref name="TTTreebeard"/> [[Orcs]]<ref name="TTTreebeard"/> [[Men of Darkness|Wicked men]]<ref name="TTTreebeard"/> [[Ents]]<ref name="RKPartings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref> [[Huorns]]<ref name="RKPartings"/>
| created=Late [[Second Age]]
| destroyed=
| events=[[Battle of Isengard]]<ref name="TTFlotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>
}}

<center>{{quote|My business is with Isengard tonight— with the rock and stone.|[[Treebeard]] in ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Flotsam and Jetsam]]"}}</center>

'''Isengard''', also known as '''Angrenost''', was a great fortress and the domain of [[Saruman]], located within a valley at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]] near the [[Gap of Rohan]]. In the centre of the [[Ring of Isengard]] stood the stone tower of [[Orthanc]].<ref name="FRCouncil"/>

==Description==
The fortress of Isengard was located in a valley at the southern tip of the [[Misty Mountains]]; the [[Ring of Isengard]] was a great wall of stone that ran out from the mountain-side and then back again. The only entrance to Isengard was found delved into the southern wall of Isengard. One entering Isengard would pass through its only gate, travel down the long tunnel and pass through the iron doors to come to the plain of Isengard. In the centre of the plain, half a mile from the gate, stood the looming tower of [[Orthanc]]. For most of its history the lands of Isengard were green and a river ran from the mountains to form a lake. However after the treason of Saruman all green things that grew were removed and the river was dammed. The inner-ring was riddled with houses which cut into the walls. About the plain great shafts had been dug deep and many stone-flags paved the roads of the surface.<ref name="TTFlotsam"/><ref name="TTRoad">{{TT|Road}}</ref>

{{blockquote|A great ring-wall of stone, like towering cliffs, stood out from the shelter of the mountain-side, from which it ran and then returned again. One entrance only was there made in it, a great arch delved in the southern wall. Here through the black rock a long tunnel had been hewn, closed at either end with mighty doors of iron. They were so wrought and poised upon their huge hinges, posts of steel driven into the living stone, that when unbarred they could be moved with a light thrust of the arms, noiselessly. One who passed in and came at length out of the echoing tunnel, beheld a plain, a great circle, somewhat hollowed like a vast shallow bowl: a mile it measured from rim to rim.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Road to Isengard]]"}}

==History==
===Second Age===
[[File:Rob Alexander - Isengard.jpg|thumb|''Isengard'' by [[Rob Alexander]]]]
It is unknown exactly when Isengard was first established. However it must have been built between {{SA|3320}}, the year in which the realms of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] were established, and {{SA|3430}}, the year in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] was formed to resist [[Sauron]]'s tyranny.<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref> The [[Ring of Isengard]], and the tower of [[Orthanc]] therein, were built by the [[Dúnedain]], the Exiles of [[Númenor]], as a fortress on the north-western tip of Gondor. Within Orthanc was placed one of the seven seeing stones, the ''[[palantíri]]''.<ref name="SV"/> This stone would hence be referred to as the [[Orthanc-stone]].<ref name="TTP">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref>

===Third Age===
[[Calenardhon]], a region never densely populated, suffered greatly at the hands of the {{TA|1636}} [[Great Plague]]. [[Orthanc]] was thus closed and its keys were sent to [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name="UTP">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref> The fortress of Isengard, however, remained manned by a small garrison led by a hereditary Gondorian chieftain. This company grew more secretive as time progressed; its chieftain became known as the "[[Lord of Isengard]]" and they were believed to meddle in dark [[magic]] by the [[Rohirrim]].<ref name="UTIsen"/>

The attention of the [[Stewards of Gondor]] eventually turned eastwards and their emissaries to Isengard eventually ceased completely. In their neglect they did not realise that the line of Gondorian chieftains had failed. The people had long intermingled with the [[Dunlendings]], enemies of the Rohirrim, and became more friendly to them than to the 'wild Northmen'. [[Hill-men]] of [[Dunland]] were allowed to settle in and around Isengard. They seized control of the fortress and slew any of the ancient Isengard guards who were unwilling to merge with them. During the reign of [[King of Rohan|King]] [[Déor]] they became openly hostile to the Rohirrim. Déor could not besiege Isengard and [[Egalmoth]], the Steward of Gondor, was unable to send help. Instead Déor kept a strong force of riders in the north of the [[Westfold]].<ref name="UTIsen"/> The occupation lasted through the reign of King [[Gram]].<ref name="AppA2"/>

At the time of King [[Helm]]'s reign in {{TA|2758}}, the exiled lord [[Wulf]] led the Dundlendings into a great invasion of Rohan. Despite impressive victories, they were eventually defeated by the Rohirrim. The Dunlendings who occupied Isengard suffered considerably in the [[Long Winter]]. They capitulated and were driven out by Helm's nephew, [[Fréaláf]] (soon to be the new King of Rohan) near the end of {{TA|2759}}.<ref name="UTIsen"/><ref name="AppA2">{{App|A2}}</ref>

====Saruman's domain====
When the [[Istari|Wizard]] [[Saruman]] returned from his travels into the east of [[Middle-earth]], he offered to make Isengard his home and to lend his help in defending the West. As both Gondor and Rohan suffered from the Long Winter and wars, the Wizard Saruman was welcomed by King Fréaláf and Steward [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] alike with open arms. In {{TA|2759}},<ref name="AppStewards">{{App|Stewards}}</ref> The valley in which Isengard resided soon became known as "[[Nan Curunír]]", the "Valley of Saruman" or the "Wizard's Vale".<ref name="TTTreebeard">{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref><ref name="TTRoad">{{TT|Road}}</ref>

In {{TA|2953}},<ref group="note">''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth]]'', entry "Isengard" incorrectly gives the date {{TA|2963}}.</ref> following the last meeting of the [[White Council]], the Wizard took Isengard for his own as [[Lord of Isengard]], and fortified it.<ref name="AppStewards"/><ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref> Around {{TA| 2990}}, [[Orcs]] began mustering and breeding in muddy pits tunneled within the ringed walls.<ref name="UTP"/> With the corrupted Wizard suborned by the [[Dark Lord]] through the ''[[palantír]]'',<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref> Isengard became a nominal fiefdom of [[Mordor]], as Saruman wished to share in Sauron's power by either aiding his victory or retrieving the [[One Ring]] first.<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

On [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf arrived at Isengard, having been summoned there by Saruman.<ref name="AppGreat">{{App|Great}}</ref> The corrupted Wizard revealed his true colours and demanded that the Grey Pilgrim submit to him or to the Dark Lord. Gandalf refused both choices and was imprisoned atop [[Orthanc]]. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Isengard had been transformed; in place of trees and grass were pits and forges, and Saruman was assembling [[Orcs of Isengard|his Orcs]] and [[Wolves]] into an army both in service and in rivalry of Sauron.<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> On [[18 September]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf was borne away by [[Gwaihir]] the [[eagles|eagle]].<ref name="AppGreat"/>

Believing that Saruman knew the location of the One Ring, Sauron sent the [[Nazgûl]] to Isengard. The [[Witch-king]] arrived at the gate of Isengard two days after Gandalf's escape (or, according to a different account, on the very day of his escape). But the Lord of [[Minas Morgul|Morgul]] and his company did not have the strength to assault Isengard. The Nazgûl departed after Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring and suggested they seek him out.<ref name="UTHunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

Isengard became Saruman's base of operations during the [[War of the Ring]]. His war with [[Rohan]] began on [[25 February]], {{TA|3019}}, with the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. The forces of Isengard were victorious and the Wizard Saruman's main objective, the killing of Prince [[Théodred]] (son of King [[Théoden]]), was achieved. With another victory at the [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]] on [[2 March]], the legions of Isengard won passage into the plains of Rohan and marched onwards to [[Helm's Deep]], suffering utter defeat in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] (on [[3 March]]).<ref name="UTIsen"/><ref name="AppGreat"/>

[[File:Jef Murray - After the Flood.jpg|thumb|[[Jef Murray]] - ''After the Flood'']]
{{Blockquote|My business is with Isengard tonight, with rock and stone.|[[Treebeard]]<ref name="TTFlotsam"/>}}

On 2 March, the [[Battle of Isengard]] began when the [[Ents]] of [[Fangorn Forest]] began their attack on the unprotected Isengard.<ref name="AppGreat"/> They overran the Orcs and vile Men therein, but were unable to assail the tower of Orthanc.<ref name="TTFlotsam"/>

On [[5 March]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], now the "doorwardens" of Isengard, welcomed [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]].<ref name="TTRoad"/> They parleyed with Saruman, but he refused to co-operate and was so left locked in Orthanc until the defeat of his master, Sauron.<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

On [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}},<ref name="AppB3">{{App|B3}}</ref> Treebeard, now in charge of what remained of the ringed fortress,<ref name="TTRoad"/> allowed Saruman and [[Gríma]] to depart from Isengard. Before they went, they handed over the keys of Orthanc. This Treebeard told to Gandalf and company when they travelled through Isengard on their journey home.<ref name="RKPartings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

====Treegarth and the Fourth Age====
{{main|Treegarth of Orthanc}}
Following the Battle of Isengard in which the [[Ring of Isengard]] was destroyed, the Ents filled the land with gardens of orchards and trees. A stream ran into a small clear lake, in the middle of which stood the black-stone tower of Orthanc. Whilst the Treegarth of Orthanc became part of the [[Reunited Kingdom]], [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] granted the Ents complete self-governance of what was formerly Isengard.<ref name="RKPartings"/>

==Etymology==
''Isengard'' means "Iron-enclosure" in [[Old English]] (see also [[Isen]]): "''It was so called because of the great hardness of the stone in that place and especially in the central tower of Orthanc.''"<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 772</ref>

''Isen'' is a variant form of Old English ''iren'' 'iron.' 'Gard' is a modernization of Old English ''geard'' meaning 'enclosure,' which occurs in Old English ''Middangeard'', the equivalent of Old Norse ''Midgard'', both of which mean the world of Men. Through misunderstanding, ''Middangeard'' became ''Middanerd'' > 'Middle-earth.' The name ''Isengard'' represents a [[Westron]] translation of [[Sindarin]] ''Angrenost''.<ref name="Nomen"/>

'''''Angrenost''''' is [[Sindarin]] for "Iron Fortress",<ref name="SIndex">{{S|Index}}, entry "Angrenost"</ref> from ''[[anga|angren]]'' ("of iron") + ''[[ost]]'' ("fort, stronghold, enclosure").<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''[[anga]]'', ''[[ost]]''</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Isengard in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="225px" heights="150px">
File:War in Middle Earth - Orcs and Uruk-hai at Isengard.png| Isengard in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Isengard.jpg|Isengard in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Isengard.jpg| Isengard in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]''
File:ArdaCraft Isengard.jpg| Isengard in ''[[ArdaCraft]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Peter Jackson's Isengard is reflective of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien's]] descriptions of the fortress.

===Games===
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Isengard is one of the many battlefields of this game.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]'':'''
:Isengard is a prominent stronghold of evil within [[Eriador]], and is the chief fortress of Saruman and his faction, the [[White Hand]]. It is available for exploration, and plays host to various instances.<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Olivetti|articleurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/|articlename=Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future|dated=21-April-2011|website=[http://massively.joystiq.com/ MASSIVELY by joystiq]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

{{references|n}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
[[Category:Anglicized Westron words]]
[[Category:Entish realms]]
[[Category:Evil realms]]
[[Category:Fortresses]]
[[Category:Mannish realms]]
[[Category:Misty Mountains]]
[[de:Isengart]]
[[fi:Rautapiha]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes tours et forteresses/gondor/isengard]]

Lord of Isengard

2026-02-10T21:35:03Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{header image|isengard}}
'''Lord of Isengard''' was the title born by the master of [[Isengard]], a [[Gondorian]] chieftain in command of the local garrison. The guardians with time became secretive and mingled with the [[Dunlendings]] until the Gondorian line failed.<ref name="UTIsen">{{UT|Isen}}, Appendix (ii)</ref>

[[Saruman]] later declared himself as Lord of Isengard, when he was granted to settle in [[Orthanc]].<ref name="AppMark">{{App|Mark}}</ref> Following the death [[Steward]] [[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)|Turgon]], the [[Istari|Wizard]] no longer paid heed to [[Gondor]] and made Isengard into his fortress,<ref name="AppStewards">{{App|Stewards}}</ref> eventually abandoning his mission to fall into mimicry of the [[Sauron|Enemy]] as his duplicitous vassal, weaving plots to suit his own personal ambitions.<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Key of Orthanc]]

{{references}}

[[Category:Gondor]]
[[Category:Mannish titles]]

Uruk-hai

2026-02-10T21:34:36Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{header image|isengard}}{{Disambig-more|Uruk-hai|[[Uruk-hai (disambiguation)]]}}
{{people infobox
| name=Uruk-hai
| image = John Howe - The Uruk-hai.jpg
| caption="[[:File:John Howe - The Uruk-hai.jpg|The Uruk-hai]]" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=(Black) Uruks, Great Orcs, Goblin-soldiers
| origin=Originally bred in [[Mordor]] in the late [[Third Age]]<ref name="Heirs"/><ref name="Denethor"/> Possibly later 'refined' by [[Saruman]] in [[Isengard]]
| location=[[Mordor]], the [[Misty Mountains|Hitheglir]] and [[Moria]], [[Isengard]] and the Northern [[Rohan]], possibly [[Dol Guldur]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]] (in Mordor) [[Saruman]] (in Isengard)
| rivalry=[[Free peoples|Free Peoples]]
| language=Corrupted [[Westron]] and various dialects of the [[Orkish]] with some elements of the [[Black Speech]]
| members=[[Uglúk]], [[Mauhúr]], [[Shagrat]]
| lifespan=
| distinctions=Stronger, smarter, and of greater stature than lesser Orcs (Uruks of Mordor) Also resistant to sunlight (Uruks of Isengard)
| height=Shorter than [[Men]]
| hair=
| skin=Swart
| clothing=
| weapons=Orkish [[scimitar|scimitars]], spears, shields, knives (in Mordor) Short broad-bladed swords, yew bows, shields, knives (in Isengard)
}}
{{quote|We are the Uruk-hai: we do not stop the fight for night or day, for fair weather or for storm. We come to kill, by sun or moon. What of the dawn?|The Two Towers'', "Helm's Deep"}}

'''Uruk-hai''' is a [[Black Speech]] term meaning "Orc-folk."<ref name="PM17x">{{PE|17}}, entry B '''Urukhai''', p. 136</ref><ref name="PM17y">{{PE|17}}, entry B '''krimp-''', pp. 11</ref> The word "Uruk" can refer generically to any [[Orcs|Orc]], but there are certain larger, stronger breeds of Orc that are specifically referred to as "Uruks."<ref>{{App|Other}}, p. 1131</ref><ref>{{WJ|AC}}, p. 390</ref> The term "Uruk-hai" was most notably used by the Uruks of [[Saruman|Saruman's]] army to describe themselves during the [[War of the Ring]].<ref name="Uruk">{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 446</ref><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}, pp. 539-40</ref>

==Characteristics==
Four dead Uruk-hai in the employ of [[Orthanc]] that lay near [[Boromir]] had a greater stature than the surrounding dead Orcs. They were swart, slant-eyed, and had thick legs and large hands. An "''S"'' [[Cirth|elf-rune]] was wrought in white metal on the front of their iron helms. [[Aragorn]] guessed that this "S" stood for Saruman, as their shields were emblazoned with a small [[White Hand]] in the centre of a black field. This stood out in contrast to the Orcs in the service of [[Barad-dûr]], the folk of [[Mordor]], who used the symbol of the Red [[Eye of Sauron]]. Aragorn commented that the four dead Uruk-hai's gear "''is not after the manner of Orcs at all.''" Instead of curved scimitars that were usually used by Orcs, they had short, broad-bladed swords. Their [[bows]] were made of yew wood, in length and shape as those of Men.<ref>{{TT|Departure}}, pp. 415-16</ref>

==History==
===Origins of Uruks===
{{Expansion}}
The race of Uruks, described as 'black orcs of great strength', first appeared out of [[Mordor]] in the last years of the [[Ruling Stewards|Stewardship]] of [[Denethor I]], possibly being secretly bred in Mordor by the [[Nazgûl|Morgul-lords]] at the behest of their master [[Sauron]].<ref name="Heirs">{{PM|Elendil}}, pp. 204-5</ref> In {{TA|2475}}, these creatures conquered [[Ithilien]] and destroyed the ancient city of [[Osgiliath]], but they were eventually defeated and repelled by [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], the son of Denethor I.<ref name="Denethor">{{App|Stewards}}, entry for Steward Denethor I, p. 1053</ref>. After about five years (c. {{TA|2480}}) since their first appearance, Sauron started to populate [[Moria]] with his creatures and Orcs built secret strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains]] to block all the passes into [[Eriador]].<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year ''c.'' 2480, p. 1087</ref> In {{TA|2901}} most of the remaining inhabitants deserted Ithilien, because of attacks by Uruks of Mordor.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2901, p. 1088</ref>

The Uruks in the service of [[Barad-dûr]], the folk of Mordor, used the symbol of the [[Eye of Sauron|Red Eye of Sauron]] on their livery.<ref>{{RK|Tower}}, p. 903</ref><ref name="Shadow">{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 924-5</ref>

===War of the Ring===
Around [[Third Age 2990|T.A. 2990]], the corrupted [[Wizard]] [[Saruman]] began to use and possibly breed Orcs in [[Isengard]]. As the [[Shadow]] of the [[Dark Lord|Enemy]] fell over [[Rohan]], Uruk-hai out of Isengard joined raiding parties of [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] against the [[Rohirrim]].<ref>{{App|Mark}}, ''Third Line'', p. 1070</ref>
[[File:John_Howe_-_The_Charge_of_the_Rohirrim_at_Helm's_Deep.jpg|thumb|Uruk-hai face the Charge of the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep, Art by [[John Howe]]|367x367px]]
The Uruk-hai (Uruks) of Isengard made up the core of a ten-thousand strong army, mustered by the Wizard Saruman both in service to and in tacit competition with his Lord Sauron. On [[25 February]] [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]], joined by [[Dunlendings]] and the common [[Orcs of Isengard]], they fought against the Rohirrim in the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen|First Battle of the fords of Isen]], in which Prince [[Théodred]] was slain by a great orc-man.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref> It is possible that this "great orc-man" was one of the Orcs who referred to themselves as the Uruk-hai,<ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''Orcs Passim''</ref> but it is also possible that he was a [[Half-orc]].

On [[26 February]] T.A. 3019, Saruman went behind Sauron's back and sent a smaller troop to capture the [[Ring-bearer]] for his own ends. Led by [[Uglúk]], these Uruk-hai ambushed the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] at [[Amon Hen]], slaying [[Boromir]] and capturing [[Merry]] and [[Pippin]].<ref name=":2">{{TT|Departure}}, p. 415</ref> Though quarreling with Orcs from the north and [[Grishnákh]]'s Mordor-orcs who had joined them, the Uruk-hai imposed Isengard as the destination for the captive [[Hobbits]]. Aragorn, [[Gimli]], and [[Legolas]] would follow the Uruk-hai troop and the other two Orc warbands until the Orcs and Uruk-hai were slain to the last on the eaves of [[Fangorn]] by [[Third Marshal of the Riddermark]] [[Éomer]] and his riders on [[27 February]] T.A. 3019.<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 459-60</ref>

On [[29 February]] T.A. 3019<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, February 29, p. 1092</ref>, [[Treebeard]] was likely referring to the Uruk-hai when he said to [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] that Saruman had done something dangerous to the Orcs and that the Orcs of Saruman were more like wicked Men, because they could tolerate sunlight although they hated it. He openly wondered if they were Men that Saruman had "ruined" or if he had "[[Half-orcs|blended]]" Orcs and Men, an act which he considered to be "a black evil."<ref>{{TT|Treebeard}}, p. 473</ref>

The Uruk-hai fought the Rohirrim again on [[2 March]] T.A. 3019 at [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]], where they defeated and scattered the Rohirrim who were under the command of [[Grimbold]]. The fortunes of the Uruk-hai would turn for the worst when their army was then sent against [[Kings of Rohan|King]] [[Théoden]] and his people at [[Helm's Deep]], where they faced utter defeat in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] on [[3 March|3]]-[[4 March]] T.A. 3019.<ref>{{TT|Deep}}, pp. 531-42</ref>

On [[15 March]] T.A. 3019 [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] escaped [[Cirith Ungol]] and narrowly avoided two Orcs of Mordor who were searching for them. The Orcs speculated on exactly what it was they were searching for, with one of them saying that he had been told that it "''must be a pack of rebel Uruk-hai''".<ref name="Shadow"/>

==Etymology==
''Uruk-hai'' is a name in the [[Black Speech]], which means "Orc-folk".<ref name="PM17x" /><ref name="PM17y" /> It is a combination of the elements ''Uruk'' ("orc")<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry B '''uruk''', p. 47</ref> and ''hai'' ("folk")<ref name="PM17x" /><ref name="PM17y" />.

''Uruks'' is the anglicized form of ''Uruk-hai''.<ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''Uruks''</ref> [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] himself used these forms interchangeably.<ref>{{L|78}}</ref>

==Usage of the word Uruk-hai among Orcs==
[[Uglúk]], the commander of a group of [[Orcs of Isengard]], referred to the Orcs under his command as "the fighting Uruk-hai" when he argued with [[Grishnákh]], an [[Orcs of Mordor|Orc of Mordor]], about the fate of the captive [[Hobbits]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]<ref name="Uruk" />. He also used the phrase "fighting Uruk-hai" when he ordered a group of Orcs from the north to leave the two Hobbits with him when the northern Orcs wished to flee from the riders of the [[Rohirrim]]<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 451</ref>. He later referred to the Orcs under his command as "the Uruk-hai of Isengard" when he talked to Grishnákh after Grishnákh's group had returned<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 452</ref>. Later, during the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], the Orcs of Isengard gathered before the great gates of the Hornburg and referred to themselves twice as "the fighting Uruk-hai" and once simply as "the Uruk-hai" when Aragorn spoke to them from above the gates.<ref name="Deep" />

A large soldier Orc of Mordor bearing the token of the Eye told a small tracker Orc from Mordor that those "Higher Up" had eventually said that it must be "a pack of rebel Uruk-hai" whose scent they were following when they were tracking [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] after their escape from the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].<ref name="Shadow" />

==Portrayal in adaptations==
1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':

:The Uruk-hai are portrayed as figures with purple armor and a shield.

[[File:The_Lord_of_the_Rings_(film_series)_-_Lurtz.jpg|thumb|319x319px|The Uruk-hai captain Lurtz in film ''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.'']]
2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:

:[[Peter Jackson|Peter Jackson's]] ''The Lord of the Rings'' trilogy makes a more explicit distinction between Uruk-hai and lesser Orcs and Goblins. Uruk-hai are described as a crossbreed between "Orcs and [[Goblin-men]];" referencing the creatures mentioned by [[Gamling]] in the novel that blend the traits of Orcs and Men.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[Helm's Deep (chapter)|Helm's Deep]]," p. 536</ref> In a scene in Isengard, they are shown 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 an early description<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]'', "III. [[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]", p. 159</ref> of Tolkien's that Orcs "worm their way out of the ground like maggots." During ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]],'' these Uruk-hai are sent after the Fellowship and are led by their captain [[Lurtz]], a movie-only character.

:In [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'']], Uruk-hai forces included Pikemen (who carry long pikes) Swordsmen (who carry single-edged, hook-tipped swords), Archers (who carry [[Cross-bows|crossbows]]), and [[Berserker|Berserkers]]. They also use bladed shields as seen in [[Amon Hen]] during [[Aragorn]]'s fight against Lurtz. During the Battle of the Hornburg, all Uruk-hai (save for Berserkers) are equipped with heavy armor that covers everything other than their elbows and knees. The foot-soldiers' helmets bear crests that spread laterally across the top of helmet. Uruk-hai in the films are also depicted using siege equipment to great effect at Helm's Deep.

2002: ''[[EA's The Two Towers]]'':

:Uruk-hai appear as enemies in the "Battle of Helm's Deep" and "Fangorn Forest" missions, retaining the movie appearance.

2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':

:Uruk-hai become available after a storyline mission in which Saruman manages to perfect his creation.

2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':

:Uruk-hai compose most of the units of Isengard faction: swordsmen, pikemen, crossbowmen, in addition to Uruk-hai operating siege engines are available, following the movie appearance.

2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':

:Uruk-hai units from the first game return with little if any changes in behavior.

2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':

:''Uruk-hai'' are found in the Marton Farmlands and the surrounding plains in the Westfold in West Rohan.

2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':

:Uruk-hai appear as enemies during the Battle of Helm's Deep.

2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':

:Uruk-hai are mentioned in a Coded Journal entry.

:

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

{{references}}
[[Category:Black Speech words]]
[[Category:Uruk-hai| ]]
[[Category:Servants of Saruman]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de:Uruk-hai]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/orques/uruk-hai]]
[[fi:Uruk-hai]]

Orthanc

2026-02-10T21:33:59Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Tower of Isengard, home to Saruman}}{{header image|isengard}}
{{location infobox
| name=Orthanc
| image=Alan Lee - The Voice of Saruman.jpg
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Isengard]], at the southern end of the [[Misty Mountains]]
| type=Tower
| description=Black-coloured stone tower of 500 feet
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Dúnedain]] [[Gondorians]] [[Saruman]]
| created=Late [[Second Age]]
| destroyed=
| events=[[Battle of Isengard]]
}}

<center>{{Quote|They came now to the foot of Orthanc. It was black, and the rock gleamed as if it were wet.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Voice of Saruman]]"}}</center>
'''Orthanc''' was the impregnable tower of [[Isengard]] built by the [[Dúnedain]] during the [[Second Age]].<ref>{{FR|Council}}; {{S|V}}</ref>

==Description==
The tower of Orthanc was composed of four welded pillars of many-sided stone that stood in the centre of the [[Ring of Isengard]] like an island, roughly half a mile from the rim.<ref name="TTRoad" />

At its peak the tower reached a height of just over five hundred feet. The colour of the rock was a deep, gleaming black. At Orthanc's pinnacle the four piers opened out to form four pinnacles of sharp rock; between these isles of rock there was a narrow, polished floor on which many strange signs were written.<ref name="TTRoad">{{TT|Road}}</ref>

{{blockquote|There stood a tower of marvellous shape. It was fashioned by the builders of old, who smoothed the Ring of Isengard, and yet it seemed a thing not made by the craft of Men, but riven from the bones of the earth in the ancient torment of the hills.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Road to Isengard]]"}}

==History==
===Second Age===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Orthanc in the Second Age.jpg|thumb|left|''Orthanc in the Second Age'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The exact date of the construction of Orthanc and the establishment of the fortress of [[Isengard]] is unknown beyond it being made by the Men of Númenor long ago.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

Within Orthanc was placed one of the ''[[Palantíri]]'', the [[Orthanc-stone]]. Thus, Orthanc became one of the seven [[Dúnedain]] towers which stored the seeing stones that had been brought from [[Númenor]].<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref>

===Third Age===
The region of [[Calenardhon]] was never densely populated; indeed it suffered greatly in the [[Great Plague]] of {{TA|1636}} and many inhabitants of Númenórean descent gradually migrated eastward. Eventually the tower of Orthanc itself became deserted, and [[Key of Orthanc|its keys]] were removed to [[Minas Tirith]] and held in the keeping of the [[Stewards of Gondor|Stewards]].<ref name="UTPalantiri">{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

In {{TA|2510}},<ref name="UTIsen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref> after the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]], the lands of [[Calenardhon]] were ceded to the [[Éothéod]] and [[Eorl]] became the first king of [[Rohan]]. Nonetheless Gondor retained control of the fortress of Isengard, and Orthanc remained the third tower of the southern realm. During this time Isengard was manned by a small number of Gondorians led by a hereditary Captain. However the keys of Orthanc were kept by the Stewards of Gondor.<ref name="UTCirion">{{UT|Cirion}}</ref>

Over time the links and correspondence between Isengard and [[Minas Tirith]] became ever more infrequent; whilst retaining the keys of Orthanc, the Stewards forsook the tower as their thoughts looked eastwards. Eventually the line of Gondorian chieftains failed and the people mingled ever more with the [[Dunlendings]]. They even allowed them entry into Isengard and eventually the two peoples willingly merged into one. Thus it was that Isengard came under the control of the Dunlendings who led numerous raids on the [[Westfold]]. Whilst the Rohirrim had not the strength to assail the fortress, the Dunlendings were eventually starved out in the great famine after the [[Long Winter]]. Therefore both [[Fréaláf|King Fréaláf]] and [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Steward Beren]] greatly welcomed [[Saruman|Saruman's]] offer to take command of Isengard. Thus it was that, in {{TA|2759}},<ref name="AppStewards">{{App|Stewards}}</ref> the wizard was given the keys of Orthanc.<ref name="UTIsen" />

Saruman began to desire [[the One Ring]] for himself and hoped that it might reveal itself by giving [[Sauron]] time to re-gain his strength. As head of the [[White Council]], Saruman overruled Gandalf's call for an attack on [[Dol Guldur]] in {{TA|2851}}. However, in {{TA|2941}}, after Saruman discovered that the servants of Sauron were searching for the Ring near [[Gladden Fields]], he agreed to attack Sauron's fortress in [[Mirkwood]]. After the last meeting of the White Council in {{TA|2953}}, Saruman withdrew to [[Isengard]] and fortified it. It was in ''circa'' {{TA|3000}} that Saruman used the [[Orthanc-stone]] for the first time. Thus it was that Sauron corrupted Saruman's mind and bent it to his will.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>

[[File:John Howe - Gwaihir rescues Gandalf from Orthanc.jpg|thumb|right|''Gwaihir rescues Gandalf from Orthanc'' by [[John Howe]]]]
{{Blockquote|Gandalf the Grey caught like a fly in a spider's treacherous web!|[[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

In {{TA|3018}}, [[Gandalf]] rode to the foot of Orthanc and there met [[Saruman]]. It was then that Saruman revealed his true thoughts to Gandalf. He declared his desire to become a ruler of [[Men]] and to join with [[Sauron]]. But, most importantly, he announced his desire for the One Ring. Gandalf refused to submit to Sauron and Saruman. Subsequently, Saruman had Gandalf taken to the pinnacle of Orthanc where, Saruman schemed, Gandalf would stay until he revealed the location of the One Ring or until Sauron reclaimed it for himself. There Gandalf was trapped and for the first time he saw [[wolves]] and [[orcs]] in the valley of Isengard below. After many weeks of imprisonment,<ref group="note">[[Gandalf]] was imprisoned on [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}} and escaped in the early hours of [[18 September]], {{TA|3018|n}}.</ref> Gandalf escaped as [[Gwaihir]] the Great [[Eagle]] came unlooked-for to Orthanc and bore him away.<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

On [[2 March]], {{TA|3019}}, the [[Ents]] of [[Fangorn Forest]] began their [[Battle of Isengard|attack on Isengard]]. By the next day, the Ents had completely subdued Isengard.<ref name="AppB3">{{App|B3}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Orthanc Destroyed.jpg|thumb|left|''Orthanc Destroyed'' by [[John Howe]]]]
However, their attacks on Orthanc proved futile because the rock of the tower was too hard for the Ents to damage. Therein Saruman remained.<ref name="TTFlotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref> On [[5 March]], [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]] approached the foot of Orthanc and climbed its stair until they reached the door. There they parleyed with Saruman, who remained inside the tower and spoke to them from a balcony above the door. Saruman refused to co-operate and subsequently Gandalf cast him from the [[Istari|order of Wizards]] and the [[White Council]], and broke Saruman's staff. After this confrontation, [[Gríma|Gríma Wormtongue]], who was also inside Orthanc, threw the [[Orthanc-stone|''palantír'' of Orthanc]] at the party outside as a parting shot.<ref name="TTVoice">{{TT|Voice}}</ref>

A week before [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}},<ref name="AppB3"/> when [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] and company arrived at Orthanc, Saruman had departed Isengard with Gríma Wormtongue. However, before he left, [[Treebeard]] made him lock the tower and hand over the keys of Orthanc.<ref name="RKPartings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

===Fourth Age===
One of [[Aragorn|King Elessar's]] first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of Orthanc. He ordered that the ''[[palantír]]'' recovered from [[Saruman]] should be returned to the tower. It was then that the tower was searched and many secrets were revealed. It became clear that Saruman had hoarded many ancient treasures and heirlooms. They found that, with the aid of [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], Saruman had acquired jewels and heirlooms of [[Eorl]]. With the help of [[Gimli]] a hidden door was found and opened. Inside a casket found on a shelf they found two precious items. One was a small golden case attached to a chain; this was used by [[Isildur]] to bear [[the One Ring]]. The second item in the casket was the [[Elendilmir]], the "white star of Elvish crystal upon a fillet of ''[[mithril]]''" that had been lost since Isildur's demise. Elessar received the Elendilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]]. It was clear that Saruman had found the remains of Isildur and that he had probably burned the body.<ref name="UTIsen" />

Orthanc and the lands of Isengard remained part of the [[Reunited Kingdom|Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor]]. However King Elessar granted the [[Ents]] complete self-governance of the area surrounding Orthanc. This new forest became known as the [[Treegarth of Orthanc]].<ref name="RKPartings" />

==Etymology==
''Orthanc'' displays a curious double etymology (co-existing "by design or chance") since it has a meaning both in the "[[Rohanese|language of the Mark of old]]" (rendered as [[Old English]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'') and [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s constructed language [[Sindarin]].<ref name=TTRoad /><ref name=Ui>{{HM|UI}}, p. 243</ref> Tolkien regarded this coincidence as an 'accident'.<ref name="UTIstari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>

In Old English, ''Orthanc'' is said to mean "Cunning Mind".<ref name=TTRoad/> [[Wayne G. Hammond|Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|Scull]] has noted that Old English ''orþanc'' as a noun means "original, inborn thought" or "a skilful contrivance or work, artifice, device, design"; as an adjective it means "cunning, skilful".<ref name=Ui/> Cf. the meaning of Saruman's name "the one of cunning devices" or "Man of Skill".<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>

In the published text, ''Orthanc'' is said to mean "Mount Fang" in [[Elvish]].<ref name=TTRoad/> In other sources, the name is glossed as "forked-height".<ref name=Ui/><ref>{{S|Appendix}} (glossed as "Forked Height")</ref> The name is likely supposed to be Sindarin,<ref name=Ui/> consisting of ''[[or]]'' + ''[[thanc]]''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiendil.com/langues/english/i-lam_arth/compound_sindarin_names#o|articlename=Compound Sindarin Names in Middle-earth|website=[http://www.tolkiendil.com/ Tolkiendil]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

==Tolkien's changing conception==
===Sketches by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="300px">
File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Orthanc I.jpg|This sketch reflects Tolkien's description of Orthanc in an early manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''
File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Orthanc.jpg|This sketch complements best Tolkien's description of Orthanc in {{TT|III8}}
</gallery>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Orthanc in Adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="140px">
File:Orthanc film.jpg|Orthanc in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:Orthanc EA RotK.png|Orthanc in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' video game]]'''
File:The Lord of the Rings- The Treason of Isengard - Orthanc concept art.jpg|Concept art of '''Orthanc''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Treason of Isengard]]''
File:LOTRO-Rise of Isengard-Orthanc-1-.png|'''Orthanc''' in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Orthanc's design in the film is quite congruent with the descriptions in the novel, being presented as a tall, dark spire with four pinnacles. The finer details on the tower's walls seem to be inspired by the artwork of [[Alan Lee]], who was one of the concept artists for the films.
:Orthanc and [[Barad-dûr]] are presented as ''The Two Towers'' identified in the title of the film. Tolkien himself was never certain about which two towers ''The Two Towers'' referred to; in [[Letter 140]] noted his disapproval of the title itself but also stated that the title was deliberately ambiguous. Indeed it could refer to Orthanc and Barad-dûr, Minas Tirith and Barad-dûr, or Orthanc and Cirith Ungol.<ref>{{L|140}};{{L|143}}</ref> Later Tolkien seemed to settle with Orthanc and Minas Morgul in his original design for the jacket of ''The Two Towers''.<ref>{{L|140|1}}</ref> However the producers of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'' decided that, for theatrical and stylistic purposes, ''The Two Towers'' should refer to the towers of Orthanc and Barad-dûr.

===Games===
'''2004: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:Orthanc is the location of the bonus stage "Tower of Orthanc", where Aragorn, Gimli, or Legolas must fight through twenty floors of various enemies to reach Saruman at the top. This stage can only be unlocked by completing the "Hornburg Courtyard" stage and reaching Level 10 with one of the three playable characters.

'''2004: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Orthanc is part of the scenery in the mission "The Road to Isengard", visible as Gandalf makes his way to the dam.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]], "The Road to Isengard"</ref> It also appears in cutscenes at various stages of the game.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Orthanc is a key feature in the area of [[Nan Curunír]], where it dominates the land around it, and the [[Ring of Isengard]]. The tower itself is only accessible in certain scenarios, including the raid "The Tower of Orthanc".<ref>{{webcite|author=Justin Olivetti|articleurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/|articlename=Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future|dated=21-April-2011|website=[http://massively.joystiq.com/ MASSIVELY by joystiq]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref>

{{References|n}}

[[Category:Misty Mountains]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Towers]]
[[de:Orthanc]]
[[fi:Orthanc]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes tours et forteresses/gondor/orthanc]]

Saruman

2026-02-10T21:33:25Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Wizard of the Istari}}{{header image|isengard}}
{{rewrite}}
{{infobox character
| people-duplicated=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Saruman
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]] ([[Wizards|Wizard]])
| image=John Howe - Saruman.jpg
| caption="Saruman" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Curumo, Tarindor'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Curunír 'Lân'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) [[the White]], [[the Wise]], the [[Ring-maker]], of [[Many Colours]], [[Sharkey]]
| titles=[[Lord of Isengard]]
| position=Chief of the [[Heren Istarion]] Head of the [[White Council]]
| location=[[Orthanc]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] [[Istari]] (Wizards) White Council [[Sauron]]
| language=
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule={{TA|2759}} - {{TA|3019|n}}
| death=[[3 November]], {{TA|3019}} (existed in [[Middle-earth]] for 2019 years)
| deathlocation=[[Hobbiton]]
| age=
| notablefor=
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=White with strands of black<ref name="Voice">{{Cite DTP|LR 3.10.028}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=White robes, shimmering with many colours
| weapons=Staff Knife
| steed=
}}

{{quote|[Saruman] is great among the Wise. He is the chief of my order and the head of the Council. His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it, and he takes ill any meddling. The lore of the Elven-rings, great and small, is his province. He has long studied it, seeking the lost secrets of their making...|[[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Shadow of the Past]]"}}

'''Saruman the White''' was the first of the order of [[Wizards]] (or ''[[Istari]]'') who came to [[Middle-earth]] as Emissaries of the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. For a time he was the chief of the Wizards, as well as the head of the [[White Council]]. However, through his appreciation of [[Sauron]]'s innate strength, his envy of [[Gandalf]] and his overbearing hubris, the White Wizard fell into mimicry of the [[Dark Lord]] as his capable yet faithless servant, plotting to share in his power or to two-facedly seize the [[One Ring]] first.

Both at Sauron's whim and for his own ambitions, Saruman coordinated assaults from his [[Orthanc]] tower in [[Isengard]] against the realm of [[Rohan]] during the [[War of the Ring]], while sapping the kingdom through his agent Gríma. However, the corrupted Wizard's legions were vanquished and he was forced to remain a prisoner in his own tower, though not for long. Allowed to leave Orthanc, he travelled to the [[Shire]], which his outlaw pawns had gained control over, and became the hidden local thug lord. Saruman was again defeated by the rallied, oppressed Hobbits and he himself was backstabbed by Gríma for his mistreatment. His unbodied spirit was denied the [[West]] and fled naked and impotent, a fate not unlike that of Sauron.

==History==
===Early history===
As a [[Maia]], Saruman was created by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> In his early days in [[Valinor]], he went by the name ''[[Curumo]]''<ref name="Istari6">{{UT|13a}}, note 6, p. 401</ref> or ''Tarindor''.<ref name="Cuv" /> Like Sauron, he was a powerful Maia of [[Aulë]].<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref>

After the Valar discovered the primeval [[Elves]] at [[Cuiviénen]], Tarindor was one of the [[Five Guardians]] sent to protect the Elves from the forces of [[Melkor]].<ref name="Cuv">{{NM|P1xiii}}, p. 95</ref> It is unclear how long he remained or if he accompanied the [[Eldar]] on the [[Great Journey]].

===Return to Middle-earth===
After the defeat of Morgoth, the Valar grew concerned about the rising power of Sauron in Middle-earth. In Valinor, a council was called by [[Manwë]], where it was decided to send Maiar as emissaries to Middle-earth to help the [[Free Peoples]] challenge Sauron. The council likely met in the middle of the Second Age, shortly after the creation of the [[Rings of Power]]. The council determined that these emissaries (who became known as the Istari or Wizards) should be "mighty, peers of Sauron, yet [they should] forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh so as to treat on equality and win the trust of Elves and Men."<ref name="Istari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>{{rp|393}} Curumo, who was sent to the council by Aulë, volunteered to travel to Middle-earth as an emissary; he was appointed the first Istar and became the chief of their Order.<ref name="Istari" />{{rp|389, 394}}

Even before arriving in Middle-earth, Curumo begrudged his peers among the Istari. ''[[Gandalf|Olórin]]'' (later called Gandalf), who did not wish to travel to Middle-earth, was commanded by Manwë to go as the third Istar. Saruman's jealousy of Gandalf began here, when [[Varda]] said of Gandalf that he was "not the third". Saruman was charged to take [[Aiwendil]] (later called Radagast) with him to please [[Yavanna]], which he did not wish to do, and this led to his contempt for the latter Wizard.<ref name="Istari" />{{rp|393}}

In Middle-earth, Curomo became known in [[Sindarin]] as ''[[Curunír]]'' and in [[Westron]] by his most common name, ''Saruman''. Like the other Wizards, his [[fana]] took the appearance of an old man. He had raven hair and was robed in white.<ref name="Istari" />{{rp|393}}

Saruman and others of the Istari arrived in Middle-earth on a ship at [[Mithlond]] (the [[Grey Havens]]) in [[Lindon]] around the year 1000 of the Third Age.<ref name="Istari" /> At the time of their arrival, their origin, nature, purpose, and true names were a secret to nearly everyone in Middle-earth. Having witnessed their arrival, [[Círdan]] alone knew the truth of their identity and origin. He chose to give [[Narya]], the Red Ring, to Gandalf to aid him in his mission.<ref name="AppTA">{{App|TA}}</ref> Círdan told only [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]] of the true origins of the Istari.<ref name="SV" /> After a time, Saruman learned of Círdan's gift and begrudged it; this heightened the hidden ill-will that he bore towards Gandalf.<ref name="Istari" />

Shortly after arriving, Saruman travelled into the [[East]] of Middle-earth, as did the two [[Blue Wizards]]. After one and a half millennia he returned to the West, just as Sauron's power was growing again in [[Dol Guldur]].

===Chief of the White Council===
[[File:Angus McBride - Saruman.jpg|thumb|''Saruman'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
When the White Council was formed around {{TA|2463}},<ref name="AppTA" /> Saruman was appointed its leader despite Galadriel's wishes that Gandalf be leader. Even then, he had begun to sense the resurgence of Sauron and to envy and desire his power, and especially his One Ring. Coincidentally, in that same year, the One Ring was found by the creature [[Gollum]],<ref name="AppTA" /> drawing the Dark Lord closer to the conflict that would eventually prove Saruman's undoing.

During this period, Saruman spent years in [[Minas Tirith]] examining its archives. It is possible that there he surmised that a [[Palantíri|''palantír'']] would still be located in Orthanc, the tower of Isengard.<ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref> He offered to make Isengard his home and to command the defences of the West. This was welcomed by King [[Fréaláf]] of Rohan and [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] of [[Gondor]] alike. In {{TA|2759}}, Saruman was given the [[Key of Orthanc]] in the ring of Isengard his abode, hoping that he would prove an important ally.<ref name="SV">{{S|V}}</ref><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref> There he became important in the defence of the free lands of the West. In Orthanc he came upon the [[Orthanc-stone]], one of the seven seeing stones, but kept it secret and hidden, particularly from the White Council.<ref name="AppEorl" /> He would later betray the Council by concealing his use of it.

In {{TA|2851}}, the White Council met and Gandalf revealed that the evil presence in Dol Guldur was indeed Sauron and that he had returned, and urged an attack there. Saruman however believed that Sauron would be useful in his quest: allowing Sauron to build up his strength, the One Ring would reveal itself, and Saruman hoped to have sufficient strength to seize it first himself until that event. With this strategy in mind, Saruman overruled Gandalf. It soon became clear that Saruman desired to possess the One Ring himself.<ref name="c250">{{FR|Council}} p. 250-51</ref>

He soon found that Sauron had more knowledge of the possible location of the One Ring than he expected, and in {{TA|2941}} he finally consented to an [[Attack on Dol Guldur]] against Sauron at which point Sauron retreated to [[Mordor]].<ref name="AppTA" /><ref name="c250" />
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2953}}, the [[Wise]] gathered once more to debate about the Rings of Power. Saruman quieted the Council claiming to have the knowledge that the One Ring was lost forever in the [[Belegaer]]. Following their final meeting (and the death of [[Turgon (Steward of Gondor)|Steward Turgon]]), Saruman took Isengard for his own and fortified it.<ref name="stew" /> Saruman, jealous and afraid of Gandalf, set spies to watch all his movements; thus he discovered the existence of the Shire and noted Gandalf's interest in it, and started sending agents in [[Bree]] and the [[Southfarthing]].<ref name="AppTA" /> As [[Lord of Isengard]], Saruman began to bring trouble to Rohan by aiding its enemies.<ref name="AppEorl">{{App|Eorl}}</ref> But the Wise were already suspicious about him; [[Aragorn]] tried to advise Steward [[Ecthelion II]] not to trust Saruman for his help against Sauron.<ref name="stew" />

Sauron had declared himself openly in Mordor; he established contact with Saruman through the [[Ithil-stone]] his minions had captured from [[Minas Ithil]]. Through his jealousy towards Gandalf and his ever-growing pride and arrogance, and through the use of the ''palantír'', Saruman was ensnared by Sauron. Using either the knowledge of his new ally or lore of lost [[Eregion]], Saruman crafted his own lesser ring and sought to emulate Sauron. His corruption was complete around {{TA|3000}}.<ref name="AppTA" /> The Wizard intended to share in the Dark Lord's power one way or another; he would aid in Sauron's victory to win his approval and become his equal lieutenant, or cheat him and try to supplant him by acquiring the One Ring for himself.

===War of the Ring===
At about this time, in an attempt to control Rohan, Saruman bought the allegiance of King [[Théoden]]'s chief advisor, [[Gríma]], who then counselled the ailing king to do nothing about the steady resurgence of Sauron's armies. Saruman and Gríma's treachery would have crippled Rohan's military might and allowed Sauron lordship of the kingdom, had not Gandalf interfered a year later and revealed to Théoden his right-hand man's true designs, healing the old king and revitalising his political and military rule.<ref>{{TT|King}}</ref>

He had sent spies to negotiate the purchase of [[pipe-weed]] from the Shire, in preparation for the war, and also learn of any [[Hobbits]] who had departed recently in hopes of finding out who possessed the One Ring.<ref name="UT10">{{UT|10}}, "Concerning Gandalf, Saruman, and the Shire"</ref>

Saruman did not reveal his true intentions until Gandalf presented him with the discovery and location of the One Ring. On [[10 July]], {{TA|3018}}, Gandalf arrived at Isengard.<ref name="AppGreat">{{App|Great}}</ref> Saruman demanded that Gandalf submit to him or to Sauron. Saruman then stood forth as [[Many Colours|Saruman of Many Colours]], and when Gandalf refused to join his new Lord or tell him of the Ring, he held him captive in Isengard.

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Gríma and Saruman.jpg|thumb|left|Saruman commanding his forces from Orthanc as seen in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'' film]]

It must have been during Gandalf's captivity in Orthanc that Saruman began to assemble his following of [[Orcs]], [[Dunlendings]] and [[Uruk-hai]] into a massive army, since Gandalf came to an as yet undestroyed Isengard. From the pinnacle of the tower Gandalf could see that Saruman was gathering his hordes of Orcs and [[Wolves]] in his pits and forges, both in service and in competition with Sauron.<ref name="FRCouncil">{{FR|Council}}</ref> One can speculate that if matters had developed a little more slowly, his puppet Gríma would have gained full control over Rohan, and the [[Rohirrim]] would have been enslaved or destroyed.

Gandalf later escaped, and so Saruman's treachery and professed allegiance to Sauron became known to the rest of the White Council when Gandalf reported this during the subsequent [[Council of Elrond]].<ref name="FRCouncil" />

Saruman soon also betrayed his master, Sauron, by lying to the [[Witch-king]] when he arrived at Isengard. Sauron had sent the [[Nazgûl]] searching for [[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]], who had found the One Ring years before, and the Shire, his home. Saruman pretended to know nothing about the Shire. But the Lord of Minas Morgul and his company did not have the strength to assault the Ring of Isengard. Saruman told them that he believed Gandalf knew the whereabouts of the Ring, and the Nazgûl departed.<ref name="UTHunt" />

In September of {{TA|3018}}, the Nazgûl captured one of his Shire [[Squint-eyed southerner|spies]] who told the [[Witch-king]] everything, betraying Saruman, and exposing the Wizard's double treachery. They also seized some maps and information about the Shire and [[Baggins]].<ref name="UT10" /> Perceived as a turncoat by the Free Peoples and fearing being caught as an unfaithful vassal of Mordor, Saruman put all efforts into reassuring Sauron of his commitment or obtaining the One Ring for himself.<ref name="UTHunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

The failure to capture the Ring at [[Emyn Muil]] further ruined Saruman's plans, as he was revealed as a certain traitor to Sauron as well.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|''The Wrath of the Ents'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Finding himself in a precarious position, Saruman could only hope to acquire the Ring or convince Sauron of his loyalty. Therefore he implemented an aggressive strategy of attacking Rohan, endeavouring to kill the King's son [[Théodred]], sending spies to waylay [[Frodo Baggins]] on his flight from the Shire, and dispatching raiding parties on likely routes a company of the Ring might take to Gondor. Ironically, one of these parties captured [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and transported them to [[Fangorn Forest]] in time to mobilise the [[Ents]]. Gandalf also suspected Saruman had found (and destroyed) the remains of [[Isildur]], who had worn the Ring before it had been lost.

Saruman's Shire network failed to capture Frodo Baggins, Gandalf rallied Rohan to victory, [[Éomer]] stopped his brutal, but only partially successful raiding party, and control of Isengard was lost to the Ents. Aware he was utterly defeated, Saruman briefly considered repenting for his deeds, but at the last moment could not go through with it. Whether he had hope he could escape, whether he was too proud to surrender to Gandalf, or whether he thought his master would pardon him, Saruman refused to leave the confines of his fortress. Saruman made a final attempt to woo Théoden and Gandalf to his cause but failed: his staff was broken and he was expelled from the Order of the Istari.

Left out of the final stages of the War of the Ring and unable to be of any use to Sauron, he eventually managed to convince his captors, the Ents, to let him leave Isengard, as apparently the magic of his voice still remained.

[[File:Matt Stewart - The Voice of Isengard.jpg|thumb|''The Voice of Isengard'' by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]]]
[[File:Valera Lutfullina - Nasty End.jpg|thumb|200px|right|"Nasty End" by [[:Category:Art by Valera Lutfullina|Valera Lutfullina]]]]

On their way to northern [[Dunland]], on [[28 August]]<ref name="chief">{{App|Chief}}</ref> they were confronted by Gandalf, [[Celeborn]], Galadriel and the Hobbits, but they passed as travelling beggars as Saruman kicked Gríma to move on, and he exclaimed how he hated his lord. Gandalf told Gríma that he was free to leave him but he did not reply. As Saruman was considered powerless, there was little concern for his escape.<ref name="Partings">{{RK|Partings}}</ref> On [[22 September]]<ref name="chief" /> they entered to the Shire, which his ally [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]] (undisturbed by events elsewhere) had brought under control. He established himself in [[Hobbiton]] and spent his final days as a small-time thug lord whom his [[ruffians]] called Sharkey, imposing a terror regime to avenge himself upon the peaceful Halflings. But even this operation fell apart after Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee]] returned; he was eventually betrayed and killed by his own agent Gríma on [[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}.

Saruman, who was a Maia, had lost his shape with his "death". As a discorporate spirit, he turned westward, but a wind came from the [[West]] and pushed him away. Apparently his spirit was left naked, powerless, and wandering in Middle-earth, not unlike Sauron after the One Ring was destroyed.

==Characteristics==
[[File:Gregor Roffalski - Curunír.jpg|thumb|''Curunír'' by [[:Category:Images by Gregor Roffalski|Gregor Roffalski]]]]
In appearance, Saruman was as an old man with black hair. At the end of the Third Age, his hair and beard had turned mostly white — he had only black hairs about his lips and ears. He was tall, his face was long, and his eyes were deep and dark.<ref name="Voice"/> He would appear in a white cloak, a habit he later changed into a cloak that changed colours as he moved.

He was not actually a [[Men|Man]], or even an Elf (as Men often suspected), but a Maia clothed in flesh — an Istar (see ''Origins'' above). As such, he was immortal and extremely powerful, yet had limits on how far these powers could be used. His two most salient powers were his knowledge and his voice. Saruman was, in a very real way, the junior brother of Sauron both having been Maia of Aulë, Valar of Smithcraft, in the very beginnings of time. The parallels between Sauron and Saruman in both character and actions are many.

===Powers===
Knowledge of the "deep arts" (or magic, such as it is in Middle-earth) was of particular interest to Saruman, especially when relating to power such as the Rings of Power and the far-seeing ''palantíri''. He was also deeply learned in ancient lore regarding powerful kingdoms such as [[Númenor]], [[Gondor]], and [[Moria]].

His voice and speech were extremely convincing, more powerful than mere rhetoric. When he focused this power on a person or a group of people, he could sway their hearts, plant fears and sow lies as he pleased. According to the stature of the listener, this spell could last as long as the speech did, or it could take root in them and last forever. Saruman's voice was so powerful that he was able to convince the Witch-king that he knew nothing of the One-Ring or the Shire.<ref>{{Cite DTP|UT 3.04.01.013}}</ref> His voice was not hypnotic, however, rather it was persuasive; and the real danger the voice posed to the listener was not them falling into a trance, but agreeing with it.<ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 3.10.045}}</ref>

Aside from his voice, Saruman has other subtle abilities such as giving great speed and motivation to his orcs at a distance and setting his will against all those in his dominion that might oppose him. Aragorn takes note of this ability while tracking the party of orcs holding Merry and Pippin hostage. Saruman also seems to be able to move around totally unheard by others, as there are numerous examples of him using this ability. Several examples include his sneaking up on Aragorn, [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]'s camp in [[The Riders of Rohan]], his wholly unheard entrance in [[The Voice of Saruman]] and his quiet but sudden appearance to the hobbits in [[The Scouring of the Shire]].

Other powers include knowledge of machinery and chemistry, probably separable from explicit magic (for instance, the "blasting fire" employed by his Uruk-hai army in the battle of [[Helm's Deep]], was some kind of chemical explosive). Machinery and engines characterised both his fortified Isengard and his altered Shire arenas of influence. In this, he sought to emulate, or even surpass his ally, Sauron. This inclination was constitutional in them both from the very beginning.

His science also extended to biological areas. He is believed to have crossbred Men and Orcs, creating a new race of Orcs unafraid of daylight, the dreaded Uruk-hai, a major improvement on Sauron's thralls who hated daylight. His mannish spies in Bree were said to have Orc blood, giving them heightened senses over ordinary men. He also employed scavenger birds in his service, although this might also be attributed to [[Radagast]] the Brown, ordering them to report to Orthanc, Saruman's stronghold.

Being regarded as more powerful than Gandalf (at least before Gandalf's "rebirth"), it's fair to assume he would also wield explicit magic similar to Gandalf, such as artificial light, locking spells, creating fire, etc.

Saruman, walking on the same ruinous path as Sauron, attempted to forge for himself a Ring of Power. This he wore during the War of the Ring which he revealed when he called himself "Saruman the [[Ring-maker]]".<ref name="FRCouncil" /> He had great knowledge and lore of the magic rings created by Sauron and by the Elven-smiths, though at this time the full art of ring-making was lost and known only to Sauron and so Saruman's knowledge of the craft was incomplete. It is assumed that Saruman's Ring was the equivalent of one of the lesser rings in power and any details of this power are not mentioned. It is also assumed that it too lost its power, if it had any, when the One Ring was destroyed, since Saruman's craft of ring-making was still based on Sauron's. When Gandalf was given Narya, the Ring of Fire, Saruman learned of the gift and resented it. This may be another reason why Saruman desired to have a ring of his own.

===Personality===
Saruman resembled Gandalf not only in appearance, but originally also somewhat in deportment, but unlike Gandalf, Saruman was proud, even haughty, and in this he was more akin to Sauron. He saw himself as the most powerful of the Istari, expressing clear contempt for Radagast the Brown, patronising tolerance of the Wise and Elves, and sheer disdain for lesser Men. Saruman was no fool (though he saw Radagast as one); he realised Gandalf's power, and eventually came to see him as an equal, and later as a superior, much to his distress. He became jealous of Gandalf, eventually convincing himself that Gandalf was scheming against him, which justified his own scheming against Gandalf and the rest of the White Council, and the Free Peoples of Middle-earth as well. Saruman's ultimate agenda, in the end, was not very different at all from Sauron's, in that he himself ultimately sought to become a tyrant of Middle-earth; regardless if by his new master's side or (more preferably) on his own - if he attained the One Ring First.

Saruman likely was true to his mission in the beginning, and actually believed in working to stop the return of the Darkness, but his pride and later arrogance (as well as his jealousy towards Gandalf and domination by Sauron) turned him into a traitor to the cause he had once served. Saruman's betrayal was not sudden, but slowly grew over time as Sauron used Saruman's lust for power, admiration of strength and envy as tools of control, until at last Saruman had convinced himself that he could not have taken any other path and that it was too late now to repent. To the last the corrupted Wizard only believed in his own counsel and the deceptive words of the Dark Lord. These false beliefs kept Saruman from taking his last chance at redemption, and because he must have realised this after Gandalf's truly generous terms he only became more bitter and filled with the rage of failure, blaming Gandalf more than anyone else for his downfall.

==Politics==
===Men===
Saruman "went mostly among men". He always sought power, and it lay in the hands of the kingdoms of Men.

No records speak of his earliest journeys into the east; after his return he became a servant of Gondor, receiving the keys to Orthanc from Beren as its warden. When Gondor weakened, he claimed Orthanc for his own without any formal declaration (or objection from Gondor), yet remained nominally an ally of Gondor and of Rohan.<ref name="AppEorl" />

When he turned to treachery, Saruman employed men mainly from Dunland, and agents from other lands, turning old grudges into fuel for new hatred. The Dunlendings were enticed with the old stories that they had once lived in [[Calenardhon]] before the ''Strawheads''. The Dunlendings became his soldiers and it also seems probable that he used some of them to create [[Half-orcs]].

Gríma Wormtongue played a vital role in Saruman's plans: with Saruman's counsel Gríma began to weaken the king, estranging him from his other counsellors and even his own kin, until Gríma had in effect become the leader of Rohan.

===Elves===
Saruman was once on good terms with the Elves, and was voted in as the leader of the White Council, a group of Elves and Istari united against Sauron.

Saruman knew that Gandalf had been given the third Elvish ring Narya by Círdan the Shipwright. This nurtured his jealousy of Gandalf and his resentment towards the Elves.

Saruman had little use for, or interest in, the Elves, who were declining and their lands were few and secretive; although they wielded marvellous powers and two Rings of Power, they were not useful nor accessible for Saruman's ambitions. Also, they succumbed less easily than other races to manipulation.

Even though Isengard lay very close to [[Lothlórien]], Saruman had very little or no contact with it. Saruman never trusted Galadriel and he accused her of scheming for Gandalf at his expense.<ref name="Partings" />

===Orcs===
Saruman drew his original strength of Orcs from tribes in the [[Misty Mountains]], and perhaps from Moria Orcs. He made use of [[Wargs|Warg]]-mounted Orcs for raids against Rohan.

He also bred [[Orcs of Isengard|Orcs]] in the pits of Isengard, eventually creating crossbreeds of Orcs and Men (probably Dunlendings or [[Bree-men]]) This programme apparently also involved feeding these greater Orcs Man-flesh as a treat.

His Uruk-hai legions displayed great discipline and fierce loyalty, in addition to the other improvements such as height, strength, endurance and resistance to sunlight. There also appears to have been middle stages between Men and the Uruk-hai, Men with varying degrees of Orkish appearance such as [[Half-orcs]] and [[Goblin-men]]. These were reported by Pippin and Merry to have been part of Saruman's regular army, but were not Uruk-hai, since the hobbits would have recognised these from their earlier capture.

Saruman's servants called him "[[Sharkey]]" both in Isengard and later in the Shire.<ref name="Scouring" />

===Ents/Trees===
Saruman made contact with the Ents in Fangorn Forest shortly after he settled in Isengard. The oldest of the Ents, [[Treebeard]] received him and gave him free access to the forest.<ref name="Treebeard">{{TT|Treebeard}}</ref>

Saruman also consulted with Treebeard, learning much old lore that the Ents would have remembered from ancient times. Saruman did not return this favour, but only listened.<ref name="Treebeard" />

The Ents saw Saruman's treachery early, and became very concerned, primarily with Saruman's Orcs felling trees on the edge of Fangorn for use in the furnaces of Isengard and sometimes for no reason at all.

The Ents also appear to have had a sense of order, how things should be, that Saruman encroached upon. The crossbreeding of Men and Orcs particularly alarmed them, out of proportion to other concerns enemies of Saruman might have had. Also alarming was the pure fact of his treachery — the Istari were supposed to have a special responsibility.

Saruman used the Ents and the Fangorn forest without concern for the consequences. He clearly misjudged the Ents' abilities and will to act. This might not have been as incautious as it seemed, since major contributing factors to the Ent's actions were advice and requests from Gandalf, and concern about the rising power of Sauron (and their wish to support the front-line troops of the war, Rohan and Gondor).

Saruman clearly had the ability to understand the minds of the Ents when he found it useful. He managed to talk Treebeard into setting him free from Orthanc by pushing just the right buttons — Ents dislike the concept of caging up any creature.

===Hobbits===
The race of Hobbits and their lands seemed too insignificant to interest Saruman: until he took notice of Gandalf's special concern for them. Studying Gandalf made him focus gradually more and more on the Hobbits and The Shire. For a period he actually travelled there in secret, mapping out the lands. Gandalf was aware of this, but at this point only amused.

He began smoking pipe-weed (a habit of the Hobbits that Gandalf had picked up), also in secret. His demand for tobacco opened up trading between The Shire and Isengard, and the power his money could wield there and the corruption it could cause began to fascinate him. Some of his agents went in secret, and some were known to Gandalf and the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]].

His anger towards the Hobbits may possibly stem from the attention Gandalf showed them. It certainly strengthened immensely when he discovered that the Hobbits had "conspired" with Gandalf to keep the One Ring from him.

This, and the sudden urgency caused by the Ringwraiths' hunt for the Ring-bearer from The Shire to Rivendell, made him increase his activity in the area, leading to a build-up of power that would lead to virtual conquest of The Shire.

He might also later have blamed the ruin of Isengard by the Ents on Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck, who clearly catalysed events.

This all came together when Saruman escaped from the Ents and retired to The Shire and his thug regime in place there. It appears he immediately switched the focus of this operation to wanton destruction: pollution, murder, fire, chopping down trees for no reason, a last blow against Hobbits and Gandalf.

At his final utter defeat by [[Battle of Bywater|a Hobbit uprising]], his life was spared even when he tried to assassinate Frodo Baggins. At this moment he actually conceded a short-lived respect to Frodo.

===Valar/Maiar/Wizards===
Saruman was supposedly eager to go to Middle-earth, against Manwë's counsel. After his 'death' he was apparently barred from returning to Valinor, and therefore was denied reincarnation and condemned to waft away and disappear like so much smoke.<ref name="Scouring">{{FR|Scouring}}, p. 1020</ref> In his corrupt state, Saruman sought power and the imposing of order in Middle-earth by any means necessary, even if it meant betraying the mission he was entrusted with and throwing in his lot with Sauron.

Sauron, in origin a Maia of Aulë like Saruman, awed and frightened him. During the height of his arrogance, Saruman thought he could contend with Sauron, but in the end he found himself meddling with a spirit of far greater power and knowledge than himself. Caught peering into the ''palantír'' he was seduced by Sauron to his allegiance, no longer opposing (and perhaps even desiring) his victory. The Wizard sought to become the quasi-equal lieutenant to Sauron and receive his favour in triumph, yet he was proved to be a duplicitous ally by actively coveting the One Ring. After the Escape of Gandalf, Saruman understood the only paths ahead of him were to: show Sauron his loyalty by crippling Rohan, hoping to at the very least be spared, or claim the Ring first; otherwise he would come to ruin and torment.

Saruman grudgingly brought with him Radagast as a companion from Valinor, at the request of Yavanna, yet still managed to arrive alone, and first. Shortly after, he went into the East with the two Blue Wizards, and later returned alone. There he may have wrought many great works to diminish the influence of the Enemy or searched for lore to help him in his schemes.

Radagast, even though Saruman scorned him, served both Gandalf and Saruman very usefully (and wholly unintentionally, as he admitted "he had just the wit to play the part I set him", that of persuading Gandalf to come to Isengard).<ref>{{FR|Council}}, p. 258</ref> Radagast also sent birds to Saruman and Gandalf to report the different happenings in Middle-earth.

Saruman had always been jealous of Gandalf, and knew that he was keeping secrets from him, such as his suspicion about Bilbo's ring and Narya, secret. Gandalf also suspected Saruman of plotting to gain the One Ring for himself, and hinted at this at a meeting of the White Council. Gandalf blew nine small smoke rings and one great one that wavered a bit, seeming almost palpable, and yet blew away, symbolising (almost prophetic of) Saruman's failure in achieving the One. In general, Saruman must have viewed Gandalf as his only peer, and as such to be feared and treated with (although not necessarily shown) respect. He always kept a watchful eye open for Gandalf's doings, and actually picked up the habit of smoking pipe-weed by sending out spies tailing Gandalf to the Shire. After revealing his fealty to Mordor and his desire for the Ring, Saruman offered Gandalf the chance to join with Sauron, or perhaps get the One for themselves. Ultimately, certain that Gandalf could be forced to tell of the Ring's whereabouts or that at least Sauron would prevail, he came to underestimate Gandalf and think little of his interventions.

Nevertheless, Saruman exercised more power than Gandalf, even with the ring Narya, as became clear when he placed Gandalf under arrest at the pinnacle of Orthanc. The text does not make it clear whether Saruman lost power or whether Gandalf gained power, but when Gandalf returned as "Gandalf [[the White]]", he could summon Saruman at his will, forcibly keep him in his presence, and finally break Saruman's staff (with whatever implications that might have had for Saruman's powers).

Despite his apparent disdain for the Grey Pilgrim, Saruman several times came very close to setting aside his pride and asking Gandalf for pity and help. The closest call came when the Ringwraiths (on their way to the Shire) arrived at Isengard while Gandalf still remained in captivity there. Saruman, realising he might have already lost Sauron's trust, actually went to seek Gandalf's pardon, only to find his erstwhile captive missing from the top of Orthanc.

===Animals===
Saruman had control over many birds, probably having been taught to tame them by Radagast. [[Crebain]] spied for him and brought him news.<ref>{{FR|South}}</ref> In addition, the Orcs Saruman took in his armies had amongst them wild [[Wolves]] and even [[Wargs]], a sort of demonic cousin of the former.

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Curumo.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
''Saruman'' is a name in the languages of [[Northmen|Northern Men]],<ref name="IstariP90">{{UT|Istari}}, essay on the Istari, p. 390</ref> which probably means "Man of Skill".<ref name="Eldamo">{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-1876970471.html|articlename=Un. ''Saruman'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=08 December 2024}}</ref> The first element of the name is a moderzined form<ref name="Eldamo" /> ''saru''<ref name="Istari6" /> of the [[Old English]] word ''searu''<ref name="Istari6" /><ref name="RC81">{{HM|RC}}, p. 81</ref> ("device", "design", "contrivance", "art"<ref name="RC81">{{HM|RC}}, p. 81</ref> or "skill", "cunning", "cunning device")<ref name="Istari6" />. The second element is ''man''.<ref name="Eldamo" />

==Other names==
*'''''Curumo''''' - ([[Quenya|Q]]:<ref name="Istari6" /> "Skilled-one"<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-697388925.html|articlename=Q. ''Curumo'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=08 December 2024}}</ref>, pron. {{IPA|[ˈkurumo]}}) his name in [[Valinor]], before he came to [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]]<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, narrative of a council of the Valar</ref>.
*'''''Curunír''''' - ([[Sindarin|S]]:<ref name="Istari6" /> "the Man of Skill"<ref>{{App|TA}}, introduction to the Tale of Years of the Third Age, p. 1085</ref>, "the Man of Craft"<ref name="IstariP90" /> or "one of cunning device"<ref>{{HM|UI}}, entry ''Curunír'', p. 389</ref><ref>{{UT|Index}}, entry ''Curunír''</ref>. J.R.R. Tolkien later used ''curunír'' as a word for "[[Wizards|wizard]]".<ref>{{PE|22}}, "Late Notes on Verb Structure", p. 151</ref> He was also called ''Curunír' Lân'' ("Curunír the White")<ref name="IstariP90" />
*'''Sharkey''' - The name used for him by the [[Hobbits]] of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{RK|Scouring}}</ref>
*'''''Tarindor''' -'' Meaning "High/wise-mind(ed)-one", used when he was sent to [[Cuiviénen]] with the other [[Five Guardians]].<ref>{{NM|P1xiii}}, "Notes", p. 102, note 7</ref>
*'''The Wise''' - Title claimed by Saruman.<ref name="FRCouncil" />
*'''[[The White]]''' - Title claimed by Saruman as head of the [[Istar|Istari]].<ref>{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*'''Ring Maker''' - Title claimed by Saruman while trying to bring [[Gandalf]] to his side.<ref name="FRCouncil" />
*'''Of Many Colours''' - Title claimed by Saruman while trying to bring Gandalf to his side.<ref name="FRCouncil" />
*'''Tree-killer''' - Title given to Saruman by [[Quickbeam]].<ref>{{TT|Flotsam}} p. 568</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earlier versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Saruman was sketched merely as a fawning servant of [[Sauron]], while the army he musters is not in rivalry of [[Mordor]]'s but from the beginning in his new master's employ. In other drafts, the treacherous [[Wizards|Wizard]] hands [[Gandalf]] over to the evil [[Giants|Giant]] [[Treebeard]] or betrays him to the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]].<ref name="FRCouncil" />

Saruman's older names in these drafts were Sarumond and Saramund,<ref name="rc">{{HM|RC}}, p. xxiii</ref> containing the English term ''mund'' "hand".

==Inspiration==
Saruman was invented and introduced in the story in order to explain [[Gandalf]]'s absence in the first part of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', replacing [[Treebeard]] as the [[Wizards|Wizard]]'s captor.<ref name="rc" />

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Saruman in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Saruman.jpg|Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Saruman using Palantír.jpg|[[Christopher Lee]] as Saruman in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:LOTRO-Rise of Isengard-Saruman-1.png|Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego - Saruman minifigure.jpg|Saruman in [[Lego]] form
File:The War of the Rohirrim - Saruman.png|Saruman in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Fraser Kerr]] provided the voice of Saruman. From early on in the production, it was decided that "Saruman" and "[[Sauron]]" sounded too much alike, and might confuse viewers. On concept art, Saruman is called Ruman,<ref>[http://www.ralphbakshi.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=5&pos=69 1978 - The Lord of the Rings Gallery] at [http://www.ralphbakshi.com Ralphbakshi.com] (accessed 26 March 2011)</ref> but prior to recording, this was changed to Aruman. However, during recording, it was again changed, to "Saruman". Because of this late change, several instances of "Aruman" remain in the finished film.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Saruman was played by [[Christopher Lee]]. Saruman's depiction in the series is more akin to the early drafts: he is a more committed vassal of Sauron; still, he is seemingly not above cheating his master, instructing [[Lurtz]] to bring him the Hobbits carrying "something of great value" (the [[The One Ring|One Ring]]). In the films, his corruption by Sauron is directly portrayed to have come about through his use of one of the ''[[Palantíri]]'' found in the tower of [[Orthanc]], through which Sauron fueled the lust for power and accompanying arrogance and greed already festering in Saruman's heart. The films did not include the [[Scouring of the Shire]], so Saruman's last appearance was in [[Isengard]], during his encounter with [[Gandalf]] and Théoden. In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition)|extended edition of ''The Return of the King'']], [[Gríma]] stabs Saruman in the back, causing him to fall on a spiked wheel below the tower of Orthanc.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Christopher Lee reprised his role as Saruman, although the character does not appear in the book.<ref name="TelegraphCasting">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8311016/Christopher-Lee-will-star-in-the-Hobbit-prequel.html|articlename=Christopher Lee will star in the Hobbit prequel|dated=08-Feb-2011|website=[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ The Telegraph]|accessed=21-Dec-2011}}</ref> He appears as part of the [[White Council]] alongside Gandalf, [[Galadriel]], and [[Elrond]]. He is sceptical about the appearance of a [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]] in [[Dol Guldur]]. However, when he participates in the attack on Dol Guldur, he sees for himself that Sauron has indeed returned. After the skirmish, he appears shaken by the display of Sauron's power, but claims he will take it upon himself to keep an eye on the Dark Lord and pretends to care for Lady Galadriel's weakened state.

'''2024: ''[[The War of the Rohirrim]]'':'''
:Christopher Lee posthumously voices Saruman through an archival recording. Saruman appears at the end of the film, introduced to the newly crowned king, [[Fréaláf Hildeson]], as the newly appointed master of Isengard, and he assures Fréaláf that Rohan has Isengard's support.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:Saruman was played by actor Mikko Kivinen. He appears only in the "Vanha metsä" ("Old Forest") episode.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[Robert Farquharson]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Peter Howell]] played Saruman. Because the series follows a chronological timeline rather than the flashbacks of the books, Saruman's betrayal is brought out much sooner than in the book. Excerpts from "[[The Hunt for the Ring]]" are dramatised to flesh out Gandalf's escape from Isengard, and the [[Nazgûl]]'s pursuit. The hobbits do not meet him on the road back to Rivendell. In the final episode, Saruman's death at the hands of Wormtongue at [[Bag End]] is included.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Saruman is played by Manfred Steffen.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Saruman is provided by Andrej Hryc. Saruman appears in all three series (seasons) of this adaptation, with his most prominent appearances in the episodes covering ''The Two Towers''.

===Games===
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Though Christopher Lee provided the voice of Saruman for many scenes, the only visual appearance of the Wizard of from re-used movie clips, his voice is played over several of Gandalf's actions.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Saruman is one of the "Hero" units of the Servants of Sauron, the game also depicts his creation of the Uruk-hai.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Saruman is the main "Hero" unit of the Isengard faction, the evil campaign follows his despoilment of both Isengard and the [[Fangorn Forest]], war on [[Rohan]] and later conquest of the outlying lands.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Saruman is still the main "Hero" unit of the Isengard faction but plays no role in the storyline.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard]]'':'''
:Though frequently referred to in-game since 2007, Saruman made no visual appearance until 2011 and the ''Rise of Isengard'' expansion. Many quests in the game display the stretch of the [[White Hand]] - Saruman's minions are present in the Shire as early as {{TA|3018}}, as well as [[Bree-land]], [[Lone-lands]], [[Eregion]], [[Enedwaith]], [[Dunland]], [[Gap of Rohan]], outskirts of the Fangorn Forest and even [[Moria]].
:In the storyline of ''Rise of Isengard'' Saruman first appears buying the loyalties of the [[Dunlendings|Dunlending]] clans, bringing with him riches and maintaining a friendly appearance. He also still keeps his affairs in Rohan private, to the point that when a [[Rohirrim]] questions the desolation of [[Nan Curunír|''Nan Curunír'']] and the presence of [[Trolls]] in Isengard, the Wizard manages to use his voice to convince him that it was all for the good cause. At one point, traitorous Dunlendings capture the player and send him to Saruman as a gift - once again the Wizard maintains a friendly and noble appearance, trying to discern the location of The Ring, before the player escapes.
:A major storyline is derived from a single line in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where Saruman calls himself "Ring-forger". Long having researched the [[Rings of Power]], Saruman sends his minions to pillage what remains of Ring-Forges of Eregion, looking for any knowledge of ancient [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain|Elven smiths]] that have remained here. Using that lore, he constructs a massive Ring-Forge under Isengard, where he creates five lesser rings and a master one to command them. He keeps the master ring to himself and gives the other to his most trusted lieutenants, though none of the mortals are prepared for it and are turned into monstrosities. A large force of players defeats them one by one, reclaiming lesser rings and later use those rings to turn upon the master one. In the ensuing fight Saruman's ring is destroyed shortly before the [[Battle of the Hornburg|Battle of Hornburg]], and with it the lesser ones lose their power.

'''2014: [[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]:'''
:Voiced by [[Roger Jackson]], Saruman appears in this game as a non-playable character. The game's protagonist, [[Talion]], finds various artefacts that reveal that Saruman's spies are active within the borders of Mordor in the years between ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. It is later revealed that Saruman was controlling Queen Marwen of the [[Nurnen]] to hinder Sauron while bringing about the destruction of the men of [[Nurn]].

{{references}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=maiar
|house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of [[Aulë]]
|born=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
|died=[[3 November]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
|prev=Position established
|pvac=None
|list=Chief of the [[Wizards|Istari]]
|dates=c. {{TA|1000}} - [[5 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
|next=[[Gandalf]]
}}
{{seq
|prev=Unknown
|list=[[Lord of Isengard|Lord]] of [[Isengard]]
|dates={{TA|2759}} - [[15 August]], {{TA|3019|n}}
|nvac=None
|next=''[[Aragorn|Elessar]] granted Isengard to the [[Ents]]''
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[de:Saruman]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/saruman]]
[[fi:Saruman]]

User:Banazîr Galpsi/common.css

2026-02-10T21:33:02Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

Orcs of Mordor

2026-02-10T21:31:20Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Orc soldiers under command of Sauron}}{{header image|mordor}}
{{people infobox
| name=Orcs of Mordor
| image = John Howe - Orcs of the Red Eye.jpg
| caption=[[John Howe]] - ''Orcs of the Red Eye''|
| pronun=
| othernames=Mordor-orcs Uruk-hai<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}</ref>{{rp|925}}
| origin=A mix of [[Orcs]] bred by [[Sauron]] and Orcs of [[Morgoth]] who fled the [[War of Wrath]]
| location=[[Mordor]], [[Minas Morgul]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
| rivalry=[[Númenórean]]s, [[Noldor]], [[Gondorian]]s
| language=[[Orcish]] dialects
| members=[[Grishnákh]], [[Shagrat]], [[Gorbag]], [[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]], [[Lagduf]], [[Muzgash]], [[Radbug]]
| lifespan=
| distinctions=
| height=
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=
| weapons=
}}
The '''Orcs of Mordor''' or '''Mordor-orcs''' were the [[Orcs|orc]] footsoldiers of [[Sauron]] within the Black Land of [[Mordor]]. They made up the bulk of his hosts in the wars he waged to suborn the [[Free Peoples]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s
==History==
===Second Age===
After Sauron established himself in Mordor around {{SA|1000}},<ref>{{App|B1}}</ref> he took under his command countless Orcs that continued to battle with [[Elves]] and [[Men]] over many centuries. The Orcs of Mordor were not simply gathered from the remnants of [[Morgoth]]'s armies, but were also bred anew by Sauron.

When Sauron learned of the [[Last Alliance]], he sent many Orcs from Mordor to ambush the Allied forces who would cross the [[Misty Mountains]], but they were too strong and the Orcs hid themselves. That small detachment was eventually forgotten<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}</ref> and it's possible they mingled with the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]].
===Third Age===
There were many types in the service of the [[Eye of Sauron|Red Eye]], but the largest and fiercest were the [[Uruk-hai|Uruks of Mordor]], black Orcs of tremendous strength and ferocity first seen out of Mordor around {{TA|2475}}, assaulting [[Ithilien]]. Ithilien was re-taken by [[Ruling Stewards|Steward]] [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], but years later Ithilien was infested again by Mordor-orcs driving most of the people west of the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> They possibly were secretly bred in Mordor by the [[Nazgûl|Morgul-lords]] at the behest of their master [[Sauron]].<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, pp. 204-5</ref>

Around {{TA|2480}} Sauron started to populate [[Moria]] with his creatures, and in the same time the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] began to make secret strongholds in the [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]] so as to bar all the passes into [[Eriador]].<ref>{{App|B2}}</ref>

During the rule of the Steward [[Egalmoth (Steward of Gondor)|Egalmoth]], Orc-wars broke out.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref><ref group=note>The nature of those wars and if they were related to the Orcs of Mordor is not clear. In the ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' [[The Battles of the Fords of Isen|it is said]] that Egalmoth was unable to support [[Rohan]] in {{TA|2710}}; although the reason is not explained, it could be the Orc-wars. On the other hand, [[Christopher Tolkien]] connects the Orc-wars to the Orc invansions of [[Eriador]] 3 decades later ({{TA|2740}}).</ref>

It seems that Sauron could breed armies of Orcs with enormous speed when they were needed. According to [[Aragorn]], for instance, it had taken just a few years for the Orcs to multiply in Mordor to the vast hordes seen in the [[War of the Ring]].

Few years before the [[War of the Ring]] the Orcs began multiplying again and disrupted the transportation from [[Rhovanion]] to [[Osgiliath]] along the Anduin.<ref>{{FR|River}}</ref>

In [[February]] of {{TA|3019}} a group of Mordor-orcs under [[Grishnákh]] joined forces of the [[Orcs of Isengard]] on the plains of [[Rohan]] during the War of the Ring. Those [[Breaking of the Fellowship|raided and captured]] [[Merry]] and [[Pippin]]. Those Orcs then attempted to head east, but returned when they noticed [[Rohirrim]] approaching. Eventually they were wiped out by them.<ref>{{TT|III3}}</ref>

Orcs made up the backbone of the Eastern hordes during this War, supplemented by Easterlings, Haradrim, and monstrous creatures of Sauron.

Following Sauron's final defeat at the end of the Third Age, Western forces cleared the Black Gate and surrounding hills of Orcs easily without their master to guide them, though it is suggested many escaped into the vast wastes and steppes of Mordor's eastern lands.
{{references|n}}
[[Category:Orcs]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]

Nazgûl

2026-02-10T21:28:25Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Men corrupted by Sauron using the Nine Rings and bound to his will}}{{header image|mordor}}
{{race infobox
| name=Nazgûl
| image = John Howe - The Hunt for the Ring.jpg
| caption=''The Hunt for the Ring'' by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=Ringwraiths, the Black Riders, the Nine, ''Úlairi'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
| origin=[[Men]] who received the [[Nine Rings]]; corrupted by [[Sauron]]
| location=[[Mordor]], [[Angmar]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Minas Morgul]]
| affiliation=[[Sauron]]
| rivalry=
| language=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
| people=
| members=[[Witch-king]], [[Khamûl]], "[[F]]"
| lifespan=Indefinite
| distinctions=Without physical form
| height=Man-high
| hair=
| skin=
| clothing=Black robes with hoods, gauntlets<ref>{{NM|Descriptions}}</ref>
| weapons=[[Morgul-knife]]
}}

<center>{{quote| 'They come from [[Mordor]],' said [[Aragorn|Strider]] in a low voice. 'From Mordor, [[Barliman Butterbur|Barliman]], if that means anything to you.' |''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]"}}</center>
The '''[[#Etymology|Nazgûl]]''' ([[Black Speech]] for "'''Ringwraiths'''"), also known as the '''Nine Riders''' or '''Black Riders''' (or simply '''the Nine'''), were [[Sauron]]'s "most terrible servants" in [[Middle-earth]]. They were mortal [[Men]] who had been turned into wraiths by their [[Nine Rings]] of power.

==History==
===Origins===
Sometime during the [[Second Age]] (after the year {{SA|1697|n}}<ref group="note">Sauron captured the Rings of Power in the [[Sack of Eregion]] around this year, and later distributed the Nine Rings (cf. {{App|B}} and {{UT|Concerning}}).</ref>) Sauron gave [[Nine Rings|nine Rings of Power]] to nine mortal [[Men]]. It is said that three of the Nine were great lords of [[Númenoreans|Númenorean]] race.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref><ref>{{L|156|39}}, "There were evil Númenoreans: Sauronians, [...] the wicked Kings who had become the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths."</ref>

The bearers of the rings gained great wealth and prestige and became "''mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old''". The rings enabled them to turn invisible and see the [[Unseen]]. Their lives were prolonged so they seemed unending, but life became unendurable to them. Over time, depending on their native strength and their initial good or evil will, they succumbed to the powers of the rings and the domination of the [[The One Ring|One Ring]]. Their bodily forms faded until they became permanently invisible and turned into [[wraiths]].<ref name="Rings" />

Known as the Nazgûl, they first appeared around {{SA|2251}}<ref name="AppB1" /> and were soon established as Sauron's principal servants. However, the circumstances of this appearance are unknown, as are their actions during the [[Dark Years]], during Sauron's capture to [[Númenor]], and in the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. When Sauron was overthrown in {{SA|3441}} at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]], the wraiths faded into the shadows.<ref name="AppB1">{{App|B1}}</ref>
===Third Age===
The One Ring which dominated the Nazgûl was taken from Sauron and then it was lost in [[Anduin]] for the following centuries; both Sauron and the wraiths lost their powers and remained hidden.<ref name="Rings" /> However around {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]] Sauron returned in the form of a shadow in [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]], triggering also the return of his servants. [[Third Age 1100|About 50 years later]] [[the Wise]] of that Age discovered the [[shadow]] of [[Dol Guldur]] and theorized that it was one of the Nazgûl.<ref name="AppB2" />

But it was around {{TA|1300}} when evil things, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], multiplied again, and the Nazgûl definitely reappeared; it was then when [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] gathered evil [[Men]] and founded the Witch-kingdom of [[Angmar]]. From there he led Sauron's forces against the mannish kingdom of [[Arnor]] in {{TA|1409}}.<ref name="AppB2" />

Meanwhile [[Gondor]] was weakened by the [[Great Plague]] and [[Wainrider/Balchoth War|War]], and it was believed that Sauron's plan was to open the way to [[Mordor]]; indeed as the watch on Mordor stopped and Gondor's borders withdrew, it is believed that the Nazgûl freely re-entered Mordor around {{TA|1856|n}} or later.<ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

The Witch-king was eventually [[Battle of Fornost|defeated]] in battle in {{TA|1975|n}} and [[Third Age 1980|sometime later]] returned to [[Mordor]], gathering the other Nazgûl in preparation for the return of Sauron to that realm.<ref name="AppB2" /><ref name="gondor" />

In {{TA|2000|}}, they issued by [[Cirith Ungol]], began a two-year siege against [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|captured it]]. The city thereafter became their stronghold Nazgûl, from where they directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies, also acquiring [[Ithil-stone|one of]] the ''[[palantíri]]'' for the Dark Lord.<ref name="AppB2">{{App|B2}}</ref>

During the [[Watchful Peace]], when Sauron hid from the power of the [[White Council]], the Nazgûl also remained hidden in [[Morgul Vale]], allowing some peaceful time for the first [[Ruling Stewards]] of Gondor.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

But after his defeat in [[Dol Guldur]], Sauron returned to Mordor in {{TA|2942|n}} and declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}. Three of the Nazgûl were sent to his fortress at Dol Guldur to garrison that outpost.<ref name="AppB2" />
[[File:Angus McBride - Rivendell.gif|thumb|''Rivendell'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|3017|n}} Sauron commanded the Ringwraiths to recover [[the One Ring]] of Power from "Baggins of the Shire". Disguised as horse riders clad in black (hence the term ''Black Riders''), they sought out [[Bilbo Baggins]] who, as [[Gollum]] had revealed, had the One Ring in his possession.

The [[Dwarves]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] spoke of a rider who had come to offer Sauron's friendship and ask about [[Hobbits]]. As a token of their friendship he asked for a "trifle", a ring, "the least of rings", that the [[Bilbo Baggins|thief]] had stolen.<ref name="council">{{FR|II2}}</ref><ref group="note">The identity of the messenger is unknown. In [[fandom]] it has been proposed that he was the [[Mouth of Sauron]]. [[Michael Martinez]] [http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2012/01/26/is-the-messenger-sent-to-dain-a-black-rider-or-the-mouth-of-sauron/ considers it more likely] that it was a Nazgûl.</ref>

===War of the Ring===
Sauron decided to assault Gondor directly. In [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] he let the Nazgûl lead, causing terror with the [[Black Shadow]] among the [[Gondorians]]<ref name="council" /><ref name="b3">{{app|B3}}</ref> and making them think that they are the vanguard of Sauron's military force. However this was a feigned move of Sauron, who intended them to send them invisible to look for the Ring.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

The Nazgûl were given black horses (stolen from [[Rohan]]) for transportation and set off to find "[[the Shire]]", on their way learning from a [[Squint-eyed southerner]] that [[Saruman]] was not a true ally of Sauron. Failing to find it, they returned to the [[Wold]] empty-handed; messengers from Sauron sent them to [[Isengard]]. There they encountered [[Gríma Wormtongue]], who told them of the location of the Shire.<ref name="hunt" />

Crossing the [[Fords of Isen]], they reached [[Sarn Ford]] at evening and drove off the guard of [[Rangers of the North]] and five pursued the Rangers eastward, then returned to guard the [[Greenway]]. The other four entered the Shire before the dawn of [[23 September]]; at nightfall [[Khamûl]] came to [[Hobbiton]] and interrogated [[Hamfast Gamgee]] asking for "[[Baggins]]", not knowing that [[Frodo Baggins]], the [[Ring-bearer]], had left Bag End on his way out of Hobbiton that same day.<ref name="b3" />

On [[24 September]] a Rider approached Frodo and his companions near the [[Woody End]], when a [[Wandering Companies|Wandering Company]] of [[Elves]] approached from [[Emyn Beraid]], chanting the name of "[[Elbereth]]", and the rider fled away.<ref name="Three">{{FR|Three}}</ref>{{rp|78–9}} The [[25 September|next day]] a Rider came to [[Bamfurlong]] and approached [[Farmer Maggot]], asking about Baggins. The farmer directed him to Hobbiton. The Rider said that the individual had already left Hobbiton and offered Maggot gold if he would inform the rider if he saw Baggins. The farmer felt chill and was enraged by his trespassing and threatened him with his [[dogs]], which, however, yelped and ran. The Rider, infuriated by his defiance, hissed and rode away.<ref>{{FR|I4}}</ref>

On [[26 September]], two Riders came to ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' at [[Bree]] and asked [[Nob]] for "Baggins", making the dogs and geese noisy. Nob, terrified, slammed the door on them, and the Riders continued all the way to [[Archet]].<ref name="strid">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>

Three days later, on [[29 September]] at night, the hobbits arrived at the ''Prancing Pony''.<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, September 29, p. 1093</ref> On the same day, three Riders arrived in Bree and were informed by a spy from Isengard about the events with the Hobbits that took place at the ''Prancing Pony'' and guessed that the One Ring is present. One Rider was sent to find the Witch-king, but was stopped and driven away by the [[Dúnedain]], so that he only met the Witch-king on the next day.<ref name="PrancingRC">{{HM|RC}}, citing from the manuscript Marquette MSS 4/2/3, p. 166</ref> After [[Frodo]], [[Pippin]], and Sam returned from the big common-room to the parlour of the ''Prancing Pony'', [[Merry]] went outside for a walk, followed a shadow to the last house of the road in the dark, but began to feel terrified. After he had turned around to run back something came behind him and he fell over and became unconscious. However, [[Nob]] saw two men on the road lifting something and shouted.<ref name="strid" /> When he reached the spot on the road<ref name="strid" /> the two Riders had disappeared<ref name="PrancingRC" /> and he only found the unconscious Merry lying there<ref name="strid" />. Merry and Nob returned to the parlour and informed Frodo, Pippin, Sam, and [[Aragorn]] about what had happened. As a result, they decided to not go back to their rooms, but to spend the night in the parlour and to bar its window and door.<ref name="strid" />

In the early hours before dawn of [[30 September]], the two Riders rode through Bree and may have attacked the ''Prancing Pony'' while other Riders attacked [[Crickhollow]].<ref name="PrancingRC" /> When Aragorn and the Hobbits got up and returned to their bedrooms they discovered that the windows had been forced open, the beds had been tossed about, the bolsters had been slashed and the brown mat had been torn to pieces. At around ten o'clock Aragorn and the Hobbits left Bree eastwards on the East Road.<ref name="knife">{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

The Riders pursued [[Gandalf]] from Bree and attacked him at night on [[Weathertop]], where he defended himself with his [[magic]].<ref name="b3" /> Four Riders followed Gandalf as he escaped to the north.<ref name="council" /> The others later attacked [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] while they were camping under Weathertop, and the Witch-king [[Morgul-wound|wounded]] [[Frodo Baggins]] with a [[Morgul-knife]].<ref name="b3" /><ref name="knife" />

On [[11 October]] {{TA|3018|n}}<ref name="b3" /> three Riders were guarding the [[Last Bridge]] of [[Mitheithel]], expecting [[Aragorn]] and the [[hobbits]] on their journey to [[Rivendell]]. Their plan was foiled by [[Glorfindel]], who drove them away.<ref name="b3" /><ref name="Flight">{{FR|Flight}}</ref> Two days later, some of them pursued Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]].<ref name="b3" /> [[Elrond]] and [[Gandalf]] released a flood and the waters of [[Bruinen]] swept away and drowned the horses of the Riders.<ref name="council" />

[[File:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|''The Nazgûl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

The Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup.<ref name="Disguises">{{FR|South}}, p. 275</ref> They reappeared later mounted on [[Nazgûl-birds|flying creatures]],<ref name="White" /> at which point they were referred to as '''winged Nazgûl'''.<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}, p. 446</ref>

By the conclusion of the [[War of the Ring]], all of the Nine Nazgûl were destroyed. The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] himself was slain by [[Éowyn]], the niece of King [[Théoden]] (with help from [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]) during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, 840-2</ref> The remaining eight Ringwraiths attacked the Army of the West during the last battle at the [[Black Gate]].<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 892</ref> However, when [[Frodo Baggins]] put on the ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]], Sauron ordered the remaining Nazgûl to fly with all possible speed to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. They arrived too late, with the Ring falling into the fire along with the hapless Gollum. The Nazgûl were caught in the firestorm of the erupting mountain and were destroyed.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}, pp. 946-7</ref>

==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
To mortals, the Nazgûl appeared as shadowy Men hidden by black hoods and cloaks that reached down to their boots.<ref name="Three" />{{rp|74}} Without their cloaks, they were shapeless,<ref name="MeetingsTwo">{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 222-3</ref> and invisible to all but the wearer of [[the One Ring]].<ref name="Rings" /> When the Witch-king removed his hood, his crown could be seen, although his head was invisible and the red fires shone through it.<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>{{rp|829}} During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the deadly gleam of his eyes could be seen.<ref name="PelennorPage">{{RK|Battle}}, p. 840</ref>

When Frodo put on the Ring at Weathertop, he could see the forms of the Nazgûl clearly. They were tall, and beneath their black cloaks, they were robed in grey. Their hair was grey, and they wore silver helms, although the Witch-king wore a crown. Their eyes were merciless and piercing, and their hands were haggard. The Witch-king held a [[Morgul-knife|knife]], and the knife and his hand shone with a pale light.<ref name="Visible">{{FR|Knife}}, pp. 195-6</ref>

===Powers and abilities===
The chief power of the Nazgȗl was the unreasoning fear they struck in living things. Their powers and the fear that they inspired are greatly increased in darkness.<ref name="L210">{{L|210}}, 9.</ref> During the [[Siege of Gondor]], their cries were filled with evil and horror. When the Ringwraiths passed overhead unseen, even the bravest dropped their weapons from their nerveless hands or cowered on the ground due to the fear that overcame them. As a blackness entered their minds, they no longer thought about fighting, and only thought of hiding, crawling away, and death.<ref name="Siege" />{{rp|823}} Even when they could not be seen or heard, their terrible presence could be felt, and those nearby felt a sense of dread.<ref>{{RK|Gate}}, p. 886</ref> Animals also feared them, and the only creatures that endured them were horses bred for the service of Sauron<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> and the [[Fell beasts|winged beasts]] that were given to them when their horses were destroyed.<ref name="White">{{TT|White}}, p. 498</ref> The evil aura that surrounded them was known as the ''[[Black Breath]]'', and those that came under its shadow fell ill and eventually passed into silence and died.<ref name="Houses">{{RK|Houses}}</ref>

The Ringwraiths did not have great physical power against fearless opponents.<ref name="L210" /> The Nazgûl also used physical weapons. At Weathertop, they bore steel swords, and the Witch-king had a knife that he stabbed Frodo with.<ref name="Visible" /> A shard of the [[Morgul-knife]] remained in Frodo's shoulder, and was moving deeper before it was removed by [[Elrond]]. It caused Frodo to begin to fade into the [[Unseen|wraith-world]], but the shard was unable to pierce his heart and bring him completely under the control of the Nazgȗl.<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> The Ringwraiths were also known to use deadly black darts.<ref name="HousesPage" /> The Witch-king used a black mace during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.<ref name="PelennorPage" />

The Nazgûl could not be slain by arrows,<ref name="White" /> and only weapons endowed with a special power, such as the [[blade of Westernesse]] that Merry used, could do them any great damage.<ref>{{RK|Battle}}, pp. 842-4</ref> Any blades that pierced the Witch-king were destroyed.<ref name="Flight" />{{rp|198}}

[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|''The Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

The Nazgûl existed mostly in the wraith-world and required their cloaks to give them form during their interactions with the living.<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> When their steeds and disguises were destroyed, they were forced to return to Sauron to receive new ones.<ref name="Disguises" />

The Nazgûl had poor vision in the world of light, but they were aware of the presence of other beings, and their perception grew stronger in the dark. They could detect living things by the smell of their blood, and they were drawn by the Ring.<ref name="knife" />{{rp|189}} They could also see beings with a presence in the wraith-world, such as the wearer of the One Ring, as well as certain powerful Elves with control over the Unseen, such as [[Glorfindel]]. Anyone who could see into the wraith-world could see the Nazgûl, as Frodo did on Weathertop<ref name="MeetingsTwo" /> and at the Ford of Bruinen.<ref name="FlightPage">{{FR|Flight}}, p. 214</ref>

The [[Witch-king]] could also affect objects and people with his power, and was able to strike Frodo dumb and shatter the dagger that Frodo had gotten in the [[Barrow-downs]] by raising his hand,<ref name="FlightPage" /> and he also weakened both hearts and stone with terrifying words of power while attacking the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith|Gate]] of [[Minas Tirith]]. He also caused flames to run along his sword.<ref name="Siege" />{{rp|828–9}} Whether other Nazgûl could perform similar feats is unknown.

==Identities==
Only a few of the Nazgûl are named or identified individually. Their leader was the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], and his second in command was named [[Khamûl]]. Khamûl was a lord of [[Easterlings]],<ref name="Black">{{UT|Black}}</ref> and was the only Nazgûl known by his name. Three of them were [[Númenóreans]].<ref name="Akallabeth" />

==Etymology==
''Nazgûl'' means "ringwraiths" in the [[Black Speech]]. It is a compound of ''[[nazg]]'' ("ring") and ''[[gûl]]'' ("[evil] spirit under control of Sauron").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry B '''Nazgûl''', p. 79</ref>

==Other names==
Among their many names and titles were: the Ringwraiths,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}, p. 51</ref> the Black Riders,<ref>{{FR|Three}}, p. 80</ref> the Fell Riders,<ref>{{RK|MT}}, p. 764</ref> the Nine Riders,<ref name="FlightPage" /> the Nine,<ref name="Shadow" /> the Nine Servants of the Lord of the Rings,<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 261</ref> the Black Wings,<ref>{{TT|Gate}}, p. 646</ref> Winged Messenger(s),<ref name="White" /> the Shadows,<ref name="HousesPage">{{RK|Houses}}, p. 864</ref> the Shriekers<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 925</ref>, the Nine Ring-slaves<ref name=":0">{{L|131}}</ref>, and the Black Rider(s) of the Air<ref name=":0" />.

An [[Elvish]] name given for the Ringwraiths is '''''Úlairi'''''.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref><ref>{{PM|Akallabeth}}, p. 153 (§30)</ref> Linguists have remarked that it is a [[Quenya]] plural name of unknown meaning and etymology.<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Helge Fauskanger]]|articleurl=http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/eng-quen.rtf|articlename=English-Quenya Wordlist (Quettaparma Quenyanna)|dated=|website=Arda|accessed=25 June 2011}}</ref><ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]''</ref> [[Michael Martinez]], analysing the word, has tentatively suggested that:

{{blockquote| ''Úlairi'' is a compound formed from ''Ú'' + ''lai'' + ''ri'' with probable meaning of "un (bad or immoral)" + "shadow" + "ones". In other words, the name may mean something like "those who are in/of unnatural shadow".<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Michael Martinez]]|articleurl=http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/08/15/what-is-the-literal-translation-of-ulairi/|articlename=What is the Literal Translation of Úlairi?|dated=15 August 2014|website=[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/ middle-earth.xenite.org]|accessed=16 August 2014}}</ref>}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The first appearance of a Black Rider in Tolkien's drafts was actually a disguised [[Gandalf]] who scared the Hobbits on their way to Rivendell, before revealing himself.<ref>{{RS|Hobbiton}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Nazgûl in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Ringwraiths.jpg|Four of the Nazgûl on horseback in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Ringwraith.jpg|A Ringwraith in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:War in Middle Earth - Nazgul 2.png|A Nazgûl from ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Ringwraiths.jpg|The Nazgûl in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nine in '[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<nowiki/>''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Nazgûl.jpg|The Nazgûl attack [[Sarn Ford]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''.
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The Nine are clad in brown and black, and have red eyes. The attack on ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' is their deed, not that of any accomplices. After the attack, they cast off their hoods, revealing the black armour and hideous masks they wear beneath their cloaks.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]'''
:The Nine are skull headed demons, who ride winged horses. The [[Witch-king]] himself rides a dragon-like creature, and has no face. Only a suspended crown and two red eyes can be seen. The Nazgûl have the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] rather than the emblem of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl serve as the main antagonists in the first half of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|the first film]]. Their dialogue is changed; the conversation with [[Hamfast Gamgee]] is omitted, and the conversation with [[Farmer Maggot]] is reduced. In the [[Unseen]], they are pale white ghostly creatures.

:After the death of the Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|the third film]], the other eight are taken out by [[Eagles]] and debris from [[Mount Doom]], however, nothing is told of their individual fates.

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king and the other Ringwraiths were buried in a dungeon in the [[High Fells of Rhudaur]] after the [[Battle of Fornost|fall]] of Angmar. The Witch-king initially appears in Dol Guldur, where he briefly fights [[Radagast]] with his Morgul-blade; he drops it and Radagast takes it, ultimately bringing it to [[Gandalf]], who then shows to the [[White Council]] in [[Rivendell]]. Later, Gandalf, following Galadriel's advice, visits the High Fells and discovers that the Nazgûl's cells were empty, broken open from the inside. Through this investigation, he is convinced that the Necromancer in Dol Guldur is indeed Sauron.

:During the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]] they appeared in armour, ghostly versions of their mortal forms. The Nine do battle with Galadriel, [[Saruman]], and Elrond. During the confrontation between Galadriel and Sauron, their living forms seem to [[Unseen|phase in and out of reality]] as holograms. Eventually they are driven to Mordor, with their master following suit.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:The Nine are featured in this adaptation through CGI as a passing shadow with their winged steed. They do not speak at all.

===Radio series===
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of the Ringwraiths was expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''.

===Games===
'''1977: [[War of the Ring (1977 board game)|''War of the Ring'' (board game)]]:'''
:The Nazgûl are present in this game. The Witch-king is the most powerful character available to the Sauron player. The second most powerful is identified as [[Gothmog]].

'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:The name of the eight, other than Khamûl, are given as ''Er-Mûrazôr'' (the [[Witch-king]], of Númenórean race), ''[[Third of the Nazgûl|Dendra Dwar of Waw]]'', ''[[Fourth of the Nazgûl|Jí Indûr Dawndeath]]'', ''[[Fifth of the Nazgûl|Akhôrahil]]'' (Númenórean), ''[[Sixth of the Nazgûl|Hôarmûrath of Dír]]'', ''[[Seventh of the Nazgûl|Adûnaphel]]'' (female Númenórean), ''[[Eighth of the Nazgûl|Ren the Unclean]]'' and ''[[Ninth of the Nazgûl|Ûvatha Achef the Horseman]]''.<ref>{{ICE|Mannish}}</ref><ref>{{ICE|Angus}}</ref>

'''1995: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear as hazard cards within ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards]]''. Their names are identical to those used in Middle-Earth Role Playing, except for the Witch-king, who is referred to only as the Witch-king of Angmar.

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl are portrayed as black figures with red eyes and purple mantle.

'''2001-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:All the Nazgûl are named - The Witch-king of [[Angmar]], The Dark Marshal, Khamûl The [[Easterlings|Easterling]], The Betrayer, The Shadow Lord, The Undying, The [[Dwimmerlaik]], The Tainted and The Knight of [[Umbar]]. Versions based on their depiction in ''The Hobbit'' trilogy retain the Witch-king and Khamûl; however, the remaining seven are dubbed the Dark Headsman, the Forsaken, the Lingering Shadow, and two pairs known as the Abyssal Knights and the Slayers of Men.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Black Riders form a threat in the Shire-stages of the game, where they need to be avoided by the player (in the persona of [[Frodo Baggins]]), and as the end boss for the game (in the persona of [[Aragorn]]). They are tall and robed in black, and nothing is seen underneath.

'''2001-7: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl, other than the Witch-king, are given [[Neo-Elvish|Neo-Quenya]] titles based on their numbers, and various English titles:
:*[[Khamûl|Úlairë Attëa]] (from ''[[atta]]'' = 2); Black Predator, Keeper of [[Dol Guldur]], Second of the Nine Riders, The Easterling.
:*[[Third of the Nazgûl|Úlairë Nelya]] (from ''[[neldë]]'' = 3); Black Hunter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Third of the Nine Riders
:*[[Fourth of the Nazgûl|Úlairë Cantëa]] (from ''[[canta]]'' = 4); Black Assassin, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, Fourth of the Nine Riders
:*[[Fifth of the Nazgûl|Úlairë Lemenya]] (from ''[[lempe]]'' = 5); Black Enemy, Lieutenant of Morgul, Fifth of the Nine Riders
:*[[Sixth of the Nazgûl|Úlairë Enquëa]] (from ''[[enquë]]'' = 6); Black Threat, Lieutenant of Morgul, Sixth of the Nine Riders
:*[[Seventh of the Nazgûl|Úlairë Ostëa]] [''sic'', later corrected to Úlairë Otsëa] (from ''[[otso]]'' = 7); Black Specter, Lieutenant of Morgul, Seventh of the Nine Riders
:*[[Eighth of the Nazgûl|Úlairë Toldëa]] (from ''[[tolto]]'' = 8); Black Shadow, Messenger of Morgul, Eighth of the Nine Riders
:*[[Ninth of the Nazgûl|Úlairë Nertëa]] (from ''[[nertë]]'' = 9); Black Horseman, Messenger of Dol Guldur, Ninth of the Nine Riders.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=801|articlename=Naming the Nazgul|dated=|website=[http://forum.barrowdowns.com/index.php? Forum.Barrowdowns.com]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/1/goal/|articlename=Lord Of The Rings (search function)|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=31 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:The Mordor faction has two different Nazgûl units: "Witch-king on Fell Beast" and "Nazgûl on Fell Beast". They are primarily used for scouting and surprise attacks.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:A new Ringwraith is introduced in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. Morgomir is the "Lieutenant of Carn-Dûm", the right-hand man of the Witch-king, of [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] descent. The design is similar to that in [[Peter Jackson]]'s films: he is hooded and cloaked when he works for the [[Mordor]] faction, and white and ghostly when he fights for Angmar.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear throughout the game. Three are Easterlings: "The Bane of Rhûn", "The Woe of Khand", and "The Cursed Rider"; three are [[Haradrim]]: "The Grim Southron", "The High Sorcerer of Harad", and "The Forsaken Reaver"; and three are of Númenórean origin: "The Black Blade of Lebennin", "The Gloom of Nurn", and the Witch-king of Angmar. The Nazgûl are also given the [[Sindarin]] name "Gwatharan" (pl. "Gwetherain").

:Early in the game one of the Nine wounds a [[Dúnedain]] ranger, Amdir, with a [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]], who is later transformed into a Wraith himself, despite the best efforts of Free Peoples. Later, the player attempts to resist the troubles the Nine are spreading in Bree-Land. During the Fellowship's stay in [[Lothlórien]], the [[Galadhrim]] Elves launch a military strike against [[Dol Guldur]], to draw the attention of the Eye from the company departing down the Shores of Anduin. During their travel down the waters of the Great River, Legolas shot and killed a fell shadow in the sky, not knowing it to be a Nazgûl. The player is later able to find the corpse of the fell beast in the [[Brown Lands]] and it becomes clear that a Nazgûl is not far. At night, the Wraith ambushes the player who manages to drive him away with the use of fire.

:During the Battle of the Pelennor, the Witch-king plays the role as described in the books. The High Sorcerer of Harad and the Woe of Khand guard the way to Gothmog in the raid instance "Throne of the Dread Terror", and the Forsaken Reaver is found at the end of the "Quays of the [[Harlond (Gondor)|Harlond]] instance, in which he attempts to prevent Aragorn and his host from joining the battle. The Gloom of Nurn confronts the players at the conclusion of "The Silent Street" instance, as he attempts to reclaim the crown of Eärnur among the tombs of Gondor's kings and stewards.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:In the Evil Campaign, the Eight Nazgûl bring the Witch-King back to life after Sauron reclaims the One Ring.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl appear in a flashback during the prologue of the game, in which they attack the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], the entrance of [[the Shire]]. Later in the flashback their leader, the [[Witch-king]], speaks with [[Agandaûr]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Although the Nazgûl do not appear in the game, they are mentioned many times within it.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl are featured in the game. Besides the [[Witch-king]] and [[Khamûl]] the other Nazgûl include:

:*[[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]], the king of Rohan who fell into darkness after receiving a Ring of Power from Sauron and Celebrimbor, and in his rage he was turned into a Nazgûl.
:*[[Talion]], who succumbed into the power of the Ring.
:*[[Isildur]], whose body was found by Orcs. He was revived by Sauron after receiving a Ring of Power; he was eventually freed by Talion who took his place amongst the Nazgûl.
:*Suladân, an original character, who was once a Númenórean king.
:*The Nazgûl Sisters, also original characters, known as Riya and Yuka, who stole their Rings from the other Nazgûl and took their places.

'''2022: ''[[War of the Ring: The Card Game]]'':'''
:The seven unnamed Nazgûl are given titles: ''[[:File:John Howe - The Reaver.jpg|The Reaver]]'', ''[[:File:John Howe - The Commander.jpg|The Commander]]'', ''[[:File:Jon Hodgson - The Destroyer.jpg|The Destroyer]]'',<ref>[https://issuu.com/aresgames/docs/wotr101-waroftheringcardgame-rulebook-en-web War of the Ring - The Card Game (English Rulebook) by. Ares Games Srl - Issuu]</ref> ''[[:File:John Howe - Nazgul 02.jpg|The Messenger]]'',<ref>[https://www.aresgames.eu/33595 War of the Ring: The Card Game: Against the Shadow Rulebook]</ref> ''[[:File:John Howe - The Hunter.png|The Hunter]]'', ''[[:File:John Howe - The Beguiler.jpg|The Beguiler]]'' and ''[[:File:John Howe - The Warrior.jpg|The Warrior]]''.<ref>[https://www.shelfside.co/reviews-2023/wotrcardgame-review War of the Ring: The Card Game Review]</ref>

==See also==
*The [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
*[[Khamûl]]
*[[F]]

==External links==
*[http://middle-earth.xenite.org/2014/01/29/what-is-the-history-of-the-nazgul/ What is the History of the Nazgul?] by [[Michael Martinez]]
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/origins_of_Nazgul.htm Origins of the Nazgûl and the Downfall of Númenor] by Alcuin

{{references|note}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nazgul}}
[[Category:Black Speech words]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[de:Nazgûl]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul]]
[[fi:Sormusaaveet]]

Sauron

2026-02-10T21:27:36Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Servant of Morgoth and master of the One Ring}}{{header image|mordor}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Maiar|Maia]]
| name=Sauron
| image=Alaïs - Annatar.jpg
| caption="Annatar" by [[:Category:Images by Alaïs|Alaïs]]
| pronun=[[Quenya|Q]], {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}}
| othernames=''Annatar'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Gorthaur'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) ''Mairon'' ([[Quenya|Q]]) ''Zigûr'' ([[Adûnaic|A]]) The Enemy [[Eye of Sauron|The Eye]] The Necromancer The Shadow ''([[#Other names|See below]])''
| titles=The [[Dark Lord]] The [[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Rings]] [[King of Men]] Lord of the World Ring-maker
| position=Smith of [[Aulë]] Lieutenant to [[Morgoth]]
| location=[[Timeless Halls]], [[Almaren]], [[Valinor]], [[Utumno]], [[Angband]], [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], [[Barad-dûr]], [[Ost-in-Edhil]], [[Armenelos]], [[Temple]], [[Dol Guldur]], and [[Window of the Eye]]
| affiliation=[[Aulë]] (originally) [[Morgoth|Melkor]] (later on)
| language=[[Valarin]], [[Black Speech]], [[Adûnaic]], and possibly [[Westron]]
| birth=[[Creation of the Ainur]]
| birthlocation=[[Timeless Halls]]
| rule={{SA|1600}} - {{TA|3019}}
| death=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Barad-dûr]], [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]]
| age= Unquantifiable
| notablefor=Deceived the [[Elves]] into forging the [[Rings of Power]]; Created [[The One Ring]]; Brought about the [[Downfall of Númenor]]; Nearly conquered the whole of [[Middle-earth]]
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=''[[#Physical form|See below]]''
| hair=
| eyes=''[[#Eye of Sauron|See below]]''
| clothing=
| weapons=[[The One Ring]]
| steed=
}}
<center>{{Quote|But in after days he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.|''[[Valaquenta]]'': Of the Enemies}}</center>

'''Sauron''' was a highly gifted [[Maiar|Maia]], originally an apprentice of [[Aulë]], who became skilled at crafting and making. Coveting the power through which he would coordinate all things according to his own will, he joined with [[Morgoth|Melkor]]. As "Gorthaur" he became the most trusted lieutenant of Morgoth, being reckoned as the greatest of his allies and servants in the [[Battles of Beleriand|Wars of Beleriand]]. From his fortress of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], Sauron was directly responsible for the death of [[Barahir]] and later the [[Noldor]]in king [[Finrod]] during the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. He demonstrated the ability to take the form of a wolf, a serpent, and a vampire.

After the downfall of Morgoth, Sauron continually strove to conquer [[Middle-earth]] throughout the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages. In the Second Age, under the guise of '''Annatar''', he deceived the [[Elves]] of [[Eregion]], who under his guidance had created the [[Rings of Power]], whilst he secretly forged [[the One Ring]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Thus Sauron became "'''[[Lord of the Ring|the Lord of the Rings]]'''". Failing to corrupt the Elves, he assaulted the [[Westlands]], beginning a period called the [[Dark Years]], the first time he became known as the '''[[Dark Lord]]'''. The arrogant [[Númenóreans]], contesting their rule on Middle-earth, challenged him, and Sauron accepted to be brought to [[Númenor]] as a captive; however his influence corrupted the Númenóreans further - leading to the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. His spirit escaped, as did [[Elendil]] and his sons, founding the Realms in Exile of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Elves and the [[Dúnedain]], formed the [[Last Alliance]] and, in {{SA|3441}}, Elendil and Elven [[High King of the Noldor|High King]] [[Gil-galad]] died fighting Sauron. Following Sauron's defeat, Elendil's son, [[Isildur]], severed his Ringed finger and took the One Ring for himself.

In the Third Age, Sauron the Enemy returned to Middle-earth and, as the '''Necromancer''', took the hill of [[Amon Lanc]] as his fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]; one of his foremost servants, the [[Witch-king]], formed the realm of [[Angmar]] in the north of [[Eriador]]. Following an attack by the [[White Council]] in {{TA|2941}}, the Dark Lord Sauron returned to his fortress of [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]], marshalling his armies and using his two-faced ally, the corrupted [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Saruman]]. By {{TA|3018}}, [[Frodo Baggins]] was in possession of the Ring, and he was led by [[Gandalf]] as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. Whilst Sauron waged the [[War of the Ring]] against the [[Free peoples]] of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] reached Mount Doom on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}, and the Ring was destroyed. The breaking of the Ring caused Sauron's fall, and his stepping on Morgoth's path down into the [[Void]], resulting in the start of the [[Fourth Age]] and the [[Dominion of Men]].

==History==
===Origin===
[[File:Maureval - Mairon.jpg|thumb|left|''Mairon'' by [[:Category:Images by Maureval|Maureval]]]]
{{quote|For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so.|[[Elrond]]<ref name="lotr-coe"/>}}
As one of the most powerful [[Maiar]], Sauron was [[Creation of the Ainur|created]] by [[Ilúvatar]] before the [[Music of the Ainur]].<ref name="Ainu">{{S|Ainu}}</ref> At the beginning of [[Time]], he was amongst the [[Ainur]] who entered into [[Eä]].<ref name="SVala">{{S|IId}}</ref> Here he became one of the Maiar of [[Aulë]], among whose people he was deemed mighty and surpassed only by the Smith himself,<ref name="SVala" /> and was known as '''''Mairon'''''.<ref name="PE17.1">{{PE|17}}, p. 183</ref><ref group="note">Although it could be possible the name 'Mairon' was adapted by the Elves to [[Quenya]] originally from [[Valarin]] name with the same meaning much later, this pure Valarin form vanished in history.</ref>

Mairon's virtue was his love for order, planning and coordination, disliking confusion and chaos. But his obsession with order gradually overshadowed his love for the other intelligent beings of Arda, who would benefit from his planning; it became the sole object of his will, the end in itself. He started admiring [[Morgoth|Melkor]]'s power to realize his designs quickly and masterfully.<ref name="myths" />

Early on, already by the blissful [[Spring of Arda]], he was ensnared by Melkor, becoming his spy on the isle of [[Almaren]], the dwelling-place of the Valar.<ref name="Annals">{{MR|P2a}}, p. 52</ref> While [[Tulkas]] was asleep, Melkor ruined the [[Two Lamps]], and when Almaren was also destroyed, the [[Valar]] moved to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm of Aman]], still not perceiving Sauron's treachery.<ref name="Valinor">{{L|131}}: "''… Sauron was a being of Valinor perverted to the service of the Enemy …''"</ref> Soon Mairon left the Blessed Realm for [[Middle-earth]], [[Sleep of Yavanna|in a dark time]] where Melkor dominated limitlessly, and bent the knee before him as his greatest and most trusted servant.<ref name="SRings">{{S|Rings}}</ref> Thus he came to be known as '''''Gorthaur''''' by the [[Sindar]] of [[Beleriand]] and '''''Sauron''''' by others. Sauron initially was not as evil as Morgoth, as he was serving someone and not himself;<ref name="SVala" /> and unlike Melkor, who wanted to unmake and corrupt the world, Sauron wished to rule it and do what he wanted with it.<ref name="myths">{{MR|Myths}}, pp. 394-398</ref>

After [[Morgoth]] made his great fortress of [[Angband]] in the north-west of [[Middle-earth]], he appointed Sauron to be its commander.<ref name="SCaptivity">{{S|Captivity}}</ref>

===First Age===
{{quote|Sauron was become now a sorcerer of dreadful power, master of shadows and of phantoms, foul in wisdom, cruel in strength, misshaping what he touched, twisting what he ruled, lord of werewolves; his dominion was torment.|''[[Quenta Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin]]"}}
At some point after the [[Awakening of the Elves]], it was Sauron who first discovered them and their dwellings.<ref>{{NM|P1xiv}}, p. 107</ref> Following their subsequent discovery by [[Oromë]], the Valar [[Battle of the Powers|made war against Melkor]] to protect them and though they stormed Angband and Utumno, they failed to find Sauron.<ref name="SCaptivity" /> Thus Sauron continued his evil operations; during the [[Great Journey|Great March]] of the [[Eldar]] to Valinor, it is said that he may have been responsible for the affliction upon the [[Atyamar|land of the Elves]] in the [[Vales of Anduin]], forcing the [[Elves]] to resume their journey.<ref>{{NM|P1vii}}, pp. 50-51</ref>

With the unchaining of Morgoth and his subsequent destruction of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], the [[Sun]] first rose and ushered in the awakening of [[Men]]. Leaving Sauron in command of the war, Morgoth left Angband in secret to find the second-born kindred of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]] and to corrupt them to his will.<ref name="SWest">{{S|West}}</ref>

After the [[Fall of Fingolfin]], Sauron launched an attack on [[Tol Sirion]]. Utter fear descended upon [[Orodreth]] and those who defended the isle. Sauron assailed [[Minas Tirith (Beleriand)|Minas Tirith]] and turned it into a watch tower for Morgoth. Therein Sauron sat and Tol Sirion the fair became [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], the Isle of Werewolves.<ref name="SFingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref>

Upon hearing of the deeds of [[Barahir]] and his companions, Morgoth ordered Sauron to find and kill them. [[Gorlim]], one of Barahir's companions, was captured and brought before Sauron. Sauron promised that he would free Gorlim and his wife [[Eilinel]] in return for information. Under the terror of Sauron's eyes, Gorlim revealed everything he knew, and thus the hiding place of Barahir was betrayed to the enemy. Subsequently, Sauron revealed Eilinel was dead and had Gorlim put to death.<ref name="Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref>

[[Beren]], son of [[Barahir]], promised to avenge his father's death. He wandered throughout [[Dorthonion]] as an outlaw and achieved great deeds that were heard far and wide. Morgoth set a high price on his head and Sauron, commanding a great army of [[werewolves]] and [[fell beasts]], sought for Beren.<ref name="Beren" />

Later, [[Finrod|Finrod Felagund]], Beren, and their ten companions left [[Nargothrond]] in search of the [[Silmarils]]. Despite their being disguised as Orcs, Sauron espied them as they entered into the vale between [[Ered Wethrin]] and [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] and was suspicious, as Orcs passing were supposed to report to him. He had them captured and they were brought to him. There Finrod and Sauron fought in songs of power; the strength of both was great, but Sauron was more powerful. He then stripped them of their Orc disguises but failed to discern who they were. He had them thrown into a dark pit where one by one they were devoured by a werewolf. Withstanding this horror, they refused to betray one another.<ref name="Beren" />

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Huan Subdues Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|''Huan subdues Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When all of their companions were dead, Finrod and Beren were the last who remained alive in Sauron's pit. When a werewolf went to attack Beren, Finrod Felagund used all his power to defeat it. In this he was successful. However, he was critically wounded and soon passed away. In that dark moment, [[Lúthien]] came to the bridge of [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and sang. From his tower of Minas Tirith, Sauron saw Lúthien and knew that it was the famous daughter of [[Melian]] and [[Thingol]]. He desired to capture her and hand her over to Morgoth. Therefore, he sent a wolf to the bridge, but it was quickly and silently slain by [[Huan]]. He sent many more, and each one Huan killed. Finally, he sent [[Draugluin]], sire of the werewolves of Angband. The fight between Huan and Draugluin was fierce. Eventually Draugluin fled and, before dying, he told his master that Huan was there. According to prophecy, Huan would not die until he had encountered the greatest of all wolves, so Sauron contrived to take on that role and defeat the hound. Therefore Sauron took on the form of a werewolf, the greatest the world had ever seen then, and went towards the bridge. So great was the terror of his approach that even Huan momentarily recoiled. Sauron leaped to attack Lúthien, but she drew her magic veil over his eyes, afflicting him with fatigue and blindness. Then Huan sprang upon Sauron and there they fought. The force of Sauron's malice alone left Lúthien weak and nearly unconscious, and the fighting was brutal and prolonged; however, he could not subdue the hound of [[Valinor]]. He was trapped within Huan's jaws and could not break free, even when he took the form of a serpent and finally his own shape. Rather than leave his physical form, he yielded to Lúthien, giving her control of the isle in return for his release. He then took the form of a vampire and fled to [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]], filling the forest with horror.<ref name="Beren" />

After the [[War of Wrath]], with the downfall of [[Morgoth]] and the destruction of [[Thangorodrim]], Sauron adopted a fair form and repented his evil deeds in fear of the wrath of the Valar. [[Eönwë]] ordered Sauron to return to [[Valinor]] in order to receive the judgement of Manwë. Sauron was not willing to suffer such humiliation, and he instead fled and hid himself in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="SRings" />

===Second Age===
[[File:Mysilvergreen - Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring.png|thumb|right|''Sauron-Annatar and the creation of the One Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Mysilvergreen|Mysilvergreen]]]]
It was {{SA|500|n}} years into the [[Second Age]] when Sauron started to stir again.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron decided that the [[Valar]] had forgotten about [[Middle-earth]] and he once again turned to evil; many Men in [[East]] and [[South]], already corrupted by Melkor, fell under the [[Shadow]] by following him.<ref name="SRings" /> By {{SA|882}}, [[Gil-galad]] sensed a shadow arising in the East and sent a [[Gil-galad's letter|warning]] to [[Númenor]].<ref>{{UT|Wife}}</ref> Around {{SA|1000}} Sauron was alarmed by the growing power of the [[Númenóreans]], and chose [[Mordor]] as a land to make into a stronghold. He began the building of [[Barad-dûr]], the Dark Tower, near Mount Doom.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Although Sauron long knew that [[Men]] were easier to sway, he sought to bring the [[Elves]] into his service, as they were far more powerful.<ref name="SRings" /> After lying hidden and increasing his power in secret, in {{SA|1200}} Sauron put on a fair visage, calling himself '''Annatar''', the Lord of Gifts, an emissary from the Valar.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (ed.), ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', "[[The History of Galadriel and Celeborn]]", "Concerning Galadriel and Celeborn"</ref> He was never welcome in [[Lindon]] as [[Elrond]] and [[Gil-galad]] did not trust him and refused to treat with him, although they did not perceive who he truly was.<ref name="SRings" />

Elsewhere Annatar was gladly received, especially in [[Eregion]], where only [[Galadriel]] distrusted him. The [[Noldorin]] smiths there learned much from him in art and magic, as their thirst for knowledge was great.<ref name="lotr-coe">{{FR|Council}}</ref><ref name="lotr-toy">{{App|SA}}</ref> Under the tutelage of Annatar and the leadership of [[Celebrimbor]], grandson of [[Fëanor]], the [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]], became more skilled than anyone save Fëanor himself. In the year {{SA|1500}}, when they reached the very height of their power, the Elves began the forging of the [[Rings of Power]], which according to Annatar, would help them preserve their powers over Middle-earth.

But Sauron was ready to begin his own plans, and in {{SA|1600}} - ten years after the completion of the Rings of Power - he created [[The One Ring]] to control the bearers of the other Rings. He invested most of his own power into the Ring as he forged it, so that it would be more powerful than the others. With its power he completed the building of the Dark Tower.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="lotr-toy" />

But the Elves were not so easily ensnared, and as soon as Sauron put on the One Ring they and Celebrimbor were aware of him, and realised they were betrayed.<ref name="lotr-coe" /><ref name="lotr-toy" /> They hid their Rings from Sauron and did not use them. Sauron demanded that the other Rings be given to him, for they would not have been made without his knowledge. The Elves refused, and the War was inevitable.<ref name="SRings" />

====[[Black Years]]====
During this time, Sauron constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim]] whom he dominated as a king and god. He had them make many fortified towns, and armed those under him with iron.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="dm" />

The [[War of the Elves and Sauron]] began in {{SA|1693}} and was a bloody conflict which destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Celebrimbor was slain and his body tied to a pole paraded at the head of Sauron's legions.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref> The Elves were pushed back almost to the Blue Mountains, while their Dwarven allies (who had also rejected Sauron) retreated behind the walls of [[Moria]] where Sauron could not assail them.

Sauron was the [[Dark Lord]] of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts, but the [[Númenóreans]] responded to the Elves' call for aid and sent a relief force. With united forces, Sauron's army was driven back and defeated near the [[Sarn Ford]] and withdrew to [[Tharbad]] where he was reinforced. But the Númenórean admiral [[Ciryatur]] had sent a fleet up the river Gwathló and Sauron's army was [[Battle of the Gwathló|attacked in the rear and utterly defeated]]. The Dark Lord fled back to Mordor with little more than his own bodyguard and a handful of Orcs.<ref>{{UT|Galadriel}}</ref>

Nonetheless, while Sauron's subsequent power never quite matched the height it had during the War with the Elves, many of his most powerful enemies' homelands had been devastated. As the Númenóreans established dominions around the [[Westlands]] (c. {{SA|1800}}),<ref name="lotr-toy" /> Sauron's empire continued to expand to dominate barbarian Men as servants and worshippers to the far south and east.<ref name="dm">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Amroth}}</ref>

As the Elves had failed him, he had decided to distribute the Rings of Power to three corrupted lords of [[Númenor]]<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> and [[Khamûl|an Easterling king]] and other five Men, as well as lords of the Dwarves. The Dwarves proved too hardy and resistant to their effects; but the Men eventually faded and in {{SA|2251}} they appeared as [[Ringwraiths]], his greatest slaves.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

Believing he would dominate all of Middle-earth, Sauron assumed many glorious titles: '''King of Kings''',<ref name="L131">{{L|131}}</ref> '''King of Men''',<ref name="Akallabeth" /> '''Lord of the Earth''',<ref name="SRings" /> and even '''Lord of the World'''.<ref name="L131" />

====On Númenor====
[[File:Elena Kukanova - The Temple of Melkor.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''The Temple of Melkor'' by [[Elena Kukanova]]]]
This offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]] who had already started to fall under the [[Shadow]]. The proud Númenóreans came to Middle-earth with great force of arms, and Sauron's forces fled. Realising he could not defeat the Númenóreans with military strength, Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]] in {{SA|3262}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser and was known as '''Zigûr''', the Wizard;<ref name="Defeated">{{HM|SD}}, ''passim''</ref> he seduced the King and further corrupted the people.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> He converted many Númenóreans to the worship of Darkness, becoming High Priest of a Melkor cult. He had the [[Nimloth (tree)|White Tree]] cut down and in its place raised a great [[Temple]] in which he performed human sacrifices, persecuting those who were still [[Faithful]]. Finally, he convinced the king to rebel against the Valar and attack Valinor itself, claiming they would gain immortality. [[Ilúvatar|Eru]], the supreme God, then directly intervened: Númenor was drowned under the sea, and the great navy of Númenor was destroyed.

Sauron was on Númenor in the Temple of Melkor and was caught in the ensuing [[Downfall of Númenor|flood]]. However, his spirit survived, although severely weakened by the destruction, and it fled back to Middle-earth.

====Against the Faithful====
Sauron's spirit returned to Mordor in {{SA|3320}},<ref name="lotr-toy" /> where he slowly rebuilt his strength, although he was unable to assume a fair shape. From this point on he started to rule through terror and force, largely filling the fearsome role left vacant by his former master.

Meanwhile, a few faithful Númenóreans, led by [[Elendil]], were saved from the flood, and they founded [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in Middle-earth. Sauron still considered them his hated enemies and he launched a pre-emptive attack on Gondor in {{SA|3429}}.<ref name="lotr-toy" />

In response, the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] with the Elven-king [[Gil-galad]]. Learning of them, Sauron dispatched some [[Orcs of Mordor]] to the [[Misty Mountains]] to ambush them.<ref>{{UT|Gladden}}, Note #20</ref> He also burned the [[Brown Lands|gardens]] of the [[Entwives]] against the advance of the Allies down the [[Anduin]].<ref>{{L|144}}</ref> Nonetheless, the Allies reached Mordor and defeated Sauron's forces in the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] in {{SA|3434}} and finally laid siege before [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name="lotr-toy" />

The siege lasted for seven years until {{SA|3441}}, when Sauron left his fortress, engaging in direct combat. Elendil and Gil-galad fought Sauron and vanquished him, but both were killed.<ref name="lotr-toy" /> [[Isildur]], son of Elendil, cut the One Ring from Sauron's finger and claimed it. Later, the Ring betrayed him and was lost for more than two thousand years. After his defeat in the War of the Last Alliance, Sauron lost his ability to form a physical body for a great while.

===Third Age===
Sauron's defeat released his subjects, like the [[Easterlings]], from his tyranny, but they fell into chaos. Their tribes and kingdoms battled against each other and some withdrew to the hated west.<ref>{{UT|6b}}, p. 259</ref> Weakened by his defeat and the loss of the One Ring, it is thought that he fled to the far east to regain his power and strength before returning.

It was not until c. {{TA|1000}} that Sauron could again begin to take shape in a physical living body. Worried by this prospect, the [[Valar]] sent [[Wizards|five]] [[Maiar]] from the West to assist the peoples of Middle-earth against Sauron.<ref>{{UT|Istari}}, pp. 388-389</ref>

His power was enough that he began again to throw a shadow across portions of [[Middle-earth]]. Apparently, Sauron's spirit managed to move some Easterlings, who invaded [[Rhovanion]] and came to the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #60</ref>

====The Necromancer====
These moves coincided with the coming of the [[Shadow]] to [[Mirkwood|Greenwood the Great]].<ref>{{PM|Atani}}</ref> Around {{TA|1050|n}} he chose [[Amon Lanc|a hill]] in southern Greenwood as a place to build the fortress of [[Dol Guldur]]. At first, the [[Wise]] thought that this "Necromancer" was one of the [[Nazgûl]] who had returned and taken up residence in southern Greenwood.<ref name="TA" />

The year {{TA|1300}} marked Sauron's increased power, evidenced by "evil things" who multiplied and grew bold again, like the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and some of the [[Dragons]], who attacked the [[Dwarves]]; and the return of the Nazgûl, with the founding of the evil realm of [[Angmar]].<ref name="TA" /> In the following centuries, Sauron's subjects in Angmar, the East and the South concentrated against his ancient enemies. Kings [[Araphant]] of [[Arnor]] and [[Ondoher]] of [[Gondor]] realised that a single force was coordinating the attacks on both of their kingdoms and that they needed to work together to combat this evil. However, Angmar was successful in destroying Arnor, and soon after the Nazgûl gathered in Mordor and [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|conquered]] [[Minas Ithil]] to prepare for Sauron's return; their final success was ending the [[King of Gondor|royal line]] of Gondor.<ref name="SRings" /><ref name="TA" /><ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> As his shadow deepened, [[Durin's Bane|a balrog]] awoke, causing the desertion of [[Moria]].<ref name="TA" />
[[File:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]
By {{TA|2060}} the power of Dol Guldur grew so much that [[the Wise]] were alerted that Sauron was returning. [[Gandalf]] entered the fortress in {{TA|2063|n}} but the shadow fled before him. Returning to the [[East]],<ref name="TA" /> Sauron started corrupting the [[Easterlings]] and forging a strong alliance between their tribes.{{fact}} The period of his absence was known as the ''[[Watchful Peace]]'', because the Shadow on Mirkwood had lessened and the Nazgûl stayed quiet in Minas Morgul,<ref name="TA" /> using this period to prepare for Sauron's return.

====Return to Dol Guldur====
The Necromancer returned in {{TA|2460|n}} more powerful, with many Men in his service, and again took up residence in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> His return coincided with the One Ring revealing itself [[Third Age 2463|three years later]], falling in the hands of [[Gollum|a Stoor]]. Sensing the danger, the [[Wise]] formed the [[White Council]].<ref name="TA" />

The Necromancer's aims remained to gather the Rings of Power, find news about the One Ring, and eliminate the [[Heir of Isildur]], if one remained in [[Middle-earth]].<ref name="TA" /><ref>{{App|Tale}}</ref> In {{TA|2475}} the [[Uruk-hai]] exited Mordor and briefly conquered [[Ithilien]]. [[Third Age 2480|Some years later]] the Orcs of the Mountains organised themselves, blocking the passes to the West; Moria had been depopulated centuries earlier by the Balrog, and Sauron sent Orcs and [[Trolls]] there.<ref name="TA" /> Also under his shadow were the [[Balchoth]], who invaded Mirkwood and cooperated with Orcs to attack Gondor.<ref name="stew" /> Sauron's servants captured the [[King of Durin's Folk|Dwarf King]] [[Thráin|Thráin II]] and took [[Ring of Thrór|one]] of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf rings]] from him.<ref name="TA" />

Still investigating the Necromancer, [[Gandalf]] snuck into Dol Guldur in {{TA|2850|n}} and met the dying Dwarf King, learning that the Necromancer was none other than Sauron. [[Third Age 2851|The next year]], Gandalf informed the White Council and urged an immediate attack upon the fortress, but [[Saruman|Saruman the White]] had learned of the presence of the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], and he thought it best to allow Sauron to build up his strength in order to reveal its location so that Saruman could seize it himself. Following this strategy, Saruman opposed Gandalf.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref>

As his power was growing and his arising came closer, his minions moved again against Gondor; his agents stirred the [[Haradrim]] to resume attacking Gondor, while [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Orcs of Mordor]] infested [[Ithilien]]<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew" /> but never managed to pass beyond Anduin, further into Gondor.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> All this time Sauron apparently had learned about the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]] where his old enemy Isildur was killed, shortly after his own demise, almost three millennia ago. He sent his minions to look for the One Ring around [[Anduin]] near the [[Gladden Fields]], not knowing that it had been already in the possession of [[Gollum|a Stoor]].<ref name="TA" />

====Attack of the White Council====
Considering the situations, and the occupation of the dragon [[Smaug]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Gandalf was worried that Sauron's military assault against the [[West]] was a matter of time, and that he would use Smaug in his force; Gandalf started considering a simultaneous attack both against Dol Guldur and against Smaug, to weaken Sauron.<ref name="erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|''Dol Guldur'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
In {{TA|2939}}, Saruman learned that Sauron was searching for the Ring, and worried that he would find it sooner than he. In {{TA|2941|n}}, he conceded with Gandalf to [[Attack on Dol Guldur|attack Dol Guldur]].<ref name="TA" /> Indeed, in the meantime Gandalf managed to eliminate Smaug, and the Orcs of the Mountains were decimated in the [[Battle of Five Armies|ensuing battle]], allowing the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and [[Dale]] to flourish again.<ref name="erebor" /><ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

Although Gandalf was weakening Sauron's potential grasp in the [[Wilderland|North]],<ref name="erebor" /> Sauron had been expecting the White Council's attack against Dol Guldur and fled from there.<ref name="TA" />

====Return to Mordor====
The [[Nazgûl]] had been preparing [[Barad-dûr]] for Sauron's return, so it was easy for Sauron to return secretly to his old stronghold [[Third Age 2942|a year later]]. Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951}}, sent three Nazgûl back to Dol Guldur and started rebuilding the Dark Tower, and once it was completed, the [[Mount Doom]] erupted.<ref name="TA" /><ref name="stew">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

From then on, Sauron stayed in Barad-dûr to conduct his war on the [[Free peoples]]. The shadow of Mordor caused despair and sickness to the Gondorians, like [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]], and in his desperation, the Steward [[Denethor]], Sauron's most immediate enemy, used the [[Anor-stone]] to gain knowledge. That ''[[palantír]]'' was directly linked to the [[Ithil-stone]] that the Nazgûl had taken from Minas Morgul, and when Sauron used it, he discovered Denethor was using his. Sauron attempted to wrench the Anor-stone to his will, but failed due to Denethor's strength of will and birth-right to the stone. But this stressed and wore out the steward, who lost his hope.<ref name="stew" /><ref>{{UT|Palantiri}}</ref>

By {{TA|3000}}, the shadow lengthened, and Saruman, who was residing in [[Orthanc]], had secretly found and decided to use the [[Orthanc-stone]]. As happened with Denethor, Sauron linked with his mind, managing to corrupt him;<ref name="TA" /> from one of his wisest enemies, Saruman became one of his greatest allies.

Around {{TA|3009}}, [[Gollum]], who formerly bore the One Ring and now pursued its thief, ventured into Mordor and was captured by Sauron's minions. Gollum was tortured and interrogated for the following years,<ref name="TA" /> and before releasing him, Sauron learned that the One Ring had been found by [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[the Shire]].

Sauron bred immense armies of Orcs and allied with or enslaved Men from the east and south. He adopted the symbol of a lidless eye, and he was able at that time to send out his will over Middle-earth, so that the [[Eye of Sauron]] became a symbol of power and fear.

====The War of the Ring====
Sauron was alarmed when the [[Elves of Mirkwood]] captured Gollum,<ref name="TA" /> so in June of {{TA|3018}} he dispatched the Nazgûl to hunt for [[the One Ring]] in secrecy. To disguise the crossing of the Nine over the Great River, Sauron staged an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]]. This feint served two purposes: first, to test the strength and preparedness of Denethor, and second and more importantly, to present the Nazgûl as merely a military asset, concealing from the [[Wise]] their true mission.<ref name="hunt" /> Denethor's forces were stronger than Sauron hoped, but Sauron took the eastern half of the city nonetheless. This allowed the Nazgûl to cross the Great River and begin their hunt.<ref name="hunt" /> Now knowing the measure of his enemy, Sauron continued to amass his forces in Minas Morgul and Mordor in preparation for the siege of Gondor.<ref name="TT|IV4">{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

By September, the Nazgûl had failed to discover the Shire, and Sauron's wrath and fear were mounting. Via messenger, Sauron ordered the Nine to discard secrecy in favour of speed and go to Isengard to confront Saruman about his knowledge of the whereabouts of the Ring. At this time, Sauron also conveyed to the Nine such dire threats as to dismay even the Lord of Morgul.<ref name="hunt" /> The Nine ultimately failed in their mission, being defeated and unhorsed by the flood of the Bruinen. The Witch-king returned alone to Mordor in December of 3018 to Sauron's great fear, for Sauron perceived that his foes still had strength left in them, and luck seemed to be on their side.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "The Ring Goes South", p. 262</ref>

Sauron's next glimpse of the Ring (or so he believed) would come in the late hours of [[5 March]] T.A. 3019, when Pippin looked into the ''palantír'' of Orthanc that he had recovered from the flood of Isengard. Sauron, unaware of Saruman's defeat at hands of the [[Ents]], assumed Pippin was the Wizard's prisoner, and was being forced to look into the ''palantír'' as a form of cruel sport. Rather than interrogate Pippin immediately, Sauron chose to torment him, and bid him tell Saruman that he would send for the prisoner immediately.<ref>{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> He was therefore deceived into thinking the Ring was finally within his grasp.

A few hours later, on the morning of [[6 March]], Sauron encountered one of his foes in the ''palantír'' of Orthanc: Aragorn looked into the Stone, revealing himself to Sauron as the Heir of Isildur and wielder of [[Andúril]], the Blade Reforged. Aragorn spoke no word to Sauron and with a great effort of will wrested control of the Stone from him. As Aragorn intended, this played on Sauron's gnawing doubts and filled him with fear, believing that Aragorn might have overthrown Saruman, seizing Pippin and therefore the Ring. Thus, he ordered the Witch-king to launch his long-planned assault on Gondor immediately, rather than wait for all preparations to be made, hoping to destroy his enemies before they had a chance to make full use of the Ring's power.<ref name="RKV2">{{RK|V2}}</ref>

The death of the Witch-king and the defeat of his army in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] were a setback to Sauron, but he still had a great force of arms held in reserve in Mordor, more than enough to eventually secure military victory against all of his enemies combined. After his encounter with Aragorn in the ''palantír'', Sauron believed that one of his foes in Minas Tirith held the One Ring and would soon attempt to use it. As such, Gandalf was able to exploit Sauron's false beliefs with an audacious plan: the army of the Free Peoples would march on the Black Gate as a feint, keeping Sauron's Eye fixed upon them and blind to all else that moved, as the true Ringbearer made his way to Mount Doom.<ref name="RKV9">{{RK|V9}}</ref>

For the next nine days, Gandalf's plan worked - as the Host of the West made its way east and north, Sauron kept his entire focus upon it and diverted the whole strength of Mordor to the Black Gate to meet them. Even when Shagrat brought news of an "Elvish" intruder in [[Cirith Ungol]], Sauron's belief that the Ring was with the Host of the West remained unshaken and he made no attempt to investigate further; he could certainly not imagine that his enemies were trying to sneak the Ring into Mordor. Frodo and Sam thus made it to the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] undetected, and Sauron did not become aware of them until the very moment that Frodo claimed the Ring for himself.<ref name="RKVI3">{{RK|VI3}}</ref> [[File:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

Only then did Sauron finally perceive Frodo and, realising he had been tricked, was overwhelmed with wrath and fear. He instantly lost all interest in the ongoing [[Battle of the Morannon]] and dispatched the Nazgûl from the skies above the battle to Mount Doom with all haste. It was too late; Gollum fell into the Crack of Doom with the Ring, destroying it and himself. In the moment of the Ring's destruction, Barad-dûr and many other of Sauron's fortresses crumbled to ruin. Sauron's spirit emerged and rose above Mordor like a black cloud - he stretched out his hand towards the army of the West, but even as he did so, he was blown away by a great wind and vanished.<ref name="RKVI4">{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Thus Sauron's power was unmade, and his dominion in Middle-earth came to an end. According to Gandalf, Sauron was "maimed for ever, becoming a mere spirit of malice that gnaws itself in the shadows, but cannot again grow or take shape."<ref name="RKV9" /> Sauron's corporeal body that was in the Dark Tower died, and without the Ring, his spirit no longer had the power to create a new one. Though his indestructible mind and being were bound forever to [[Eä]], Sauron had lost all power to effect his will upon the world<ref>{{L|200}}</ref> and could never again grow in strength.<ref>{{MR|P5VII}}, section iii, p. 403 and note 11, p. 407</ref>

It is said of Sauron, in summary of his long career of wickedness in Arda, that "he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void."<ref name="SVala" />

==Characteristics==
Sauron was a being of exceptional power, both in personal might and in sorcery, yet his greatest strength lie in his cunning, intellect, and charisma; through persuasion, deception, and coercion, he brought ruin to many mortal realms and united others unto himself, often without ever having to physically intervene, and he nearly cast Middle-earth into darkness several times throughout his existence.

Much like his [[Morgoth|master]], pride in his own abilities was his greatest personal weakness, and this arrogance, coupled with an underestimation of his enemies, would ultimately doom him.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

===Physical form===
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|Tolkien's unfinished sketch of Sauron, apparently showing him just after the destruction of the Ring]]
At first Sauron appeared as a royal and commanding figure in a strong body. He was also able to veil his power and change his shape. Later, however, he could take only a terrible form, of a stature greater than a [[Men|Man]]'s, though not giant,<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> "an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure."<ref name="Akallabeth" /> [[Isildur]] recounted that at the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron's hand was black with a deadly burning touch.<ref name="lotr-coe" /> Gollum would also call him "Black Hand", noticing he only had four fingers after Isildur cut one off.<ref name="Closed">{{TT|IV3}}</ref>

===Eye of Sauron===
The '''[[Eye of Sauron]]''', called by various names, was the symbol of Sauron the Dark Lord following the loss of [[the One Ring]]. This symbol was adopted to show his unceasing vigilance and piercing perception, and was displayed on the weaponry of his servants, or at least the [[orcs]].

Sauron's Eye as Frodo sees it in the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] is the only feature of his later form described in detail. It is yellow and rimmed with fire, with a slit pupil, "a window into nothing."<ref>{{FR|II7}}</ref> The colour is compared to that of a cat's eye, but because of the references to Sauron's Lidless Eye, it may also resemble that of a snake, such as an adder. Readers differ as to whether Sauron's eyes were literally lidless and resembled what Frodo saw, or instead the Eye was only a symbol that Frodo saw in the Mirror in an elaborate form.

Sauron's gaze, even indirectly, was known to wither, exhaust, and weaken his foes, with [[Denethor II|Denethor]], [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]], and [[Gandalf]] all rendered weary and dreadful after confronting him.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The sheer malevolence Sauron exuded through his presence alone was enough to render Lúthien frail and nearly unconscious.<ref name="Beren" />

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Quenya - Sauron.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
'''''Sauron''''' (pron. {{IPA|[ˈsaʊron]}})<ref group="note">''Sauron'' is pronounced "sour-on" (''sour'' as in not sweet).</ref> is a [[Quenya]] name, said to mean "the Abhorred".<ref>{{S|Index}}, entry "Sauron"</ref>

Several accounts of the origin of the name ''Sauron'' were suggested in different linguistic manuscripts:
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, evil-smelling, putrid", from the [[Sundocarme|root]] [[THUS#Other versions|THUS]]).<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "[[THUS]]-"</ref>
*deriving from Quenya ''[[saura]]'' ("foul, vile"; from root [[SAWA]]). The manuscript continues saying that ''Sauron'' "could be a genuine [[Sindarin]] formation from ''[[saur]]''; but is probably from Quenya". However, this origin appears to have been rejected, as it is followed by the comment "No. [[THAW|THAW-]], cruel. ''[[Saura]]'', cruel" in the manuscript.<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 183-4</ref>
*deriving from the [[Primitive Quendian]] form ''þaurond-'' (formed from the adjective ''þaurā'' "detestable", from root [[THAW]]).<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 380</ref>
*deriving from '''''Thauron''''', which includes the [[Sindarin]] element ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"; also found in [[Sauron#Other names|''Gor'''thaur''''']]).<ref name="Appendix">{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''gor'', ''thaur''</ref>

==Other names==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Gorthaur.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{pronounce|Quenya - Mairon.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{Pronounce|Annatar.mp3|Ardamir}}
'''''Gorthaur''''' was a name used of Sauron by the [[Sindar]] during the [[First Age]],<ref name="SVala" /><ref>{{WJ|15}}, p. 240</ref> which was composed of the elements ''[[gor]]'' ("horror, dread") and ''[[thaur]]'' ("abominable, abhorrent"), thus meaning "Terrible Dread";<ref name="Appendix" /> an alternate variation of this name was '''''Gorsodh'''''.<ref>{{WJ|One}}, entry 455, §153, p. 54</ref> The Quenya equivalent was '''''Ñorsus'''''.<ref name="PE17.1" />

In some of Tolkien's notes from the 1950s, it is said that Sauron's original name was '''''Mairon''''' ([[Quenya|Q]], "the Admirable"), but this was altered after he was suborned by Melkor. He continued to call himself Mairon the Admirable, or '''Tar-mairon''' ("King Excellent"), until after Númenor's downfall,<ref name="PE17.1" /> although he could not use that name in Númenor, as it was a Quenya name with royal implications. There he was called '''''Zigûr''''',<ref name="Defeated" /> meaning "Wizard" in [[Adûnaic]].<ref>{{SD|3vi9}}, p. 437</ref>

'''''Annatar''''' is Quenya for "Lord of Gifts", from ''[[anna]]'' + ''[[tar]]''.<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entries ''anna'', ''tar''</ref> It can be noticed that Morgoth used a similar name when he seduced the first [[Men]]: "Giver of Gifts".<ref>{{MR|P4i}}, The '[[Tale of Adanel]]', p. 344</ref> In an isolated note, Tolkien gives other names used by Sauron when he seduced the Elves in the Second Age: '''''Artano''''' ("High-smith") and '''''Aulendil''''' ("Devoted to Aulë").<ref>{{UT|6}}, Notes, p. 254</ref>

Among his many titles and epithets were:
*The '''Base Master of Treachery''', used once by Gandalf to explain why the [[Mouth of Sauron]] should not be trusted.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[Black Hand]]''', used twice by Gollum.<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Master|Black Master]]''', used by [[Isildur]] when cursing Sauron's former servants, the [[Oathbreakers]].<ref name="RKV2" />
*The '''Black One''', used once by [[Gollum]].<ref name="Closed" />
*The '''[[Dark Lord]]''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Dark Power''', used by Gandalf.<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref>
*The '''Deceiver''', given by [[Amandil]] before departing to ask the Valar deliverance from Sauron's corruption.<ref name="Akallabeth">{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref>
*The '''Enemy''', given by the [[Free Peoples]] after he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''[[Eye of Sauron|Eye]]''', with its variants, mainly referred to his mental form and his [[Eye of Sauron|emblem]], but also applied to Sauron himself.<ref>{{RK|I3}}, entry "Eye, The"</ref>
*The '''Great''', following the name of ''Sauron'', it is only used once by Gandalf,<ref name="Shadow">{{FR|I2}}</ref> once by [[Glóin]],<ref name="lotr-coe" /> and once by the Mouth of Sauron.<ref name="Mouth">{{RK|V10}}</ref>
*The '''[[King of Kings]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''[[King of Men]]''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="Akallabeth" />
*The '''Lord of the Earth''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Lord of [[Barad-dûr]],''' given to Sauron during the periods he inhabitated the Dark Tower; used by [[Denethor]]<ref name=":0">{{RK|V4}}</ref> and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="RKV9" />
*The '''[[Lord of the Ring (title)|Lord of the Ring]]''' or '''Lord of the Rings'''.
*The '''Lord of the World''', given by himself when he rose in the Second Age, enraging Ar-Pharazôn.<ref name="L131" />
*The '''Nameless''', probably given by the [[Gondorians|people of Gondor]], as it is only used by Boromir as '''Nameless Enemy''',<ref name="lotr-coe" /> by Faramir as '''Nameless One''',<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> and by the watchmen of Gondor.<ref name=":0" />
*The '''Necromancer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''King''', given by the people of [[Agar]].<ref>{{PM|Elmar}}</ref>
*The '''One Enemy''', used once by Frodo Baggins.<ref name="TT|IV4" />
*The '''[[Ring-maker]]'''.<ref name="Shadow" />
*The '''Ruler''', used once by Saruman during his confrontation with Gandalf.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*The '''[[Shadow]]''', not properly given to him, but to his power when he expanded it in the Third Age.<ref name="SRings" />
*The '''Sorcerer''', used during his rule in [[Dol Guldur]] when his identity was unknown.<ref name="lotr-coe" />
*'''Wolf-Sauron''', the name given to the dreadful werewolf-shape that Sauron took on when he went to do battle with [[Huan]].<ref name="Beren" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Since the earliest versions of the [[legendarium]], Sauron has undergone many changes. The prototype of this character was '''[[Tevildo]]''', lord of the cats, who played the role later taken by Sauron in the earliest version of the story of [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two]]'', "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]". Morgoth also had another servant named '''[[Fankil]]''' who led evil [[Dwarves]] and notably acted as his lieutenant, a role assumed by Sauron in the final works.

Tevildo later was transformed into '''[[Thû]]''', the Necromancer - the first proper iteration of the later Sauron. The name was then changed to ''Gorthû'', ''Sûr'', and finally to Sauron. ''Gorthû'', in the form ''Gorthaur'', remained in ''The Silmarillion''.

In the first version of the Fall of Númenor, Sûr (Thû) originally came to Númenor in the likeness of a great bird and preached a message of deliverance, and he prophesied the second coming of Morgoth. He spoke with the king (Angor) and queen (Istar) and promised them undying life and lordship of the Earth. They believed him and fell under the shadow, and the greatest part of the people of Númenor followed them. Angor raised a great temple to Morgoth in the midst of the land, and Sûr dwelt there.<ref name="downfall1">{{LR|P1II2}}</ref>{{rp|§5}} As Angor felt the oncoming of old age, Sûr convinced the king that that the gifts of Morgoth were withheld by the Gods, and that to obtain plenitude of power and undying life he must be master of the West. Sûr then aided the Númenóreans in making their great armament.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§6}} Thû survived the destruction of the island and retreated to Middle-earth where he fought wars against the surviving Númenóreans, whose hearts were not crooked and hated Thû, that assailed his temples and servants.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§13}} Eventually Amroth,<ref group="note">This Amroth is a predecessor to Eldendil, hence is a Man, not an Elf</ref> the King of Beleriand, took council with Elrond, and with what Elves remained they crossed over the mountains and assailed the fortress of Thû; Amroth himself was slain, but Thû was brought to his knees, with his servants dispelled and his dwellings destroyed, and he fled to a dark forest and hid himself.<ref name="downfall1" />{{rp|§14}}

Prior to the publication of ''The Silmarillion'', Sauron's origins and true identity were unclear to those without full access to Tolkien's notes. For example, in early editions of ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth|The Guide to Middle Earth]]'', Sauron was described as "probably of the Eldar elves".

===The Necromancer===
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the Necromancer is an obscure villainous entity mentioned fleetingly by [[Gandalf]] as one of the dangers of the wider world. He is peripheral to the plot of the book: explaining why the company takes the dangerous road through Mirkwood rather than going around, and providing a reason for Gandalf's absence for that section of the journey. Thematically the Necromancer, a truly 'terrible' force beyond the power of the main protagonists, gives the world of ''The Hobbit'' a greater level of reality which Tolkien felt was necessary for a "fairy-tale" to ring true.<ref name="Letter17">{{L|17}}</ref>

Despite the alias, it would appear that the Necromancer was always intended to stand for Sauron, a figure from the very earliest phases of his legendarium (as [[Tevildo]] in "[[The Tale of Tinúviel]]"). Shortly after the publication of ''The Hobbit'' Tolkien wrote:

{{blockquote|Mr Baggins began as a comic tale among conventional and inconsistent Grimm's fairy-tale dwarves, and got drawn into the edge of it – so that even Sauron the terrible peeped over the edge.|[[Letter 19]]}}

Indeed, in the ''[[Lay of Leithian]]'', [[Thû]] is called a "necromancer" who "held his hosts of [[phantoms]] and of wandering [[ghosts]]" (l. 2075) in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref>{{LB|C7}}</ref>

However, as ''The Hobbit'' was not originally intended to be integrated with Tolkien's wider mythology the Necromancer did not necessarily need to be consistent with his [[First Age]] counterpart Sauron, rather the two were loosely linked to add an 'impression of depth' to the narrative of ''The Hobbit''. With Tolkien's decision to merge the two 'worlds' and make Sauron the central antagonist of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' came the need to reconcile the two figures and account for his whereabouts in the millennia between the end of the First Age and his dwelling in Bilbo's Mirkwood. This was largely achieved in the ''[[Appendix B|Tale of Years]]'', with Sauron becoming a much greater figure after the fall of his master, one who arguably drove the history of the entire Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth.

Fans have noted that the alias "Necromancer" for Sauron is obscure, as in the context of neither ''The Hobbit'' nor ''The Lord of the Rings'' Sauron is ever specifically mentioned to use [[Wikipedia:necromancy|necromancy]], i.e. controlling the [[spirits]] of the dead.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/47756/why-is-sauron-called-the-necromancer|articlename=Why is Sauron called the "Necromancer"?|dated=|website=Stackexchange|accessed=9 January 2020}}</ref>

A later essay mentions the practice of necromancy concerning the ''[[fëar]]'' of the [[Unbodied]] Elves, mentioning that Sauron possibly did so and also taught his followers,<ref>{{MR|P3II3c}}, p. 224</ref> although this reference is not given in the context of the story.

==Minions and allies==
*[[Thuringwethil]]- Vampire Herald
*[[Draugluin]]- First of the Werewolves of Angband; mortally-wounded by [[Huan]]
*The [[Witch-king|[Witch-king of Angmar]] - Lord of Morgul, Lord of the Nazgûl and deadliest servant; vanquished by [[Éowyn]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]
**[[Khamûl]] - Lieutenant of Dol Guldur, second only to the Witch-king among the Nazgûl; undone by the destruction of [[the One Ring]]
**Other 7 [[Nazgûl]] - Most terrible of his servants; perished with the One Ring
*The [[King of the Dead]] - King of the Oathbreakers, former servant bound to the [[Heir of Isildur]]
*[[Ar-Pharazôn]] - Last King of Númenor, rival-turned-puppet, coerced to the worship of the Darkness
*[[Herumor]] - Lord among the Haradrim
*[[Fuinur]] - Chief among the Haradrim
*[[Captain of the Haven]] - Commander of the Corsairs of Umbar; slain by [[Aragorn]]
*The [[Mouth of Sauron]] - Lieutenant of the Dark Tower and personal Ambassador
**[[Grishnákh]] - Orc captain of the Dark Tower; slain by the Riders of Rohan
*[[Saruman]] - Lord of Isengard, corrupted White [[Wizards|Wizard]] and treacherous ally; stabbed in the back by Gríma
**[[Gríma]] - Chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] in Rohan, Saruman's mole at the court; shot by Hobbit arrows
**[[Squint-eyed southerner]] - Dunlending spy at the Prancing Pony Inn
**[[Bill Ferny]] - Outlaw of Bree-land
**[[Harry Goatleaf]] - Gate-keeper of the West-gate of Bree, informant
*[[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]] - Lieutenant of Morgul, second only to the Witch-king among the Morgul-host
**[[Gorbag]] - Captain of the Orcs of Morgul that captured [[Frodo Baggins]]; murdered by Shagrat
*[[Shagrat]] - Captain of Cirith Ungol; put to death for his failures
**[[Muzgash]] - Orc guard at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Lagduf]] - Orc sentry stationed at Cirith Ungol; shot by treacherous comrades
**[[Radbug]] - Orc sentinel of Cirith Ungol; had his eyes squeezed out by Shagrat
**[[Snaga (orc of Mordor)|Snaga]] - Torturer of Cirith Ungol; fell to his demise in a fight with [[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Ufthak]] - Orc subordinate in Cirith Ungol; caught by Shelob in her webs
*[[Shelob]] - Descendant of [[Ungoliant]] and convenient guardian of the pass through Mordor
*The [[Two Watchers]] - Statues inhabited by evil spirits
;Characters from older concepts
*[[Naglur-Danlo]] - Orc of Cirith Ungol
*[[Shagram]] - Orc soldier of Cirith Ungol

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery class=center mode=nolines widths=225 heights=150>
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Prologue.jpg|Sauron in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:LOTR-vol2-Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Sauron.jpg|Sauron ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Eye Of Sauron.jpg|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
File:Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in the ''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Lord of the Rings The Third Age - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Eye of Sauron.png|Eye of Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online Shadows of Angmar - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Sauron.jpg|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]: [[Minas Morgul]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Conquest - Sauron1.png|Sauron in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Sauron Icon.jpg|Sauron in ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Necromancer.jpg|The Necromancer in ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Annatar.png|Annatar in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:Shadow of Mordor - Sauron.png|Sauron in ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Sauron in Dúrnost.jpg|Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Halbrand in Mordor.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Sauron/[[Halbrand]] in [[Mordor]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:Jack-lowden-as-a-form-of-Sauron-on-the-Rings-of-Power-season-two-2.webp|[[Jack Lowden]] as [[Forodwaith (people)|Forodwaith]] Sauron in [[Dúrnost]] within [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]
File:Rings-of-power-annatar-3-ku4bifbuj2befldajixhkw2uwy.jpg|[[Charlie Vickers]] as Annatar in [[Eregion]] within ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''
File:SauronDarkLord ToME.jpg|Sauron, the Dark Lord card from [[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Sauron is briefly shown in the prologue sequence as a shadowy figure in a horned helmet in a non-speaking role.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played by [[Sala Baker]] and voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. In these films, he is depicted as a tall -yet not gigantic - armored warlord wielding a huge mace (a blend between his vague description by Tolkien and the more detailed appearance of [[Morgoth]] as described in ''[[The Silmarillion]]''). In the first film, he is depicted dispatching a number of Elves and Men with his mace, before killing [[Gil-galad]] (offscreen; the scene figured in the concept art done for the prologue, however) and then [[Elendil]] before being defeated by [[Isildur]] using his father's [[Narsil|broken sword]] to cut off the finger wearing [[the One Ring]], as well as three others on the same hand. This strangely causes his body to explode, producing a shockwave that knocks everyone on the battlefield off their feet.

:Later on, [[Saruman]] implies to [[Gandalf]] that Sauron was unable to retain his physical form and that the Eye was his astral form, a detail which is never brought up in the novel. It is unknown if Saruman was truthful with this statement, or if he was either misinformed or lying (since he was already corrupted by his yearning for power and Sauron's influence).

:For the portrayal of Sauron as a giant eye of fire in these movies, see [[Eye of Sauron#Portrayal in adaptations]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sauron is played and voiced by [[Benedict Cumberbatch]], under his assumed identity as the Necromancer. In these films, it is stated that the White Council does not discover he is Sauron until much later, during the events of these films, previously believing him to be a human with skills in magic. In these films, Sauron initially appears as a shadowy figure before assuming his armoured form from the previous films. With him as the slit black pupil, he projects flames around him, creating the visage of the Great Eye.

'''2017: ''[[Wikipedia:The Lego Batman Movie|The Lego Batman Movie]]'':'''
:In the film, Sauron, appearing as a flaming eye from atop his tower, is among the villains recruited by The Joker to aid in his conquest of Gotham City. His powers of vision prove to be a hindrance to Batman and his companions, but he is eventually inadvertently destroyed by the Kraken's mouth projectile. He is voiced by Jemaine Clement.

===Television===
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:'''1 September: Episode 1. ''[[A Shadow of the Past]]'':'''
::Sauron appears overseeing an army of [[Orcs]] at [[Dúrnost]] during the prologue, narrated by [[Galadriel]]. No actor is credited for the specific role.

:'''14 October: Episode 8. ''[[Alloyed]]'':'''
::It is revealed that Sauron was disguised as [[Halbrand]] (portrayed by [[Charlie Vickers]]) the entire time. After being supposedly "split open" by [[Adar (The Rings of Power)|Adar]], he took on the form of a mortal [[Men|Man]] and gave to himself the name Halbrand. At some point in time, he came upon the corpse of the last King of the [[Southlands]] and took up the crest because he thought that it suited him well.

===Radio series===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sauron is provided by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1724">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1724, [[23 November|November 23]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned only very briefly at the end; [[Gandalf]] and [[Elrond]] discuss how the "Necromancer" had been driven from his abode in the south of [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''

===Video games===
{{Incomplete}}
'''1985: ''[[Lord of the Rings: Game One]]'':'''

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'''''

'''1990: [[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I'' (1990 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron is mentioned by [[Gandalf]] in the beginning of the game.

'''1993: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Sauron is mentioned in the beginning of the game, when [[Gandalf]] explains the history of [[the One Ring]].

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Sauron and the events of the south of Mirkwood are left unmentioned. However, whilst in Mirkwood, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] has to defeat creatures that he calls "Minions of the Necromancer".

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:At the end of the game, Berethor and company (the playable characters) have to defeat the eye of Sauron by physically attacking him on top of [[Barad-dûr]].

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''

'''2005: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tactics]]'':'''

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Sauron, in his fair guise, appears during the flashback to the years of the [[Second Age]]. He uses the name "Antheron" instead of "Annatar", which only appears in the works not covered by the game' licese.
:Visiting Sauron's personal chambers in [[Dol Guldur]] leads to a vision of the Dark Lord, still weak and recovering from his defeat at the hand of [[Isildur]].
:During an extended flashback sequence to the [[War of the Last Alliance]], Sauron himself is met within [[Barad-dûr]] by the player, who controls a historic character.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''

'''2012: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron appears in a boss battle in the first level. His boss form appears as a massive CCBS figure-similar to something from LEGO's Knights Kingdom line. He is also unlocked as a playable character after the bonus level. His Annatar form appears as a playable character in a downloadable DLC.

'''2012: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Sauron is a "guardian".<ref name="Trailer">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caYW7d-8MIY&feature=player_embedded|articlename=''Guardians of Middle-earth'': First Official Gameplay Trailer|dated=29 June 2012|website=YT|accessed=16 July 2012}}</ref>

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''

'''2014: ''[[Lego The Hobbit: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Sauron has two playable forms. The first is based on the Necromancer mini-figure from the "Dol Guldur Battle" LEGO set while the second is a fiery version of his playable form in the [[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game|first game]].

'''2015: ''[[Wikipedia:Lego Dimensions|Lego Dimensions]]'':'''
:Sauron (voiced by Steven Blum), appearing in mini-figure form, invades the DC Comics' dimension and takes over Metropolis with the aid of the Rift Keystone. Soon thereafter, Sauron uses the Rift Keystone to bring Barad-dûr across dimensions to stand atop Lexcorp tower. When Batman, Gandalf, and Wildstyle arrive in the city to retake the Keystone, Sauron engages the three in a battle atop a Doctor Who Dalek saucer. Eventually, he is defeated, being pulled through a rift by Lord Vortech, the primary antagonist. Sauron is turned into a cube and does not appear again.

'''2017: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''

'''2021: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War]]'':'''

===Others===
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:Sauron is treated as a Mage of level 180 (level 360 if using the One Ring). Among his items are the Elf-slaying Black Sword (S. ''Mormegil''), the Gauntlet of Slaying ("Narsil's Bane"), and the Black Scale of dragonskin. Among his special powers are Domination (control over other players using the One Eye), resistance to normal weapons, and the ability to force anyone within his sight to resist fear (or otherwise become frozen).

'''1995-8: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:The card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54534/cards_lang/1 Sauron]", appearing in the set ''[[Middle-earth: The Balrog|The Balrog]]'', is playable as a manifestation of the card "[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/card_id/54002/cards_lang/1 The Lidless Eye]" (from the set [[Middle-earth: The Lidless Eye|''The Lidless Eye'']]), and can be used by players to enhance their general influence.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tradecardsonline.com/im/selectCard/game_id/20/goal/|articlename=Home page for the game Middle Earth|dated=|website=[http://www.tradecardsonline.com/ Trade Cards Online]|accessed=5 January 2012}}</ref>

==External links==
*[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/sauronname.htm ''A Name for the Dark Lord''] by [[Helge Fauskanger]].

{{references|note}}

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=evil
| house=[[Maiar|Maia]] of <s>[[Aulë]]</s> [[Morgoth|Melkor]]
| born = [[Creation of the Ainur]]
| died=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Morgoth]]''', c. 1603 years earlier
| list=2nd [[Dark Lord]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Ring created
| list=1st [[Ring-bearer]]
| dates=c. {{SA|1600}} – {{SA|3441|n}}
| next=[[Isildur]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{ainur}}
{{numenor}}
{{ringbearers}}
{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Smiths]]
[[de:Sauron]]
[[fi:Sauron]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/sauron]]

User:Banazîr Galpsi/common.css

2026-02-10T21:27:08Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

Samwise Gamgee

2026-02-10T21:26:14Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Companion & Gardener of Frodo Baggins}}{{header image|shire}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Samwise Gamgee
| image=Nia Kovalevski - Sam.jpg
| caption="Sam" by [[:Category:Images by Nia Kovalevski|Nia Kovalevski]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Banazîr]]'' ([[Hobbitish|H]]) ''[[Perhael]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]], Ring-Bearer (for a short time)
| position=Gardener, chief investigator, [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Bagshot Row|3 Bagshot Row]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}<ref group="note">In the second edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Sam's year of birth was added to ''[[Appendix B|The Tale of Years]]''; it was, however, {{TA|2983}}. This contradicts both ''[[Gamgee family#The Longfather.E2.80.93Tree of Master Samwise|The Longfather-Tree of Master Samwise]]'' and a later entry in ''The Tale of Years''. The incorrect date has been corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th anniversary edition]]. See also ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 716.</ref>
| birthlocation=The [[Shire]]
| rule={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|61}}
| sailedto=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=102
| notablefor=Being counted among the Fellowship of the Ring and following [[Frodo Baggins]] into Mordor.
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]; founded the [[Gardner Family|Gardner family]]
| parentage=[[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast Gamgee]] and [[Bell Goodchild]]
| siblings=[[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]] and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]
| spouse=[[Rose Cotton]]
| children=[[Elanor Gardner|Elanor]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=Brown<ref name="breaking">{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
| skin colour=Brown-handed
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Barrow-blades|Barrow-blade]], also [[Sting]]
| steed=[[Bill the Pony]]
|headerimage=shire}}
<center>{{quote|I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam|[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Mount Doom]]"}}</center>

'''Samwise Gamgee''', commonly known as '''Sam''', was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him to the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Samwise lived with his father, [[Hamfast Gamgee]], better known as "The Gaffer", on [[Bagshot Row]] in [[The Shire]], close to [[Bag End]]. Sam's mother was [[Bell Gamgee|Bell Goodchild]]; he had five siblings: [[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]. He was a friend of the [[Cotton Family|Cotton family]] and used to play in [[Bywater Pool]] with [[Wilcome Cotton II|Jolly]], [[Tolman Cotton Junior|Tom]], [[Carl Cotton|Nibs]], and [[Rose Cotton|Rosie Cotton]] specifically.<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref>

A gardener by trade, Sam seemed to be a simple [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of plain speech. He helped his Gaffer tending the garden of Bag End and was taught the art of rope making by his [[Hobson|grandfather]] and his uncle [[Andwise Roper|Andy]]. In his work at Bag-End, he was acquainted with [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Bilbo taught him [[tengwar|letters]], and nurtured his love for [[Elves]], poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of. This set him apart from the beginning to the Gaffer's dismay.<ref>{{FR|Party}};{{TT|Taming}}</ref> Sam often wandered outside [[Hobbiton]] and knew well the area twenty miles around.<ref name="three">{{FR|Three}}</ref>

On [[12 April]] Sam was in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' and discussed with [[Ted Sandyman]] the strange rumours he heard around the Shire, including his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] seeing a [[Tree-men|Tree-man]], and the [[Elves]] who leave [[Middle-earth]]. Ted called his cousin crazy and dismissed all rumours. In the evening, he returned to [[Hobbiton Hill]] thinking about the hard work he has to do when he saw [[Gandalf]] arriving to visit Frodo, after many years.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

===Eavesdropping on Frodo and Gandalf===
Sam was one of the "[[Conspirators]]" who were summoned by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]] in order to watch over [[Frodo Baggins]] and the [[The One Ring|Ring]] inherited by Frodo from Bilbo. Being the closest to Frodo, Sam was their "chief investigator" who was to eavesdrop on his talks with Gandalf the [[Wizards|Wizard]].<ref>{{FR|Conspiracy}}</ref>

He eavesdrops on Frodo and Gandalf's discussion while working at the garden of Bag End. It was when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, and on the mention that Frodo must leave the Shire, Sam choked. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. Sam begged Gandalf not to turn him into anything "unnatural". Sam then immediately asked to be taken to see Elves when they went away. Gandalf decided to make Sam Frodo's first companion.<ref name="shadow" />

===From Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
Sam joined Frodo on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]], as to outside appearances as Frodo's gardener. He lied that he had the lightest baggage after Frodo complained about the weight of his, and he offered to take more. Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] and when they were encountered by [[Black Riders]] Sam mentioned that one of those was asking his father about Frodo. Later they met one of the [[Wandering Companies]] of Elves; the experience of meeting Elves the first time left him speechless (although they were different than he expected, ''"so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were,"'' as Sam described them<ref name="short">{{FR|Mushrooms}}, p. 87</ref>); the hobbits camped with them and Sam was like in a living dream, mentioning it as one of the most important events of his life. He was enchanted especially by their singing.<ref name="three" /> The Elves warned him not to leave Frodo on his journey, and Sam denied he would ever think about it.<ref name="short" />

The next day Sam insisted that Pippin should leave some elven bread for their breakfast. That morning, Sam felt changed, feeling that he had to fulfill a role that lies beyond the Shire, something more important than meeting Elves or [[dragons]] or seeing mountains.<ref name="short" />

At Crickhollow where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travellers on their way to Bree.

===Crickhollow to Rivendell===
The hobbits decided to risk travelling through the [[Old Forest]] to avoid Black Riders. There [[Old Man Willow]] put a spell of sleepiness on the four hobbits. Once Merry and Pippin slept by the tree and Frodo bathed his feet in the [[Withywindle]], the willow tree tried to drown Frodo and swallowed Merry and Pippin, but Sam proved the most resistant. He saved Frodo from drowning and tried to start a fire to frighten Old Man Willow but the tree threatened to squeeze the hobbits in two if he did not put it out. They were saved by Tom Bombadil and stayed in his house for two days. Sam was the only hobbit who slept contentedly.<ref>{{FR|Forest}}; {{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>

They passed through [[Barrow-downs]] and came to [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". Sam did not trust the ranger at first, but Frodo accepted his help as they could not get to Rivendell otherwise. [[Sauron]]'s spies had opened the stables of the inn and all the mounts went loose, therefore before leaving the village, the company purchased a [[Ponies|pony]] from [[Bill Ferny]]. Sam loved and tended the animal, and named him [[Bill the Pony|Bill]], after his owner. Upon their departure, Bill Ferney saw and taunted them. In response, Sam threw an apple at his head.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}; {{FR|Strider}}; {{FR|Knife}}</ref>

As they came to [[Weathertop]], Sam recited a poem about Gil-Galad that Bilbo had taught him.<ref>{{FR|Knife}}, p. 186</ref> After Frodo was stabbed by a Ringwraith, his distrust toward Strider only grew, and he was distraught when he learned that Frodo's wound might subdue him to the Black Riders' will. When the group came to the old place where [[Tom]], [[Bert]], and [[William]] had been turned to stone, he sang "[[The Stone Troll]]", an original composition of his, for the others.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on Weathertop and hardly left except to run messages. Once Frodo awoke, Sam led him to join the rest of the party. He had begged to wait on Frodo but was told that for this time he was a guest of honor. When Frodo reunited with Bilbo, Sam sat near near them and listened as they spoke together until he fell asleep.<ref>{{FR|II1}}</ref>

The following day, Sam eavesdropped on the [[Council of Elrond]] and remained silent until it was revealed that Frodo would be the [[Ring-bearers|Ringbearer]]. Then Sam was unable to contain himself any longer and revealed himself, asking if Frodo was meant to go alone, to which [[Elrond]] responded that he at least should accompany Frodo as it is impossible to separate them, even when Frodo is invited to a secret council and Sam is not.<ref>{{FR|Many}}; {{FR|Council}}, p. 270-271</ref>

[[File:John_Howe_-_Watcher_in_the_Water.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|''Watcher in the Water'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Sam insisted on bringing Bill along on the journey, saying he would pine if he did not come. At that point, he lamented that he had not brought rope but found that it was too late to find some now.<ref>{{FR|South}}, p. 280</ref> Sam was dismayed when he learned they were to enter [[Moria]], and he was even more dismayed that they had to send Bill away when they entered Moria when wolves were about. Sam saved Frodo's life as the [[Watcher in the Water]] tried to seize him with one of its tentacles. As they passed by fissures and chasms there, Sam once again remarked that he wished he had brought rope. Sam received a scratch along his scalp for his first orc kill in the mines. When Frodo was pinned against the wall by an Orc-spear, Sam hacked and broke the spear-shaft.<ref>{{FR|Journey}};{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

In [[Lothlórien]], the Elves remarked that Sam breathed so loudly that they could shoot him in the dark. Sam was the only one of the four hobbits who had no trouble sleeping upon the Elves' [[flet]], and he remarked that he will go on sleeping whether or not he rolled off in his slumber.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}, p. 342, 344</ref> In [[Cerin Amroth]], once the Fellowship was unblindfolded, Sam was surprised by the bright daylight in an Elven realm, and he remarked that he "thought that Elves were all for moon and stars: but this is more elvish than anything I ever heard tell of".<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}, p. 351</ref>

Sam made a verse in honour of Gandalf's fireworks. He, along with Frodo, looked into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] where he saw trees being felled and that the Old Mill had been replaced by a large red-brick building. Sam considered going back to help those at home, but, being warned by [[Galadriel]] not to let the mirror decide his choices, Sam decided to finish his task with Frodo. At their parting from Lórien, Galadriel [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}};{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

===Journey to Mordor===
At the [[Falls of Rauros]] Frodo tried to leave the Fellowship secretly by boat, but Sam pursued him and leapt into the water although he could not swim. Thus after the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.<ref name="breaking" />
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Faramir.png|thumb|250px|"[[Faramir]]" by [[The Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
When [[Gollum]] joined up with them, Sam remained distrustful of his loyalty to Frodo, and treated him with disdain, and partially (though unintentionally) pushed Gollum to betray Frodo in [[Shelob's Lair]].<ref>{{L|165}}</ref><ref>{{L|96}}</ref>
As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum travelled, Sam began to worry about their food supplies running short and he, unlike Frodo, still thought of the return journey.<ref>{{TT|Passage}}</ref> In [[Ithilien]], he decided to risk a fire and stew rabbit, but he accidentally let it smoke which attracted the attention of [[Faramir]] and his rangers who were also in that region. There, to Sam's delight, he got the chance to see an [[oliphaunt]]. Faramir took the hobbits to [[Henneth Annûn]] where Sam accidentally revealed the purpose of their quest, but Faramir did not hinder it and Sam judged his quality to be "the very highest.", saying he reminded him of Gandalf.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}; {{TT|Window}}</ref>

Gollum led the hobbits to the [[Stairs of Cirith Ungol]], where Sam, in a conversation with Frodo, reflected on whether their adventure would be put in tales and songs to be told by a fireside and noted that they were part of a greater tale than themselves.<ref name="TT|Stairs">{{TT|Stairs}}</ref>
[[File:Irvin Rodriguez - Samwise the Stouthearted.jpg|thumb|''Samwise the Stouthearted'' by [[:Category:Images by Irvin Rodriguez|Irvin Rodriguez]]]]
Gollum betrayed the hobbits in [[Shelob's lair]], hoping to find the Ring among Frodo's bones once [[Shelob]] had eaten him. However, Sam pierced Shelob's flesh, being the first person ever to have done so, but not before Shelob seemingly killed Frodo.

Grieving for Frodo, Sam took the Ring. At first, he was tempted to go on a quest for revenge on Gollum but instead chose to complete the quest. However, upon learning that Frodo still lived, he rescued him from the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him. Because he held the Ring for a time, he is considered one of the [[Ring-bearers]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}};{{RK|Tower}}</ref>

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carried Frodo up the slope for part of the way. There, Gollum tried to attack the hobbits and Sam spared his life now he had an idea of what it had been like for Gollum to be Ring-bearer—a choice which soon led to success in their quest. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honoured by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}; {{RK|Field}}</ref>

===Later life===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|''Sam and Rosie Cotton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After the [[War of the Ring]], and the [[Scouring of the Shire]], Sam planted saplings in all the places where specially beautiful and beloved trees had been destroyed, and he put a grain of Galadriel's soil at the root of each. He was especially shocked that the [[Party Tree]] was cut down and planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where it had once been, and the nut grew into the [[Golden Tree]], the only [[Mallorn]] tree in the Shire.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]] on [[1 May]] {{SR|1420}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> In honor for restoring the Shire his family was given the name [[Gardner Family|Gardner]].

They had thirteen children: [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor the Fair]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]. When Frodo sailed on the [[White Ship]], at the end of the Third Age, Sam inherited Bag End and was entrusted the [[Red Book of Westmarch]].

After [[Will Whitfoot]] resigned his post as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] (the largest town in the Shire and the "unofficial capital"), in {{FoA|6}}, Sam was elected Mayor of the Shire, that would be the first of seven consecutive 7-year terms.<ref name="later" /> Soon after his election he established a rule of succession and inheritance in situations such as the headless [[Baggins family]], since Bilbo and Frodo went over the sea and was impossible to presume death.<ref>{{L|214}}</ref> During his service, King Elessar appointed the Mayor as a [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]. In {{SR|1436}} he met King Elessar on the [[Brandywine Bridge]] and was awarded the [[Star of the Dúnedain]]. In {{SR|1442}} he left [[Tolman Cotton Junior]] as deputy Mayor so that he rode to Gondor with his wife and his daughter Elanor, maid of honour to Queen Arwen, to spend a year there. When Elanor married [[Fastred of Greenholm]], he requested from Thain Peregrin to make him [[Warden of Westmarch]] in {{SR|1462}}.<ref name="later">{{App|Later}}</ref>

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, on [[22 September]] Sam left Bag End, and went to the [[Tower Hills]] where he was last seen by Elanor, entrusting to her the Red Book; according to her, he went to the [[Grey Havens]] to sail across the Sea<ref name="later" /> and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Characteristics==
Sam had brown eyes. At some points his hands are described as brown.<ref name="TT|Stairs" /><ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref>
This could indicate he belongs to the [[Harfoots]], as they are described as having browner skin than the [[Fallohides]], to which breed Merry, Pippin and Frodo belong.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Or it could simply be a tan from years of working outside. His face is often described as red-faced, turning scarlet or blushing. At one point his face is said to have turned white, before flushing scarlet. He was the shortest of the four Hobbits of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but the sturdiest in build.<ref name="Descriptions">{{NM|Descriptions}}</ref>

Sam was a representative hobbit. He was vulgar and cocksure, but his devotion to Frodo moderated his conceit. For him, his service and loyalty was the measure of his heroicism and bravery.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Samwise'' means "simple minded" or "half-minded". ''Gamgee'' is explained as a corruption of the name ''[[Gammidgy]]'', a village in the Shire. Both names are presented as translations of the [[Westron]] form of Sam's name '''[[Banazîr]] Galpsi''' (from the complete form [[Galbasi]]) (q.v. for more information).<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien's English translation, ''Samwís Gamwich'', could have come to ''Samwise Gamgee'' in modern English.

The [[Sindarin]] version of Samwise is '''''[[Perhael]]'''''. In the [[King's Letter]], contained in the unpublished "[[Epilogue]]", King Elessar refers to Sam as ''Perhael (i sennui Panthael estathar aen)'', Sindarin for "Halfwise (who should rather be called Fullwise)."

==Inspiration==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] took the name from ''Gamgee Tissue'', a surgical dressing invented by a 19th century [[Birmingham]] surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee. "Gamgee" became the colloquial name in Birmingham for cotton wool. Here, Tolkien describes why he had chosen that name for his character:
{{blockquote|The choice of Gamgee was primarily directed by alliteration, but I did not invent it. It was caught out of childhood memory, as a comic word or name. It was in fact the name when I was small (in Birmingham) for 'cotton-wool'. (Hence the association of the Gamgees with the Cottons.) I knew nothing of its origin.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 257]]}}

It is possible that Tolkien may have subconsciously recalled Dr. Gamgee (who died in 1886 but is commemorated by a plaque at the Birmingham Medical Institute, only yards from Tolkien's childhood home) but he claimed to be genuinely surprised when, in March 1956, he received a letter from one Sam Gamgee, who had heard that his name was in ''The Lord of the Rings'' but had not read the book. Tolkien replied on March 18:
{{blockquote|Dear Mr. Gamgee,It was very kind of you to write. You can imagine my astonishment when I saw your signature! I can only say, for your comfort, I hope, that the 'Sam Gamgee' of my story is a most heroic character, now widely beloved by many readers, even though his origins are rustic. So that perhaps you will not be displeased at the coincidence of the name of this imaginary character of supposedly many centuries ago being the same as yours.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 184]]}}

He proceeded to send Mr Gamgee a signed copy of all three volumes of the book. However, the incident sparked a nagging worry in Tolkien's mind, as he recorded in his journal:
{{blockquote|For some time I lived in fear of receiving a letter signed 'S. Gollum'. That would have been more difficult to deal with.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''}}

==Commentary==
In one of his letters, Tolkien described Sam is as the "chief hero" and placed special emphasis on his "rustic love" for Rosie.<ref>{{L|131}}</ref> He was known for rescuing Frodo at [[Cirith Ungol]], and carrying him up [[Mount Doom]]. He was one of only two Ring-bearers strong enough to surrender the Ring voluntarily.

The relationship between Frodo and Sam is, in many respects, at the centre of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Sam's humbleness and plain speaking are frequently emphasised in contrast to Frodo's gentility, and he often shows deference to Frodo, calling him "Mister Frodo" or "Master". At the same time, a strong bond of love and trust grows between them, portrayed most poignantly during the events of Cirith Ungol, where Sam vows to return to his (apparently) dead master, to be reunited with Frodo in death.

[[Tolkienists]] regard Sam as Frodo's ''[[wikipedia:Batman (army)|batman]]''. In the British Army, a batman was an orderly who acted as the personal servant of an officer. It was a role with which Tolkien (who served as an Army officer in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I First World War]) would have been extremely familiar. Sam undertakes all of the typical roles of a batman — he runs errands for Frodo, cooks, transports him (or at least carries him), and carries his luggage. Tolkien confirmed this interpretation when he wrote in a private letter that:
{{blockquote|My Sam Gamgee is indeed a reflection of the English soldier, of the privates and batmen I knew in the 1914 war, and recognized as so far superior to myself|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

This may be compared to the relationship between [[wikipedia:Don Quixote|Don Quixote]] and his squire, [[wikipedia:Sancho Panza|Sancho Panza]], and the gradual "Quixotization" of Sancho.

==In other stories==
In the illustrated short story ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'', the local police officer is a Sergeant [[Boffin Family|Boffin]] who - at the behest of [[Gaffer Gamgee]] - seeks to lock up Mr Bliss as a thief for failing to pay for his car. Sergeant Boffin also has a son named Sam.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'' (2011 edition), p. 62</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Samwise Gamgee in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Sagan om Ringen - Samwise Gamgee.png|Sam in ''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Sam Gamgee.png|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Sam.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
</gallery>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Victor Platt]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:Sam is present at the [[Bilbo Baggins]]' [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|111th birthday party]] and dined with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry,]] [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Gandalf]]. After Gandalf tells Frodo of the powers of [[The One Ring|Bilbo's ring]], Merry, Pippin and Sam decide to accompany Frodo to [[Rivendell]]. They set off, pursued by [[Nazgûl|Black Riders.]] Later, they encounter a group of dancing [[Elves]]. They camp with the Elves and share food, an experience which becomes, in Sam's memory, one of the chief events in his life. Continuing on, they arrive in the [[Old Forest]] and stop for a rest. Pippin is trapped in the [[Old Man Willow]] and Frodo and Sam attempt to help him out. Their efforts are futile until helped by a wandering [[Tom Bombadil]]. The group arrive at [[Bree]] and enter ''[[Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]]''. They meet with a man named Strider. A letter from Gandalf reveals that his real name is [[Aragorn]] and the Hobbits follow him, as he knows a better route to Rivendell. They arrive in Rivendell and wait for Frodo, who is comatosed for 4 days due to his encounter with the Black Riders. The soon-to-be members of the [[Council of Elrond]] hold a celebratory feast after Frodo recovers. The Council convenes and they decide to form a [[Fellowship of the Ring]], comprising the previous members of their band, Gandalf, [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], to take the ring to [[Mordor]] and destroy it. As they prepare, Sam checks and re-checks his pack to ensure no supplies are missing. He is dismayed by the lack of rope, remembering that he had thought previously about how rope could be useful. The Fellowship depart and take a final look at the House of Elrond. The group sets off, Sam behind Frodo.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Michael Scholes]] was the voice of Sam, and [[Billy Barty]] played him in rotoscoped footage.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sam is provided by [[Lou Bliss]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[Roddy McDowall]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:A young [[Bill Nighy|William Nighy]] portrays Sam as a warm and caring person. No dialectical or social difference was made.

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:In the two episodes of "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", [[Jonathan Adams]] portrayed Sam with a very rustic accent.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Samwise Gamgee is provided by Stano Dančiak. Dančiak, though a slightly older actor than the other actors portraying the four hobbits, was well-known for his convincing "smart everyman" roles. This is utilised in the series to emphasize that Sam comes from a more ordinary family and humbler social standing than Frodo, Pippin and Merry. Sam is portrayed as resourceful, honest, loyal, caring, and capable of finding bravery when he least expects it. He is also very curious about the world outside of The Shire, including Elven and Dwarven culture and lore. He is addressed almost entirely by his abbreviated name, Sam.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sam is played by [[Sean Astin]]. [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]] majorly diverges Sam and Frodo's story. Frodo, manipulated by Gollum and the One Ring, abandons Sam in Mordor after he offers to carry the Ring. Frodo faces Shelob alone and Sam comes to his rescue after he has already been bound by her webs. Though not noted in dialogue, a page of Frodo's ''The Lord of the Rings'' notes that Sam became the Mayor of Hobbiton.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Scott Menville]] provided the voice for Sam in all but the X-box version; there, [[Cliff Broadway]] took over. The role of Sam is greatly diminished: after being caught eavesdropping by Gandalf, Sam is to be Frodo's companion, but he does not appear again until Frodo reaches [[Farmer Maggot]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Sam is a playable character in several missions: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Samwise only makes a single appearance in the Lothlorien mission.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Sam and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Samwise is first found in Rivendell, preparing for the departure. Later, he is found on [[Cerin Amroth]] in Lothlorien, alongside Frodo. A series of a session plays depicts Sam, Frodo and Gollum's journey through the [[Dead Marshes]], the Pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] and [[Mordor]]. The player later meets Sam and Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]].

:The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. Samwise insists that he is no Guardian and not fit to be one - because his heroic deeds have not happened yet. The player has to double-check and discovers that whoever talked of Sam as a great Guardian, apparently had misheard the word "Gardener".

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Samwise appears in the game as a non-playable character, with [[Sean Astin]] reprising his role. He narrates the story of Aragorn to his children when the latter is to come to the Shire.

{{References|n}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Gamgee Family]]
| born=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| died=Sailed west in {{FoA|61}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[13 March|13]] - [[14 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Frodo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Will Whitfoot]]
| list=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| dates={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| next=Unknown
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=[[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]
| dates={{FoA|13}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Mayors of Michel Delving]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]

Frodo Baggins

2026-02-10T21:25:15Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Ring-bearer of the Third Age}}{{header image|shire}}
{{Disambig-two|the Ring-bearer|son of [[Samwise Gamgee]]|[[Frodo Gardner]]}}
{{infobox character
| ribbonid = test
| ribboncolor = #90a26f
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Frodo Baggins
| image=Matt Stewart - Frodo Baggins.webp
| caption="Frodo Baggins" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[#Other names|See below]]''
| titles=
| position=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Crickhollow]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=53
| notablefor=Bearing the [[One Ring]] to the land of [[Mordor]], and bringing it to the [[Cracks of Doom]]
| family=[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]
| parentage=[[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]]
| siblings=
| spouse=Never married
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than some Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| hair=Brown<ref group="note">In the chapter "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]", [[Nob]] says to Frodo: "And I made a nice imitation of your head with a brown woollen mat"</ref>
| skin=Fairer than most Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=[[Mithril coat]], [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]]
| weapons=[[Sting]]
| steed=[[Strider (pony)|Strider]]
}}

{{quote|And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, [[Hador]], and [[Húrin]], and [[Túrin]], and [[Beren]] himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them.|Elrond to Frodo Baggins in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

'''Frodo Baggins''' was a [[Hobbits|hobbit]] of the [[Third Age]], the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. During this epic quest, he bore [[the One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]] and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other [[Hobbits|Halfling]] throughout [[Middle-earth]]. He is also peculiar for being, as a [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], one of the only three Hobbits to be granted passage from Middle-earth to [[Aman]], the [[Undying Lands]].

==History==
===Childhood and youth===
Frodo, child of the respectable [[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]], was born on [[22 September]] of {{TA|2968}}. After his parents died in a boating accident in {{TA|2980|n}}, Frodo went to live in [[Brandy Hall]] with his mother’s relatives, the [[Brandybucks]]. He grew up under the guardianship of the [[Master of Buckland]] [[Rorimac Brandybuck|Rorimac "Goldfather" Brandybuck]], who was his maternal uncle. Frodo was caught several times stealing [[mushrooms]] from [[Farmer Maggot]], who, on the last incident, thrashed Frodo and set his three dogs to chase Frodo from [[Bamfurlong]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. Frodo was terrified of them afterwards.<ref>{{FR|14}}: "''though I daresay the beasts knew their business...''"</ref>

Frodo stayed in Buckland until his "uncle" [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] adopted him and took him in to live in [[Bag End]], Bilbo's house in [[Hobbiton]]. He enjoyed life with Bilbo, with whom he shared the same birthday - though others often called the old hobbit "queer." Bilbo taught him to read, and told him stories of the past, even giving him some instruction in the [[elvish]] tongue. Frodo was the only one Bilbo allowed to read [[There and Back Again|his memoirs]]. Bilbo made Frodo his heir, frustrating the attempts of the disagreeable [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Baggins]]es, who coveted the estate of Bag End.<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref>

The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the [[Water-valley]] and talked about adventure; they were sometimes seen by [[Wandering Companies]] of [[Elves]], though the hobbits did not see them. When they returned home, Bilbo would tell Frodo that the Road is like a massive river, and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

Frodo and Bilbo were comfortable and well off until {{TA|3001}}. At this time, Bilbo threw an enormous [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|party]] to celebrate his 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd, the date of Frodo's coming of age. At this party Bilbo gave his farewell speech, and made his long-planned "disappearance" and withdrawal from [[the Shire]]. Frodo, who had been informed beforehand of the "joke", as Bilbo called it, was spared the shock that afflicted the other assembled Hobbits. Frodo returned home as the new Master of Bag End, as per [[Bilbo's will]]. He was greeted there by [[Gandalf]], who informed him that, among other things, Frodo had inherited Bilbo's [[One Ring|magic ring]].

===Master of Bag End===
[[File:Eric Faure-Brac - Bag End.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Bag End'' by Eric Faure-Brac]]
Frodo took charge of distributing the presents Bilbo had left for the other hobbits, a long and tiring task. Then [[Gandalf]] the [[Wizards|wizard]], who had come for the festivities, warned Frodo not to use the magic ring, and to keep it secret and safe. Then he left, Frodo knew not where, with his mind full of curiosity about the ring. A suspicion was growing in the back of the Wizard's mind, but Gandalf did not yet know what it was.

Frodo, meanwhile, was quite well off. He continued honouring Bilbo every year along with his own birthday. He had also inherited some strange customs from Bilbo, like wandering by himself at nights far from home in the hills and woods under the starlight. His closest friends at this time were [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], also [[Folco Boffin]] and [[Fredegar Bolger]], and other cousins from the family of the [[Old Took]]. Like Bilbo, Frodo continued to look robust and energetic even in his forties, and dreamed of one day seeing mountains and wilderness; he often wondered what lay beyond the borders of the Shire, and as he grew older, he would travel further and further from home. His friends were worried, and suspected that he met [[Elves]] and other strangers that had begun to be more common sights in the Shire. These strangers bore strange tales of unrest from lands far-off.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Still, he lived in peace and respectability for seventeen years, until Gandalf returned with the dreadful revelation that the "magic ring" was really the [[One Ring]], weapon of [[Sauron]], a thing of evil power thousands of years old. Furthermore, the Dark Lord was now aware of its survival, and would be searching for it, as [[Gollum]] had revealed - under torture - that it was to be found in the Shire. After a long discussion and a test by fire, which revealed the [[Black Speech]] written upon the ring, the two agreed that Frodo would have to leave the Shire for his own safety. [[Samwise Gamgee]], the gardener, was selected to travel with him. Gandalf recommended Rivendell as a destination, as the road was likely safe and the valley well-protected. He told Frodo to take the alias [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] while abroad. Frodo was reluctant, but wisely followed the wizard's advice. He bought a house in [[Crickhollow]] as an excuse to head east.

Gandalf stayed for two months while Frodo worked out the details. At the end of that time the wizard left to "get some news", as rather disturbing tidings had come to his ears. He promised to be back for the farewell party. Meanwhile, Frodo was not aware that some of his closest friends were watching him - [[Fredegar Bolger|Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger]], his cousin [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin "Pippin" Took]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]], and Sam himself knew that Frodo and Gandalf were in some trouble concerning the Ring, and that Frodo was preparing for some adventure.

As autumn passed, Frodo was waiting for Gandalf, but did not return and Frodo grew quite anxious. Merry and Fatty drove the cart of Frodo's belongings ahead, while Frodo still waited for Gandalf. At the last possible day, he gave up waiting and departed with Pippin and Sam.

===Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Last Sight of Hobbiton.jpg|thumb|220px|''Last Sight of Hobbiton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Less than a day into their journey, Frodo, strangely nervous, requested that the threesome hide upon the approach of a [[Nazgûl|horseman]]. The rider was dressed in black, riding upon a black horse, and making queer sniffling noises. Frodo felt the urge to put on the Ring and vanish, but just as he was about to give in, the rider departed at a trot. Samwise then remarked upon the "[[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]" that had spoken to his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee]], some time earlier. This made Frodo wish that he had waited for Gandalf.

That night, they were again overtaken by a Black Horseman. This time it seemed to be able to sniff out their hiding place. But as it approached, it was driven away by the song of a group of [[Elves]]. Their leader, [[Gildor]], greeted the hobbits warmly, and lauded Frodo for his knowledge of their tongue. Frodo tried to get information from Gildor on the Black Riders, but the elf would tell him very little. Gildor foresaw that Frodo would have many dealings with the Riders in the future, and urged him to flee them whenever he met them. He and his party left the Hobbits before daybreak, while the three slept.

The next day the threesome agreed to stay off the road. After a brief scare when Sam sighted a Rider, they worried about losing their way. That evening they heard a terrible wail, and Frodo distinguished words in it. Before long they came to [[Bamfurlong]], the property of [[Farmer Maggot]]. Although Pippin knew Maggot, Frodo recalled a scare he had received at a young age after caught stealing the farmer’s mushrooms, being threatened with the dogs. He froze when the dogs came forth from the house, but Maggot's hospitality soon won him over. When Maggot told of a Black Rider who had stopped at his house asking for "Baggins," and made several shrewd guesses, Frodo grew uncomfortable. Maggot took them to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in his wagon. There they joined up with Merry. As they were ferried across into [[Buckland]], they caught sight of a dark shape on the landing from which they had come.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
When they reached the house in Crickhollow, the other hobbits revealed their knowledge of the One Ring and promised to stick with Frodo on the road to [[Rivendell]]. The next morning, leaving Fatty to housesit, they passed into the [[Old Forest]]. In time they were driven by the trees down to the [[Withywindle]], where they were ensnared by [[Old Man Willow]]. Rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]], the hobbits came to his house. There they met Tom's wife, [[Goldberry]], and Frodo was moved to poetry over her loveliness. He was interested in Bombadil himself, and several times tried to learn who he was. That night he dreamed of a white-haired figure on a pinnacle of stone, borne away by an eagle.

The next day Frodo tried on the Ring, after finding it had no effect on Bombadil. Not subject to the Ring’s power, Tom nevertheless could see Frodo. That night Frodo dreamed once more, a dream he never forgot.

{{Blockquote|Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]"}}

After bidding Tom and Goldberry farewell, the Hobbits went on and traveled through the [[barrow-downs]]. Becoming lost in the mist, they were taken by the [[barrow-wights]], Frodo last of all. Frodo woke in the barrow to find the barrow-wight bending over his three friends. He rose and in a tremendous act of bravery and resilience took a sword and smote off the wight's hand. Then he summoned Bombadil with a [[Ho! Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo!|song]] Tom had taught him. Bombadil drove the wight away and helped Frodo wake the others. Tom gave the hobbits ponies and escorted them all to the road before turning his face back toward the Withywindle. The hobbits continued along the road to Bree, where they took lodging at [[The Prancing Pony]] inn as Bombadil had recommended, with Frodo registering under the name of [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] as Gandalf had suggested.

===Strider and Weathertop===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Strider in The Prancing Pony.jpg|thumb|200px|''Strider in The Prancing Pony'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
While Merry went out to take a walk in the night air, the other hobbits came down to the common-room and were introduced by the landlord [[Barliman Butterbur]] to the gathering, Frodo under his alias. Frodo asked if Gandalf was present in Bree, only to learn that he had not yet arrived. While Pippin and Sam enjoyed the drink and conversation, Frodo remained withdrawn, soon falling into conversation with a curious [[Rangers of the North|ranger]] called [[Aragorn|Strider]], who gave him a warning about letting his friends talk to much. Pippin began to tell about [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Birthday Party]], and Frodo, at Strider’s encouragement and in an attempt to prevent the name of Baggins from being raised, began to sing ''[[The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late]]''. This proved popular with the gathering, but unfortunately, as Frodo relaxed, he fell from the table and the Ring slipped on his finger, causing him to vanish.

[[File:John Howe - Against the Shadow.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Against the Shadow'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Frodo crawled over to Strider's corner and slipped off the Ring, and said that he had rolled quickly to the side. The suspicious Breelanders, however, grew angry or frightened, and eventually all left the common-room. Frodo and his comrades retired to their room, where they found Strider waiting to talk to them. Strider was honest and blunt, telling what he had overheard and what he knew of them, as well as warning them of the Black Riders and traitors in Bree. He urged them to accept his aide by inviting him into the company. Frodo was leaning to believe the ranger when Butterbur broke in, giving Frodo the long-awaited letter from Gandalf, undelivered by Butterbur’s forgetfulness. After some little bit of light was shed on the situation to the innkeeper, he swore to help the hobbits in any way he could, as a friend of Gandalf and one very much afraid of Mordor. Frodo, reading the letter, learned that Gandalf recommended Strider as one to whom Frodo could go for help. After some further debate, Frodo agreed to let Strider lead them to Rivendell.

Strider arranged for a deception, by moving them to a different room. The next morning, their ponies were gone and the room was ravaged. Butterbur paid for a [[Bill the Pony|replacement pony]], and the four hobbits and ranger set out into the Wilds. They passed through [[Chetwood]] and [[Midgewater Marshes]], and finally to the [[Weather Hills]] before coming up to [[Weathertop]]. Black Riders were sighted from the top of the cairn, and Strider counselled to remain where they were. Shortly after the Black Riders came, and Frodo was stricken down. In desperation he put on the Ring and saw the [[Nazgûl]] in their true forms. Frodo then tried to attack in [[Varda|Elbereth]]’s name, but their leader, the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a [[Morgul-knife]], before being driven away by Strider.

===Weathertop to Rivendell===
Because of a piece of the knife embedded in his shoulder, Frodo started to become ill, so his companions hurried to take him to the [[Rivendell|House of Elrond]]. After journeying for 12 days, they were found by [[Glorfindel]], one of the [[Calaquendi|High Elves]], who was sent by Elrond to help Frodo after he heard of him from Gildor. Glorfindel, seeing that Frodo was starting to fade, put him upon his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and ordered him to go on when the Ringwraiths approached. Asfaloth outran the steeds of the Nazgûl and bore Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, who was on the brink of becoming a [[Wraiths|wraith]], turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. The Riders, were driven into the [[Bruinen|River]] by Glorfindel, Strider and the three hobbits, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> As a sign that Frodo was shifting to the [[Wraith-world]], he could see the [[Unseen]] [[Light of Valinor|luminous form]] of Glorfindel.

Unconscious, Frodo was carried inside Rivendell, where Elrond removed the fragment of the knife from his shoulder. He awoke two days later, mostly recovered, and was delighted to find that Gandalf had arrived. Frodo's recovery was celebrated with a feast during which he met [[Glóin]] and asked concerning the [[Dwarves of Erebor]]. Afterwards, Elrond led his guests to the [[Hall of Fire]], where Frodo found Bilbo, whom he hadn't seen in seventeen years. Bilbo asked to see the Ring and was saddened to see Frodo's negative reaction. The two hobbits then enjoyed talking about Bilbo's [[Translations from the Elvish|works on lore]] and [[the Shire]].<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
{{seealso|Quest of the Ring}}
During the [[Council of Elrond]], it was decided that the Ring must be destroyed by casting it into the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Frodo volunteered to be the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and a [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] was formed to protect him; the fellowship included Gandalf, Aragorn (Strider's real name), [[Boromir]] of [[Gondor]], [[Legolas]] of the [[Woodland Realm]], [[Gimli]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and Frodo's friends Sam, Merry and Pippin.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Before their departure, Bilbo gave Frodo his sword, [[Sting]], and his [[Mithril-coat]] to protect him on the perilous journey to [[Mount Doom]] that lay ahead.

On [[December 25]], the fellowship left Rivendell, and headed south along the west side of the [[Misty Mountains]]. They attempted to cross them by the Redhorn gate, but were thwarted by a fierce blizzard <ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> and had to go back. After surviving a [[Wargs|Warg]] attack, Gandalf persuaded the company to go through the abandoned [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] kingdom of [[Moria]]. Just before entering Moria, Frodo was attacked by the [[Watcher in the Water]] and barely escaped. During the journey through Moria, Frodo began to suspect that something was tracking them. Later, inside the [[chamber of Mazarbul]], the Fellowship was attacked by [[Orcs]], and Frodo was struck by an Orc spear but was saved by the mithril coat he wore. The company escaped the chamber, and were close to exiting Moria, when [[Durin's Bane]] appeared and pursued them to the [[bridge of Khazad-dûm]] where Gandalf held him off so the rest of the Fellowship could escape. After breaking the bridge, both he and the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] fell and disappeared into the chasm below, after which Aragorn took over as leader.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Mirror of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|''The Mirror of Galadriel'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Eventually they reached [[Lothlórien]], and were housed by the elves at [[Caras Galadhon]]. During their rest there, [[Galadriel]] allowed Frodo and Sam to look into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]], in which they saw many things.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> When leaving the Woods, Galadriel gave Frodo a [[Phial of Galadriel|vial]] with light from the [[Silmaril]] of [[Eärendil]].<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

They travelled down the [[Anduin]] river in boats given to them by the elves. On their trip down the river, Frodo confirmed his suspicion that they were being trailed by Gollum. At [[Amon Hen]], the Ring's corrupting power caused Boromir to try to take the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on. Seeing the corrupting influence of the ring on Boromir, he then decided to leave the Fellowship and go on alone, but he was thwarted in this when Sam discovered him attempting to cross the [[Nen Hithoel]], and insisted on accompanying him.

===Emyn Muil to Ithilien===
The two companions reached [[Amon Lhaw]] and toiled through the [[Emyn Muil]]. Soon after, they found Gollum following them, and they captured him with the [[Elven rope]].
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Through the Marshes.jpg|thumb|left|''Through the Marshes'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Frodo decided to trust Gollum to be their guide. He led the Hobbits out of the Emyn Muil and through the [[Dead Marshes]]. During their route, they were delayed several times by a [[Nazgûl]] flying on a [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. The Hobbits reached [[Carchost]], the western [[Towers of the Teeth|Tower of the Teeth]], where Frodo had intended to enter Mordor, but Gollum persuaded Frodo to follow him to a safer entrance, the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]. During the next night's march they passed into [[North Ithilien]], and by daylight of [[March 7]] they reached the stream of [[Henneth Annûn]].

Their camp fire attracted the [[Rangers of Ithilien]], and their leader, [[Faramir]] (Boromir's brother), considered them spies and questioned Frodo concerning their errand, who recounted the journeys of the Fellowship, but said nothing about the Ring. Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement. Faramir blindfolded the Hobbits and led them to Henneth Annûn, a secret Gondorian outpost, and questioned them further in private. After a meal, Sam accidentally revealed that Frodo had the Ring, but Faramir denied its lure, and thus gained the trust of the hobbits.

During the night, Faramir called Frodo and Sam to him, and showed them Gollum, who had found his way to Henneth Annûn, and (ignorant of their presence) was hunting for [[fish]]. Faramir, suspecting that Frodo had lied about Gollum's involvement in their quest, threatened to kill him for fear that he might reveal the location of their outpost to the enemy. Frodo confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, and begged Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released the three travellers, warning them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.

===Entering Mordor===
[[File:John Howe - Shelob About to Leap on Frodo.jpg|thumb|left|''Shelob About to Leap on Frodo'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After two marches they came to the valley of the [[Morgulduin]] and continued east. On the "[[Dawnless Day]]" Gollum lead them east to the [[Southward Road]] and reached the [[Cross-roads]] just as the sun was setting.<ref>{{TT|Journey}}</ref> They reached just opposite the north-facing gate of [[Minas Morgul]] and they saw the Morgul-host march forth.

In that night they ascended the [[Straight Stair]] and reached the top of the [[Winding Stair]] at dawn of [[March 11]] where they were woken by Gollum. He led the up the to the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]]. Inside the tunnel Gollum betrayed Frodo and Sam to [[Shelob]] the [[Spiders|spider]], who stung Frodo after he left the tunnel. Sam saved Frodo from being eaten by Shelob, but thought him dead and took the Ring from him, resolving to continue the Quest alone. However Frodo (who was still alive) was captured by Orcs and taken to the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

===Cirith Ungol to Mount Doom===
[[File:John Howe - Mount Doom II.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Mount Doom'' by [[John Howe]] ]]
Learning of this, Sam rescued Frodo and on early [[March 15]] the Hobbits escaped and jumped into the ravine west of the [[Morgai]] and crossed the valley. The next day they attempted to climb the Morgai, but had to retrace their steps and reached the north end of the valley, and on [[March 18]] they set out on the road that ran to the [[Carach Angren|Isenmouthe]]. There they were overtaken by an Orc troop and had to follow their trot.

As Sauron's troops moved at night, the hobbits continued their journey in daytime towards Mount Doom. During the morning of [[March 25]] they reached the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] where, at the last moment, Frodo, under the influence of the Ring, claimed it as his own. However, at that moment he was attacked by [[Gollum]], who seized the Ring and then fell into the fire with it, thus destroying the Ring.

By then, this pressure of the ring reached its maximum, which was impossible, "especially after long possession, months of increasing torment, and when starved and exhausted." Frodo had done what he could, and by then he was simply incapable of making a conscious decision to destroy the Ring.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

===Return home===
Frodo and Sam were rescued by [[Gwaihir]], [[Landroval]] and [[Meneldor]] and taken to [[Ithilien]]. After being healed and having rested for a month, the Ring-bearers were honoured on the [[Field of Cormallen]]. The following months the Hobbits witnessed the coronation of their companion Aragorn as King Elessar, and were present at his marriage to [[Arwen]] that summer. Arwen renounced her [[immortality]] and gave to Frodo her place to sail into the [[Uttermost West|West]]. She also gave to Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace that she claims would aid him when he remembers the fear and darkness of the toll the ring took on him.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

Frodo and his company left Minas Tirith on [[July 19]] for [[Edoras]] and the funeral of King [[Théoden]], then set out for the [[Hornburg]] and eventually [[Isengard]]. They parted there from Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.

After overtaking Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], they reached the [[Mountains of Moria]]; and when they approached [[Lothlórien]], [[Celeborn]] and Galadriel parted from their company. The hobbits, with Gandalf and other Elves, reached Rivendell on [[September 21]], where Frodo met Bilbo once again.

They stayed there until [[October 5]] and eventually visited the ''Prancing Pony'' in Bree before reaching the Shire. At the Buckland Gate Gandalf left them to go and have a talk with Tom Bombadil. Once in the Shire, they reached [[Frogmorton]] where they were arrested. The next day they reached [[Bywater]] where they defeated the [[ruffians]] who had overtaken their land. The leader of the ruffians was revealed to be Saruman, and Frodo decided to let him live, even after he had tried to stab him with a knife. But Saruman did not live much longer, for his servant, Wormtongue, killed him himself (before being killed by the hobbits), thus ending the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later years===
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|220px|''Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
Over the next two years, the travellers reordered the Shire and their lives; but Frodo was still troubled by his wounds, falling ill every [[13 March]] and [[6 October]], clutching the white gem in a manner reminiscent of the One Ring. Frodo served as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] until [[Will Whitfoot]] was restored in {{SR|1420}}.<ref name="chief">{{App|Chief}}</ref> Having no family of his own, Frodo left his estate ([[Bag End]]) and passed on the [[Red Book of Westmarch|Red Book]] to Samwise Gamgee, who named [[Frodo Gardner|his son]] after Frodo.

On [[September 21]] of {{TA|3021}} Frodo set out for the [[Grey Havens]]. Going south to Woody End he met the [[Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings]], Elrond, Galadriel, and Bilbo. On [[September 29]] they came to the firth of [[Lhûn]] where Gandalf awaited them, and on the [[White Ship]]<ref name="chief" /> they crossed the [[Straight Road]] into the West. Frodo would spend the rest of his days in "a period of reflection and peace" on [[Tol Eressëa]], giving him the opportunity to truly understand his position in [[Arda]] before passing beyond the [[Circles of the World]].<ref>{{L|246}}: "a gaining of a truer understanding of his position..."</ref>

==Legacy==
According to [[Elanor Gardner]], Sam followed Frodo across the sea on September 22, 1482 following the death of his wife [[Rose Cotton|Rose (née Cotton)]].<ref>{{App|B5}}: "''Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor...''"</ref>

At some point well into the [[Fourth Age]], the words "''Frodos Dreme''" appeared scrawled at the head of a poem, [[The Sea-Bell]], within the Red Book, possibly derived from the nightmares that Frodo had before passing into the West.<ref>{{AB|Preface}}: "''It is the latest piece and belongs to the Fourth Age...''"</ref>

==Characteristics==
The only real description of Frodo's appearance was given only once by Gandalf in his letter to Barliman Butterbur, in which he was declared a "stout fellow with red cheeks, taller than some (hobbits), and fairer than most", with a cleft chin, a bright eye, and a perky personality.<ref name="Strider" /> Although Frodo was apparently fairly stout before his journey, he seemed to have lost a significant amount of weight on his trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.<ref name="Meetings" /> Also, at a later point, Sam remarked that Frodo was "too thin and drawn" for a hobbit.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>

Frodo carried a small Elven sword called [[Sting]] and wore a coat of Dwarven mail made of ''[[mithril]]'' under his clothes, both given to him by Bilbo. In [[Lothlórien]], [[Galadriel]] gave Frodo, along with all of the Fellowship, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], which allowed the wearer to blend in with his natural surroundings, and, to Frodo alone, the [[Phial of Galadriel]], a small crystal phial in which light from the [[Star of Eärendil]] had been captured, to aid him on his quest.

Before Frodo returned to the Shire after the Quest of the Ring was completed, Arwen Evenstar, wife of Aragorn and daughter of Elrond, gave Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace to wear around his neck.

Frodo is said to have shown great "skill with foreign sounds" and probably could pronounce [[Elvish]] correctly, more than other Hobbits (who pronounced long Elvish vowels as diphthongs).<ref>{{App|Vowels}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Frodo Baggins'' is an English translation of his [[Westron]] name '''[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]]'''. The name ''Maura'' has the element ''maur-'' (wise, experienced), which Tolkien equated to the Germanic element ''frod-'' of the same meaning. Frodo's name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''[[Iorhael]]''''' ("old-wise") although in some instance he is mentioned as '''Daur''' (probably [[lenition|lenited]] form of ''[[taur]]'').

''Frodo'' is a real name, which comes from the Gemranic tradition with ''Fróda'' being its [[Old English]] form. It is obviously connected with the Old English word ''fród'', which means "wise by experience", but it was connected mythologically with legends of the Golden Age in the North.<ref>{{L|168}}</ref>

In the German translation he is called ''Frodo Beutlin'', in Spanish, ''Frodo Bolsón'', in French, ''Frodon Sacquet'', or ''Frodo Bessac'' (in the latest translation of the books), in Norwegian, ''Frodo Lommelun'', in Danish, ''Frodo Sækker'', in Faroese, ''Fróði Pjøkin'', in Finnish, ''Frodo Reppuli'', in Swedish, ''Frodo Secker'', in Portuguese, ''Frodo Bolseiro'', in Czech, ''Frodo Pytlík,'' and in Dutch, ''Frodo Balings''. In one of three Polish translations he is called ''Frodo Bagosz'', but he keeps his original name in the other two.

===Other names===
*Frodo Baggins - ''fród'' means "wise by experience" in [[Old English]]. Baggins may have been a reference to [[Bag End]] or may come from "bagging" which means "eating between meals" in northern England.
*[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]] - the [[Hobbitish]] name for Frodo.
*[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] - he bore the [[One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]].
*[[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] - given to him by [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]].
*[[Mr. Underhill]] - used during his stay in [[The Prancing Pony]] to conceal his identity.
*The Halfling - a name used for him from [[Boromir]]'s dream. Also a title given to him in [[Gondor]] after he accomplished the [[Quest of the Ring]].
*[[Master]] - given to Frodo by both [[Samwise Gamgee]] as Sam was his gardener, and [[Gollum]], as Frodo was the Master of the Precious.
*Nine-fingered Frodo\Frodo of the Nine Fingers - given to Frodo after Gollum bit off his finger.
*Deputy Mayor of [[Michel Delving]] - he was the Deputy from November {{TA|3019|n}} through Mid-Year's Day in {{TA|3020|n}}.
*[[Taur|Daur]] - which translates to "noble" and was given to Frodo at the [[Field of Cormallen]].
*[[Iorhael]] - the [[Sindarin]] name for Frodo which comes from ''[[iaur]]'' meaning "old" and ''[[sael]]'' meaning "wise".

*[[Bingo Baggins]] - Frodo's name in the early drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.
*''Bronwe athan Harthad'' - name given to Frodo by Gandalf in an early version of the ''[[Many Partings]]'' chapter, meaning "Endurance beyond Hope".<ref>{{SD|VII}}: "''the bards and the minstrels should give them new names...''"</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | |BAL|y|BER| |BAL=[[Balbo Baggins]]|BER=[[Berylla Baggins|Berylla Boffin]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree|MUN| | | |LAR|y|TAN|MUN=[[Mungo Baggins]] (grandfather of Bilbo)|LAR=[[Largo Baggins]]|TAN=[[Tanta Hornblower]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |,|-|-|-|v|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | |DOR| |DRO|y|PRI| |DUD|DOR=[[Dora Baggins]]|DRO=[[Drogo Baggins]]|PRI=[[Primula Brandybuck]]|DUD=[[Dudo Baggins]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!|}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |FRO| | | |DAI|~|GRI|FRO='''Frodo Baggins'''|DAI=[[Daisy Baggins]]|GRI=[[Griffo Boffin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Frodo Baggins in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="170px" heights="170px">
File:Frodo.png|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:Frodo Rankin Bass.png|Frodo in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo at the Grey Havens.png|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego LOTR logo.png|Frodo as a ''[[Lego]]'' minifigure
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Christopher Guard]]. [[Sharon Baird]] was the model for Frodo in the live-action recordings Bakshi used for rotoscoping.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Orson Bean]], who had previously played Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by [[Elijah Wood]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Elijah Wood]] reprises his role as Frodo Baggins.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> He has a conversation with Bilbo on the day of his 111th Birthday, before setting off to the woods to wait for Gandalf.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:Frodo was played by Taneli Mäkelä.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Oliver Burt]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Frodo is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is voiced by [[Ian Holm]].

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by Matthias Haase.

'''1992: [[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|''Tales from the Perilous Realm'' (1992 radio series)]]:'''
:In two episodes telling of the meeting of Frodo and [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Nigel Planer]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:In the first of the three series (seasons), based on ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', the voice of Frodo is provided by Dušan Cinkota. Cinkota was unable to reprise his role after the first series, and the role of Frodo was recast with Ľuboš Kostelný for the second and third series (based on ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'').

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is one of the playable characters; his story doesn't significantly differ from the book. He is voiced by [[Steve Staley]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is present in all missions from Sam's perspective: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom. Completing the game allows to replay those missions from Frodo's perspective.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Frodo is a "Hero" unit of the Free People; his ability to use the Ring and turn invisible makes him ideal for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Frodo and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Frodo is first met in Rivendell, preparing for departure. Later, he is found on Cerin Amroth in Lothlorien, weary from the loss of [[Gandalf]]. From [[Amon Hen]] onwards, player experiences Frodo's journey in a series of Session Plays, alternatively playing as either Frodo, Sam or [[Gollum]]. The player meets Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]], he later gives a speech at [[Aragorn]] and [[Arwen]]. A Hobbit actor portrays Frodo Baggins in a Hobbit-made theater play "The Disappearance of Mad Baggins". Notably, the player is not told about Frodo's mission for a very long time, with [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]] and others only saying that it is "of great importance".

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Frodo is mentioned as '''"Frodo the Ringbearer"''', one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]], in the introduction of the game. In [[The Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] tells that he is waiting on a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] with [[The One Ring|an important burden]], this refers to Frodo and the One Ring.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'', ''Prologue''</ref>
:Later in the game, Frodo appears in [[Rivendell]], but interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

==See also==
*[[Timeline of Frodo Baggins]]

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Baggins Family]]
| born=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[22 September]], {{TA|3001}} - [[13 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[14 March|14]] - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Gollum]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Baggins]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Frodo Beutlin]]
[[fi:Frodo Reppuli]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:bessac:frodo bessac]]

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2026-02-10T21:24:47Z

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Template:Infobox character

2026-02-10T21:19:38Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

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2026-02-10T21:19:33Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Created page with ""

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2026-02-10T07:03:32Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

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2026-02-09T22:12:54Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

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Samwise Gamgee

2026-02-09T22:10:49Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Companion & Gardener of Frodo Baggins}}
{{infobox character
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| image=Nia Kovalevski - Sam.jpg
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| spouse=[[Rose Cotton]]
| children=[[Elanor Gardner|Elanor]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]
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<center>{{quote|I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam|[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Mount Doom]]"}}</center>

'''Samwise Gamgee''', commonly known as '''Sam''', was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him to the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Samwise lived with his father, [[Hamfast Gamgee]], better known as "The Gaffer", on [[Bagshot Row]] in [[The Shire]], close to [[Bag End]]. Sam's mother was [[Bell Gamgee|Bell Goodchild]]; he had five siblings: [[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]. He was a friend of the [[Cotton Family|Cotton family]] and used to play in [[Bywater Pool]] with [[Wilcome Cotton II|Jolly]], [[Tolman Cotton Junior|Tom]], [[Carl Cotton|Nibs]], and [[Rose Cotton|Rosie Cotton]] specifically.<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref>

A gardener by trade, Sam seemed to be a simple [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of plain speech. He helped his Gaffer tending the garden of Bag End and was taught the art of rope making by his [[Hobson|grandfather]] and his uncle [[Andwise Roper|Andy]]. In his work at Bag-End, he was acquainted with [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Bilbo taught him [[tengwar|letters]], and nurtured his love for [[Elves]], poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of. This set him apart from the beginning to the Gaffer's dismay.<ref>{{FR|Party}};{{TT|Taming}}</ref> Sam often wandered outside [[Hobbiton]] and knew well the area twenty miles around.<ref name="three">{{FR|Three}}</ref>

On [[12 April]] Sam was in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' and discussed with [[Ted Sandyman]] the strange rumours he heard around the Shire, including his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] seeing a [[Tree-men|Tree-man]], and the [[Elves]] who leave [[Middle-earth]]. Ted called his cousin crazy and dismissed all rumours. In the evening, he returned to [[Hobbiton Hill]] thinking about the hard work he has to do when he saw [[Gandalf]] arriving to visit Frodo, after many years.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

===Eavesdropping on Frodo and Gandalf===
Sam was one of the "[[Conspirators]]" who were summoned by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]] in order to watch over [[Frodo Baggins]] and the [[The One Ring|Ring]] inherited by Frodo from Bilbo. Being the closest to Frodo, Sam was their "chief investigator" who was to eavesdrop on his talks with Gandalf the [[Wizards|Wizard]].<ref>{{FR|Conspiracy}}</ref>

He eavesdrops on Frodo and Gandalf's discussion while working at the garden of Bag End. It was when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, and on the mention that Frodo must leave the Shire, Sam choked. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. Sam begged Gandalf not to turn him into anything "unnatural". Sam then immediately asked to be taken to see Elves when they went away. Gandalf decided to make Sam Frodo's first companion.<ref name="shadow" />

===From Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
Sam joined Frodo on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]], as to outside appearances as Frodo's gardener. He lied that he had the lightest baggage after Frodo complained about the weight of his, and he offered to take more. Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] and when they were encountered by [[Black Riders]] Sam mentioned that one of those was asking his father about Frodo. Later they met one of the [[Wandering Companies]] of Elves; the experience of meeting Elves the first time left him speechless (although they were different than he expected, ''"so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were,"'' as Sam described them<ref name="short">{{FR|Mushrooms}}, p. 87</ref>); the hobbits camped with them and Sam was like in a living dream, mentioning it as one of the most important events of his life. He was enchanted especially by their singing.<ref name="three" /> The Elves warned him not to leave Frodo on his journey, and Sam denied he would ever think about it.<ref name="short" />

The next day Sam insisted that Pippin should leave some elven bread for their breakfast. That morning, Sam felt changed, feeling that he had to fulfill a role that lies beyond the Shire, something more important than meeting Elves or [[dragons]] or seeing mountains.<ref name="short" />

At Crickhollow where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travellers on their way to Bree.

===Crickhollow to Rivendell===
The hobbits decided to risk travelling through the [[Old Forest]] to avoid Black Riders. There [[Old Man Willow]] put a spell of sleepiness on the four hobbits. Once Merry and Pippin slept by the tree and Frodo bathed his feet in the [[Withywindle]], the willow tree tried to drown Frodo and swallowed Merry and Pippin, but Sam proved the most resistant. He saved Frodo from drowning and tried to start a fire to frighten Old Man Willow but the tree threatened to squeeze the hobbits in two if he did not put it out. They were saved by Tom Bombadil and stayed in his house for two days. Sam was the only hobbit who slept contentedly.<ref>{{FR|Forest}}; {{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>

They passed through [[Barrow-downs]] and came to [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". Sam did not trust the ranger at first, but Frodo accepted his help as they could not get to Rivendell otherwise. [[Sauron]]'s spies had opened the stables of the inn and all the mounts went loose, therefore before leaving the village, the company purchased a [[Ponies|pony]] from [[Bill Ferny]]. Sam loved and tended the animal, and named him [[Bill the Pony|Bill]], after his owner. Upon their departure, Bill Ferney saw and taunted them. In response, Sam threw an apple at his head.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}; {{FR|Strider}}; {{FR|Knife}}</ref>

As they came to [[Weathertop]], Sam recited a poem about Gil-Galad that Bilbo had taught him.<ref>{{FR|Knife}}, p. 186</ref> After Frodo was stabbed by a Ringwraith, his distrust toward Strider only grew, and he was distraught when he learned that Frodo's wound might subdue him to the Black Riders' will. When the group came to the old place where [[Tom]], [[Bert]], and [[William]] had been turned to stone, he sang "[[The Stone Troll]]", an original composition of his, for the others.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on Weathertop and hardly left except to run messages. Once Frodo awoke, Sam led him to join the rest of the party. He had begged to wait on Frodo but was told that for this time he was a guest of honor. When Frodo reunited with Bilbo, Sam sat near near them and listened as they spoke together until he fell asleep.<ref>{{FR|II1}}</ref>

The following day, Sam eavesdropped on the [[Council of Elrond]] and remained silent until it was revealed that Frodo would be the [[Ring-bearers|Ringbearer]]. Then Sam was unable to contain himself any longer and revealed himself, asking if Frodo was meant to go alone, to which [[Elrond]] responded that he at least should accompany Frodo as it is impossible to separate them, even when Frodo is invited to a secret council and Sam is not.<ref>{{FR|Many}}; {{FR|Council}}, p. 270-271</ref>

[[File:John_Howe_-_Watcher_in_the_Water.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|''Watcher in the Water'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Sam insisted on bringing Bill along on the journey, saying he would pine if he did not come. At that point, he lamented that he had not brought rope but found that it was too late to find some now.<ref>{{FR|South}}, p. 280</ref> Sam was dismayed when he learned they were to enter [[Moria]], and he was even more dismayed that they had to send Bill away when they entered Moria when wolves were about. Sam saved Frodo's life as the [[Watcher in the Water]] tried to seize him with one of its tentacles. As they passed by fissures and chasms there, Sam once again remarked that he wished he had brought rope. Sam received a scratch along his scalp for his first orc kill in the mines. When Frodo was pinned against the wall by an Orc-spear, Sam hacked and broke the spear-shaft.<ref>{{FR|Journey}};{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

In [[Lothlórien]], the Elves remarked that Sam breathed so loudly that they could shoot him in the dark. Sam was the only one of the four hobbits who had no trouble sleeping upon the Elves' [[flet]], and he remarked that he will go on sleeping whether or not he rolled off in his slumber.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}, p. 342, 344</ref> In [[Cerin Amroth]], once the Fellowship was unblindfolded, Sam was surprised by the bright daylight in an Elven realm, and he remarked that he "thought that Elves were all for moon and stars: but this is more elvish than anything I ever heard tell of".<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}, p. 351</ref>

Sam made a verse in honour of Gandalf's fireworks. He, along with Frodo, looked into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] where he saw trees being felled and that the Old Mill had been replaced by a large red-brick building. Sam considered going back to help those at home, but, being warned by [[Galadriel]] not to let the mirror decide his choices, Sam decided to finish his task with Frodo. At their parting from Lórien, Galadriel [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}};{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

===Journey to Mordor===
At the [[Falls of Rauros]] Frodo tried to leave the Fellowship secretly by boat, but Sam pursued him and leapt into the water although he could not swim. Thus after the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.<ref name="breaking" />
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Faramir.png|thumb|250px|"[[Faramir]]" by [[The Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
When [[Gollum]] joined up with them, Sam remained distrustful of his loyalty to Frodo, and treated him with disdain, and partially (though unintentionally) pushed Gollum to betray Frodo in [[Shelob's Lair]].<ref>{{L|165}}</ref><ref>{{L|96}}</ref>
As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum travelled, Sam began to worry about their food supplies running short and he, unlike Frodo, still thought of the return journey.<ref>{{TT|Passage}}</ref> In [[Ithilien]], he decided to risk a fire and stew rabbit, but he accidentally let it smoke which attracted the attention of [[Faramir]] and his rangers who were also in that region. There, to Sam's delight, he got the chance to see an [[oliphaunt]]. Faramir took the hobbits to [[Henneth Annûn]] where Sam accidentally revealed the purpose of their quest, but Faramir did not hinder it and Sam judged his quality to be "the very highest.", saying he reminded him of Gandalf.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}; {{TT|Window}}</ref>

Gollum led the hobbits to the [[Stairs of Cirith Ungol]], where Sam, in a conversation with Frodo, reflected on whether their adventure would be put in tales and songs to be told by a fireside and noted that they were part of a greater tale than themselves.<ref name="TT|Stairs">{{TT|Stairs}}</ref>
[[File:Irvin Rodriguez - Samwise the Stouthearted.jpg|thumb|''Samwise the Stouthearted'' by [[:Category:Images by Irvin Rodriguez|Irvin Rodriguez]]]]
Gollum betrayed the hobbits in [[Shelob's lair]], hoping to find the Ring among Frodo's bones once [[Shelob]] had eaten him. However, Sam pierced Shelob's flesh, being the first person ever to have done so, but not before Shelob seemingly killed Frodo.

Grieving for Frodo, Sam took the Ring. At first, he was tempted to go on a quest for revenge on Gollum but instead chose to complete the quest. However, upon learning that Frodo still lived, he rescued him from the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him. Because he held the Ring for a time, he is considered one of the [[Ring-bearers]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}};{{RK|Tower}}</ref>

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carried Frodo up the slope for part of the way. There, Gollum tried to attack the hobbits and Sam spared his life now he had an idea of what it had been like for Gollum to be Ring-bearer—a choice which soon led to success in their quest. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honoured by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}; {{RK|Field}}</ref>

===Later life===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|''Sam and Rosie Cotton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After the [[War of the Ring]], and the [[Scouring of the Shire]], Sam planted saplings in all the places where specially beautiful and beloved trees had been destroyed, and he put a grain of Galadriel's soil at the root of each. He was especially shocked that the [[Party Tree]] was cut down and planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where it had once been, and the nut grew into the [[Golden Tree]], the only [[Mallorn]] tree in the Shire.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]] on [[1 May]] {{SR|1420}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> In honor for restoring the Shire his family was given the name [[Gardner Family|Gardner]].

They had thirteen children: [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor the Fair]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]. When Frodo sailed on the [[White Ship]], at the end of the Third Age, Sam inherited Bag End and was entrusted the [[Red Book of Westmarch]].

After [[Will Whitfoot]] resigned his post as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] (the largest town in the Shire and the "unofficial capital"), in {{FoA|6}}, Sam was elected Mayor of the Shire, that would be the first of seven consecutive 7-year terms.<ref name="later" /> Soon after his election he established a rule of succession and inheritance in situations such as the headless [[Baggins family]], since Bilbo and Frodo went over the sea and was impossible to presume death.<ref>{{L|214}}</ref> During his service, King Elessar appointed the Mayor as a [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]. In {{SR|1436}} he met King Elessar on the [[Brandywine Bridge]] and was awarded the [[Star of the Dúnedain]]. In {{SR|1442}} he left [[Tolman Cotton Junior]] as deputy Mayor so that he rode to Gondor with his wife and his daughter Elanor, maid of honour to Queen Arwen, to spend a year there. When Elanor married [[Fastred of Greenholm]], he requested from Thain Peregrin to make him [[Warden of Westmarch]] in {{SR|1462}}.<ref name="later">{{App|Later}}</ref>

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, on [[22 September]] Sam left Bag End, and went to the [[Tower Hills]] where he was last seen by Elanor, entrusting to her the Red Book; according to her, he went to the [[Grey Havens]] to sail across the Sea<ref name="later" /> and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Characteristics==
Sam had brown eyes. At some points his hands are described as brown.<ref name="TT|Stairs" /><ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref>
This could indicate he belongs to the [[Harfoots]], as they are described as having browner skin than the [[Fallohides]], to which breed Merry, Pippin and Frodo belong.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Or it could simply be a tan from years of working outside. His face is often described as red-faced, turning scarlet or blushing. At one point his face is said to have turned white, before flushing scarlet. He was the shortest of the four Hobbits of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but the sturdiest in build.<ref name="Descriptions">{{NM|Descriptions}}</ref>

Sam was a representative hobbit. He was vulgar and cocksure, but his devotion to Frodo moderated his conceit. For him, his service and loyalty was the measure of his heroicism and bravery.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Samwise'' means "simple minded" or "half-minded". ''Gamgee'' is explained as a corruption of the name ''[[Gammidgy]]'', a village in the Shire. Both names are presented as translations of the [[Westron]] form of Sam's name '''[[Banazîr]] Galpsi''' (from the complete form [[Galbasi]]) (q.v. for more information).<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien's English translation, ''Samwís Gamwich'', could have come to ''Samwise Gamgee'' in modern English.

The [[Sindarin]] version of Samwise is '''''[[Perhael]]'''''. In the [[King's Letter]], contained in the unpublished "[[Epilogue]]", King Elessar refers to Sam as ''Perhael (i sennui Panthael estathar aen)'', Sindarin for "Halfwise (who should rather be called Fullwise)."

==Inspiration==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] took the name from ''Gamgee Tissue'', a surgical dressing invented by a 19th century [[Birmingham]] surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee. "Gamgee" became the colloquial name in Birmingham for cotton wool. Here, Tolkien describes why he had chosen that name for his character:
{{blockquote|The choice of Gamgee was primarily directed by alliteration, but I did not invent it. It was caught out of childhood memory, as a comic word or name. It was in fact the name when I was small (in Birmingham) for 'cotton-wool'. (Hence the association of the Gamgees with the Cottons.) I knew nothing of its origin.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 257]]}}

It is possible that Tolkien may have subconsciously recalled Dr. Gamgee (who died in 1886 but is commemorated by a plaque at the Birmingham Medical Institute, only yards from Tolkien's childhood home) but he claimed to be genuinely surprised when, in March 1956, he received a letter from one Sam Gamgee, who had heard that his name was in ''The Lord of the Rings'' but had not read the book. Tolkien replied on March 18:
{{blockquote|Dear Mr. Gamgee,It was very kind of you to write. You can imagine my astonishment when I saw your signature! I can only say, for your comfort, I hope, that the 'Sam Gamgee' of my story is a most heroic character, now widely beloved by many readers, even though his origins are rustic. So that perhaps you will not be displeased at the coincidence of the name of this imaginary character of supposedly many centuries ago being the same as yours.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 184]]}}

He proceeded to send Mr Gamgee a signed copy of all three volumes of the book. However, the incident sparked a nagging worry in Tolkien's mind, as he recorded in his journal:
{{blockquote|For some time I lived in fear of receiving a letter signed 'S. Gollum'. That would have been more difficult to deal with.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''}}

==Commentary==
In one of his letters, Tolkien described Sam is as the "chief hero" and placed special emphasis on his "rustic love" for Rosie.<ref>{{L|131}}</ref> He was known for rescuing Frodo at [[Cirith Ungol]], and carrying him up [[Mount Doom]]. He was one of only two Ring-bearers strong enough to surrender the Ring voluntarily.

The relationship between Frodo and Sam is, in many respects, at the centre of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Sam's humbleness and plain speaking are frequently emphasised in contrast to Frodo's gentility, and he often shows deference to Frodo, calling him "Mister Frodo" or "Master". At the same time, a strong bond of love and trust grows between them, portrayed most poignantly during the events of Cirith Ungol, where Sam vows to return to his (apparently) dead master, to be reunited with Frodo in death.

[[Tolkienists]] regard Sam as Frodo's ''[[wikipedia:Batman (army)|batman]]''. In the British Army, a batman was an orderly who acted as the personal servant of an officer. It was a role with which Tolkien (who served as an Army officer in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I First World War]) would have been extremely familiar. Sam undertakes all of the typical roles of a batman — he runs errands for Frodo, cooks, transports him (or at least carries him), and carries his luggage. Tolkien confirmed this interpretation when he wrote in a private letter that:
{{blockquote|My Sam Gamgee is indeed a reflection of the English soldier, of the privates and batmen I knew in the 1914 war, and recognized as so far superior to myself|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

This may be compared to the relationship between [[wikipedia:Don Quixote|Don Quixote]] and his squire, [[wikipedia:Sancho Panza|Sancho Panza]], and the gradual "Quixotization" of Sancho.

==In other stories==
In the illustrated short story ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'', the local police officer is a Sergeant [[Boffin Family|Boffin]] who - at the behest of [[Gaffer Gamgee]] - seeks to lock up Mr Bliss as a thief for failing to pay for his car. Sergeant Boffin also has a son named Sam.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'' (2011 edition), p. 62</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Samwise Gamgee in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Sagan om Ringen - Samwise Gamgee.png|Sam in ''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Sam Gamgee.png|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Sam.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
</gallery>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Victor Platt]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:Sam is present at the [[Bilbo Baggins]]' [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|111th birthday party]] and dined with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry,]] [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Gandalf]]. After Gandalf tells Frodo of the powers of [[The One Ring|Bilbo's ring]], Merry, Pippin and Sam decide to accompany Frodo to [[Rivendell]]. They set off, pursued by [[Nazgûl|Black Riders.]] Later, they encounter a group of dancing [[Elves]]. They camp with the Elves and share food, an experience which becomes, in Sam's memory, one of the chief events in his life. Continuing on, they arrive in the [[Old Forest]] and stop for a rest. Pippin is trapped in the [[Old Man Willow]] and Frodo and Sam attempt to help him out. Their efforts are futile until helped by a wandering [[Tom Bombadil]]. The group arrive at [[Bree]] and enter ''[[Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]]''. They meet with a man named Strider. A letter from Gandalf reveals that his real name is [[Aragorn]] and the Hobbits follow him, as he knows a better route to Rivendell. They arrive in Rivendell and wait for Frodo, who is comatosed for 4 days due to his encounter with the Black Riders. The soon-to-be members of the [[Council of Elrond]] hold a celebratory feast after Frodo recovers. The Council convenes and they decide to form a [[Fellowship of the Ring]], comprising the previous members of their band, Gandalf, [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], to take the ring to [[Mordor]] and destroy it. As they prepare, Sam checks and re-checks his pack to ensure no supplies are missing. He is dismayed by the lack of rope, remembering that he had thought previously about how rope could be useful. The Fellowship depart and take a final look at the House of Elrond. The group sets off, Sam behind Frodo.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Michael Scholes]] was the voice of Sam, and [[Billy Barty]] played him in rotoscoped footage.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sam is provided by [[Lou Bliss]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[Roddy McDowall]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:A young [[Bill Nighy|William Nighy]] portrays Sam as a warm and caring person. No dialectical or social difference was made.

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:In the two episodes of "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", [[Jonathan Adams]] portrayed Sam with a very rustic accent.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Samwise Gamgee is provided by Stano Dančiak. Dančiak, though a slightly older actor than the other actors portraying the four hobbits, was well-known for his convincing "smart everyman" roles. This is utilised in the series to emphasize that Sam comes from a more ordinary family and humbler social standing than Frodo, Pippin and Merry. Sam is portrayed as resourceful, honest, loyal, caring, and capable of finding bravery when he least expects it. He is also very curious about the world outside of The Shire, including Elven and Dwarven culture and lore. He is addressed almost entirely by his abbreviated name, Sam.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sam is played by [[Sean Astin]]. [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]] majorly diverges Sam and Frodo's story. Frodo, manipulated by Gollum and the One Ring, abandons Sam in Mordor after he offers to carry the Ring. Frodo faces Shelob alone and Sam comes to his rescue after he has already been bound by her webs. Though not noted in dialogue, a page of Frodo's ''The Lord of the Rings'' notes that Sam became the Mayor of Hobbiton.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Scott Menville]] provided the voice for Sam in all but the X-box version; there, [[Cliff Broadway]] took over. The role of Sam is greatly diminished: after being caught eavesdropping by Gandalf, Sam is to be Frodo's companion, but he does not appear again until Frodo reaches [[Farmer Maggot]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Sam is a playable character in several missions: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Samwise only makes a single appearance in the Lothlorien mission.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Sam and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Samwise is first found in Rivendell, preparing for the departure. Later, he is found on [[Cerin Amroth]] in Lothlorien, alongside Frodo. A series of a session plays depicts Sam, Frodo and Gollum's journey through the [[Dead Marshes]], the Pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] and [[Mordor]]. The player later meets Sam and Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]].

:The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. Samwise insists that he is no Guardian and not fit to be one - because his heroic deeds have not happened yet. The player has to double-check and discovers that whoever talked of Sam as a great Guardian, apparently had misheard the word "Gardener".

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Samwise appears in the game as a non-playable character, with [[Sean Astin]] reprising his role. He narrates the story of Aragorn to his children when the latter is to come to the Shire.

{{References|n}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Gamgee Family]]
| born=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| died=Sailed west in {{FoA|61}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[13 March|13]] - [[14 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Frodo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Will Whitfoot]]
| list=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| dates={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| next=Unknown
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position established
| list=[[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]
| dates={{FoA|13}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Mayors of Michel Delving]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]

Samwise Gamgee

2026-02-09T22:09:48Z

Banazîr Galpsi:

{{short description|Companion & Gardener of Frodo Baggins}}
{{infobox character
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| backgroundimage=shire
| name=Samwise Gamgee
| image=Nia Kovalevski - Sam.jpg
| caption="Sam" by [[:Category:Images by Nia Kovalevski|Nia Kovalevski]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Banazîr]]'' ([[Hobbitish|H]]) ''[[Perhael]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]], Ring-Bearer (for a short time)
| position=Gardener, chief investigator, [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Bagshot Row|3 Bagshot Row]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}<ref group="note">In the second edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Sam's year of birth was added to ''[[Appendix B|The Tale of Years]]''; it was, however, {{TA|2983}}. This contradicts both ''[[Gamgee family#The Longfather.E2.80.93Tree of Master Samwise|The Longfather-Tree of Master Samwise]]'' and a later entry in ''The Tale of Years''. The incorrect date has been corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th anniversary edition]]. See also ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 716.</ref>
| birthlocation=The [[Shire]]
| rule={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|61}}
| sailedto=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=102
| notablefor=Being counted among the Fellowship of the Ring and following [[Frodo Baggins]] into Mordor.
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]; founded the [[Gardner Family|Gardner family]]
| parentage=[[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast Gamgee]] and [[Bell Goodchild]]
| siblings=[[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]] and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]
| spouse=[[Rose Cotton]]
| children=[[Elanor Gardner|Elanor]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=Brown<ref name="breaking">{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
| skin colour=Brown-handed
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Barrow-blades|Barrow-blade]], also [[Sting]]
| steed=[[Bill the Pony]]
}}
<center>{{quote|I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam|[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Mount Doom]]"}}</center>

'''Samwise Gamgee''', commonly known as '''Sam''', was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him to the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Samwise lived with his father, [[Hamfast Gamgee]], better known as "The Gaffer", on [[Bagshot Row]] in [[The Shire]], close to [[Bag End]]. Sam's mother was [[Bell Gamgee|Bell Goodchild]]; he had five siblings: [[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]. He was a friend of the [[Cotton Family|Cotton family]] and used to play in [[Bywater Pool]] with [[Wilcome Cotton II|Jolly]], [[Tolman Cotton Junior|Tom]], [[Carl Cotton|Nibs]], and [[Rose Cotton|Rosie Cotton]] specifically.<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref>

A gardener by trade, Sam seemed to be a simple [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of plain speech. He helped his Gaffer tending the garden of Bag End and was taught the art of rope making by his [[Hobson|grandfather]] and his uncle [[Andwise Roper|Andy]]. In his work at Bag-End, he was acquainted with [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Bilbo taught him [[tengwar|letters]], and nurtured his love for [[Elves]], poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of. This set him apart from the beginning to the Gaffer's dismay.<ref>{{FR|Party}};{{TT|Taming}}</ref> Sam often wandered outside [[Hobbiton]] and knew well the area twenty miles around.<ref name=three>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

On [[12 April]] Sam was in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' and discussed with [[Ted Sandyman]] the strange rumours he heard around the Shire, including his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] seeing a [[Tree-men|Tree-man]], and the [[Elves]] who leave [[Middle-earth]]. Ted called his cousin crazy and dismissed all rumours. In the evening, he returned to [[Hobbiton Hill]] thinking about the hard work he has to do when he saw [[Gandalf]] arriving to visit Frodo, after many years.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

===Eavesdropping on Frodo and Gandalf===
Sam was one of the "[[Conspirators]]" who were summoned by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]] in order to watch over [[Frodo Baggins]] and the [[The One Ring|Ring]] inherited by Frodo from Bilbo. Being the closest to Frodo, Sam was their "chief investigator" who was to eavesdrop on his talks with Gandalf the [[Wizards|Wizard]].<ref>{{FR|Conspiracy}}</ref>

He eavesdrops on Frodo and Gandalf's discussion while working at the garden of Bag End. It was when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, and on the mention that Frodo must leave the Shire, Sam choked. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. Sam begged Gandalf not to turn him into anything "unnatural". Sam then immediately asked to be taken to see Elves when they went away. Gandalf decided to make Sam Frodo's first companion.<ref name=shadow/>

===From Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
Sam joined Frodo on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]], as to outside appearances as Frodo's gardener. He lied that he had the lightest baggage after Frodo complained about the weight of his, and he offered to take more. Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] and when they were encountered by [[Black Riders]] Sam mentioned that one of those was asking his father about Frodo. Later they met one of the [[Wandering Companies]] of Elves; the experience of meeting Elves the first time left him speechless (although they were different than he expected, ''"so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were,"'' as Sam described them<ref name="short">{{FR|Mushrooms}}, p. 87</ref>); the hobbits camped with them and Sam was like in a living dream, mentioning it as one of the most important events of his life. He was enchanted especially by their singing.<ref name=three/> The Elves warned him not to leave Frodo on his journey, and Sam denied he would ever think about it.<ref name=short/>

The next day Sam insisted that Pippin should leave some elven bread for their breakfast. That morning, Sam felt changed, feeling that he had to fulfill a role that lies beyond the Shire, something more important than meeting Elves or [[dragons]] or seeing mountains.<ref name=short/>

At Crickhollow where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travellers on their way to Bree.

===Crickhollow to Rivendell===
The hobbits decided to risk travelling through the [[Old Forest]] to avoid Black Riders. There [[Old Man Willow]] put a spell of sleepiness on the four hobbits. Once Merry and Pippin slept by the tree and Frodo bathed his feet in the [[Withywindle]], the willow tree tried to drown Frodo and swallowed Merry and Pippin, but Sam proved the most resistant. He saved Frodo from drowning and tried to start a fire to frighten Old Man Willow but the tree threatened to squeeze the hobbits in two if he did not put it out. They were saved by Tom Bombadil and stayed in his house for two days. Sam was the only hobbit who slept contentedly.<ref>{{FR|Forest}}; {{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>

They passed through [[Barrow-downs]] and came to [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". Sam did not trust the ranger at first, but Frodo accepted his help as they could not get to Rivendell otherwise. [[Sauron]]'s spies had opened the stables of the inn and all the mounts went loose, therefore before leaving the village, the company purchased a [[Ponies|pony]] from [[Bill Ferny]]. Sam loved and tended the animal, and named him [[Bill the Pony|Bill]], after his owner. Upon their departure, Bill Ferney saw and taunted them. In response, Sam threw an apple at his head.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}; {{FR|Strider}}; {{FR|Knife}}</ref>

As they came to [[Weathertop]], Sam recited a poem about Gil-Galad that Bilbo had taught him.<ref>{{FR|Knife}}, p. 186</ref> After Frodo was stabbed by a Ringwraith, his distrust toward Strider only grew, and he was distraught when he learned that Frodo's wound might subdue him to the Black Riders' will. When the group came to the old place where [[Tom]], [[Bert]], and [[William]] had been turned to stone, he sang "[[The Stone Troll]]", an original composition of his, for the others.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on Weathertop and hardly left except to run messages. Once Frodo awoke, Sam led him to join the rest of the party. He had begged to wait on Frodo but was told that for this time he was a guest of honor. When Frodo reunited with Bilbo, Sam sat near near them and listened as they spoke together until he fell asleep.<ref>{{FR|II1}}</ref>

The following day, Sam eavesdropped on the [[Council of Elrond]] and remained silent until it was revealed that Frodo would be the [[Ring-bearers|Ringbearer]]. Then Sam was unable to contain himself any longer and revealed himself, asking if Frodo was meant to go alone, to which [[Elrond]] responded that he at least should accompany Frodo as it is impossible to separate them, even when Frodo is invited to a secret council and Sam is not.<ref>{{FR|Many}}; {{FR|Council}}, p. 270-271</ref>

[[File:John_Howe_-_Watcher_in_the_Water.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|''Watcher in the Water'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Sam insisted on bringing Bill along on the journey, saying he would pine if he did not come. At that point, he lamented that he had not brought rope but found that it was too late to find some now.<ref>{{FR|South}}, p. 280</ref> Sam was dismayed when he learned they were to enter [[Moria]], and he was even more dismayed that they had to send Bill away when they entered Moria when wolves were about. Sam saved Frodo's life as the [[Watcher in the Water]] tried to seize him with one of its tentacles. As they passed by fissures and chasms there, Sam once again remarked that he wished he had brought rope. Sam received a scratch along his scalp for his first orc kill in the mines. When Frodo was pinned against the wall by an Orc-spear, Sam hacked and broke the spear-shaft.<ref>{{FR|Journey}};{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

In [[Lothlórien]], the Elves remarked that Sam breathed so loudly that they could shoot him in the dark. Sam was the only one of the four hobbits who had no trouble sleeping upon the Elves' [[flet]], and he remarked that he will go on sleeping whether or not he rolled off in his slumber.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}, p. 342, 344</ref> In [[Cerin Amroth]], once the Fellowship was unblindfolded, Sam was surprised by the bright daylight in an Elven realm, and he remarked that he "thought that Elves were all for moon and stars: but this is more elvish than anything I ever heard tell of".<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}, p. 351</ref>

Sam made a verse in honour of Gandalf's fireworks. He, along with Frodo, looked into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] where he saw trees being felled and that the Old Mill had been replaced by a large red-brick building. Sam considered going back to help those at home, but, being warned by [[Galadriel]] not to let the mirror decide his choices, Sam decided to finish his task with Frodo. At their parting from Lórien, Galadriel [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}};{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

===Journey to Mordor===
At the [[Falls of Rauros]] Frodo tried to leave the Fellowship secretly by boat, but Sam pursued him and leapt into the water although he could not swim. Thus after the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.<ref name="breaking"/>
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Faramir.png|thumb|250px|"[[Faramir]]" by [[The Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
When [[Gollum]] joined up with them, Sam remained distrustful of his loyalty to Frodo, and treated him with disdain, and partially (though unintentionally) pushed Gollum to betray Frodo in [[Shelob's Lair]].<ref>{{L|165}}</ref><ref>{{L|96}}</ref>
As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum travelled, Sam began to worry about their food supplies running short and he, unlike Frodo, still thought of the return journey.<ref>{{TT|Passage}}</ref> In [[Ithilien]], he decided to risk a fire and stew rabbit, but he accidentally let it smoke which attracted the attention of [[Faramir]] and his rangers who were also in that region. There, to Sam's delight, he got the chance to see an [[oliphaunt]]. Faramir took the hobbits to [[Henneth Annûn]] where Sam accidentally revealed the purpose of their quest, but Faramir did not hinder it and Sam judged his quality to be "the very highest.", saying he reminded him of Gandalf.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}; {{TT|Window}}</ref>

Gollum led the hobbits to the [[Stairs of Cirith Ungol]], where Sam, in a conversation with Frodo, reflected on whether their adventure would be put in tales and songs to be told by a fireside and noted that they were part of a greater tale than themselves.<ref name="TT|Stairs">{{TT|Stairs}}</ref>
[[File:Irvin Rodriguez - Samwise the Stouthearted.jpg|thumb|''Samwise the Stouthearted'' by [[:Category:Images by Irvin Rodriguez|Irvin Rodriguez]]]]
Gollum betrayed the hobbits in [[Shelob's lair]], hoping to find the Ring among Frodo's bones once [[Shelob]] had eaten him. However, Sam pierced Shelob's flesh, being the first person ever to have done so, but not before Shelob seemingly killed Frodo.

Grieving for Frodo, Sam took the Ring. At first, he was tempted to go on a quest for revenge on Gollum but instead chose to complete the quest. However, upon learning that Frodo still lived, he rescued him from the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him. Because he held the Ring for a time, he is considered one of the [[Ring-bearers]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}};{{RK|Tower}}</ref>

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carried Frodo up the slope for part of the way. There, Gollum tried to attack the hobbits and Sam spared his life now he had an idea of what it had been like for Gollum to be Ring-bearer—a choice which soon led to success in their quest. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honoured by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds.<ref>{{RK|Doom}}; {{RK|Field}}</ref>

===Later life===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|''Sam and Rosie Cotton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After the [[War of the Ring]], and the [[Scouring of the Shire]], Sam planted saplings in all the places where specially beautiful and beloved trees had been destroyed, and he put a grain of Galadriel's soil at the root of each. He was especially shocked that the [[Party Tree]] was cut down and planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where it had once been, and the nut grew into the [[Golden Tree]], the only [[Mallorn]] tree in the Shire.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]] on [[1 May]] {{SR|1420}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> In honor for restoring the Shire his family was given the name [[Gardner Family|Gardner]].

They had thirteen children: [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor the Fair]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]. When Frodo sailed on the [[White Ship]], at the end of the Third Age, Sam inherited Bag End and was entrusted the [[Red Book of Westmarch]].

After [[Will Whitfoot]] resigned his post as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] (the largest town in the Shire and the "unofficial capital"), in {{FoA|6}}, Sam was elected Mayor of the Shire, that would be the first of seven consecutive 7-year terms.<ref name=later/> Soon after his election he established a rule of succession and inheritance in situations such as the headless [[Baggins family]], since Bilbo and Frodo went over the sea and was impossible to presume death.<ref>{{L|214}}</ref> During his service, King Elessar appointed the Mayor as a [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]. In {{SR|1436}} he met King Elessar on the [[Brandywine Bridge]] and was awarded the [[Star of the Dúnedain]]. In {{SR|1442}} he left [[Tolman Cotton Junior]] as deputy Mayor so that he rode to Gondor with his wife and his daughter Elanor, maid of honour to Queen Arwen, to spend a year there. When Elanor married [[Fastred of Greenholm]], he requested from Thain Peregrin to make him [[Warden of Westmarch]] in {{SR|1462}}.<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref>

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, on [[22 September]] Sam left Bag End, and went to the [[Tower Hills]] where he was last seen by Elanor, entrusting to her the Red Book; according to her, he went to the [[Grey Havens]] to sail across the Sea<ref name=later/> and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Characteristics==
Sam had brown eyes. At some points his hands are described as brown.<ref name="TT|Stairs"/><ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref>
This could indicate he belongs to the [[Harfoots]], as they are described as having browner skin than the [[Fallohides]], to which breed Merry, Pippin and Frodo belong.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Or it could simply be a tan from years of working outside. His face is often described as red-faced, turning scarlet or blushing. At one point his face is said to have turned white, before flushing scarlet. He was the shortest of the four Hobbits of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but the sturdiest in build.<ref name = "Descriptions">{{NM|Descriptions}}</ref>

Sam was a representative hobbit. He was vulgar and cocksure, but his devotion to Frodo moderated his conceit. For him, his service and loyalty was the measure of his heroicism and bravery.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Samwise'' means "simple minded" or "half-minded". ''Gamgee'' is explained as a corruption of the name ''[[Gammidgy]]'', a village in the Shire. Both names are presented as translations of the [[Westron]] form of Sam's name '''[[Banazîr]] Galpsi''' (from the complete form [[Galbasi]]) (q.v. for more information).<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien's English translation, ''Samwís Gamwich'', could have come to ''Samwise Gamgee'' in modern English.

The [[Sindarin]] version of Samwise is '''''[[Perhael]]'''''. In the [[King's Letter]], contained in the unpublished "[[Epilogue]]", King Elessar refers to Sam as ''Perhael (i sennui Panthael estathar aen)'', Sindarin for "Halfwise (who should rather be called Fullwise)."

==Inspiration==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] took the name from ''Gamgee Tissue'', a surgical dressing invented by a 19th century [[Birmingham]] surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee. "Gamgee" became the colloquial name in Birmingham for cotton wool. Here, Tolkien describes why he had chosen that name for his character:
{{blockquote|The choice of Gamgee was primarily directed by alliteration, but I did not invent it. It was caught out of childhood memory, as a comic word or name. It was in fact the name when I was small (in Birmingham) for 'cotton-wool'. (Hence the association of the Gamgees with the Cottons.) I knew nothing of its origin.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 257]]}}

It is possible that Tolkien may have subconsciously recalled Dr. Gamgee (who died in 1886 but is commemorated by a plaque at the Birmingham Medical Institute, only yards from Tolkien's childhood home) but he claimed to be genuinely surprised when, in March 1956, he received a letter from one Sam Gamgee, who had heard that his name was in ''The Lord of the Rings'' but had not read the book. Tolkien replied on March 18:
{{blockquote|Dear Mr. Gamgee,It was very kind of you to write. You can imagine my astonishment when I saw your signature! I can only say, for your comfort, I hope, that the 'Sam Gamgee' of my story is a most heroic character, now widely beloved by many readers, even though his origins are rustic. So that perhaps you will not be displeased at the coincidence of the name of this imaginary character of supposedly many centuries ago being the same as yours.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 184]]}}

He proceeded to send Mr Gamgee a signed copy of all three volumes of the book. However, the incident sparked a nagging worry in Tolkien's mind, as he recorded in his journal:
{{blockquote|For some time I lived in fear of receiving a letter signed 'S. Gollum'. That would have been more difficult to deal with.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''}}

==Commentary==
In one of his letters, Tolkien described Sam is as the "chief hero" and placed special emphasis on his "rustic love" for Rosie.<ref>{{L|131}}</ref> He was known for rescuing Frodo at [[Cirith Ungol]], and carrying him up [[Mount Doom]]. He was one of only two Ring-bearers strong enough to surrender the Ring voluntarily.

The relationship between Frodo and Sam is, in many respects, at the centre of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Sam's humbleness and plain speaking are frequently emphasised in contrast to Frodo's gentility, and he often shows deference to Frodo, calling him "Mister Frodo" or "Master". At the same time, a strong bond of love and trust grows between them, portrayed most poignantly during the events of Cirith Ungol, where Sam vows to return to his (apparently) dead master, to be reunited with Frodo in death.

[[Tolkienists]] regard Sam as Frodo's ''[[wikipedia:Batman (army)|batman]]''. In the British Army, a batman was an orderly who acted as the personal servant of an officer. It was a role with which Tolkien (who served as an Army officer in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I First World War]) would have been extremely familiar. Sam undertakes all of the typical roles of a batman — he runs errands for Frodo, cooks, transports him (or at least carries him), and carries his luggage. Tolkien confirmed this interpretation when he wrote in a private letter that:
{{blockquote|My Sam Gamgee is indeed a reflection of the English soldier, of the privates and batmen I knew in the 1914 war, and recognized as so far superior to myself|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

This may be compared to the relationship between [[wikipedia:Don Quixote|Don Quixote]] and his squire, [[wikipedia:Sancho Panza|Sancho Panza]], and the gradual "Quixotization" of Sancho.

==In other stories==
In the illustrated short story ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'', the local police officer is a Sergeant [[Boffin Family|Boffin]] who - at the behest of [[Gaffer Gamgee]] - seeks to lock up Mr Bliss as a thief for failing to pay for his car. Sergeant Boffin also has a son named Sam.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'' (2011 edition), p. 62</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Samwise Gamgee in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Sagan om Ringen - Samwise Gamgee.png|Sam in ''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Sam Gamgee.png|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
File:Aragorn's Quest - Sam.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
</gallery>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Victor Platt]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1971: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:Sam is present at the [[Bilbo Baggins]]' [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|111th birthday party]] and dined with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry,]] [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Gandalf]]. After Gandalf tells Frodo of the powers of [[The One Ring|Bilbo's ring]], Merry, Pippin and Sam decide to accompany Frodo to [[Rivendell]]. They set off, pursued by [[Nazgûl|Black Riders.]] Later, they encounter a group of dancing [[Elves]]. They camp with the Elves and share food, an experience which becomes, in Sam's memory, one of the chief events in his life. Continuing on, they arrive in the [[Old Forest]] and stop for a rest. Pippin is trapped in the [[Old Man Willow]] and Frodo and Sam attempt to help him out. Their efforts are futile until helped by a wandering [[Tom Bombadil]]. The group arrive at [[Bree]] and enter ''[[Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]]''. They meet with a man named Strider. A letter from Gandalf reveals that his real name is [[Aragorn]] and the Hobbits follow him, as he knows a better route to Rivendell. They arrive in Rivendell and wait for Frodo, who is comatosed for 4 days due to his encounter with the Black Riders. The soon-to-be members of the [[Council of Elrond]] hold a celebratory feast after Frodo recovers. The Council convenes and they decide to form a [[Fellowship of the Ring]], comprising the previous members of their band, Gandalf, [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], to take the ring to [[Mordor]] and destroy it. As they prepare, Sam checks and re-checks his pack to ensure no supplies are missing. He is dismayed by the lack of rope, remembering that he had thought previously about how rope could be useful. The Fellowship depart and take a final look at the House of Elrond. The group sets off, Sam behind Frodo.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Michael Scholes]] was the voice of Sam, and [[Billy Barty]] played him in rotoscoped footage.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sam is provided by [[Lou Bliss]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[Roddy McDowall]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:A young [[Bill Nighy|William Nighy]] portrays Sam as a warm and caring person. No dialectical or social difference was made.

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:In the two episodes of "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", [[Jonathan Adams]] portrayed Sam with a very rustic accent.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Samwise Gamgee is provided by Stano Dančiak. Dančiak, though a slightly older actor than the other actors portraying the four hobbits, was well-known for his convincing "smart everyman" roles. This is utilised in the series to emphasize that Sam comes from a more ordinary family and humbler social standing than Frodo, Pippin and Merry. Sam is portrayed as resourceful, honest, loyal, caring, and capable of finding bravery when he least expects it. He is also very curious about the world outside of The Shire, including Elven and Dwarven culture and lore. He is addressed almost entirely by his abbreviated name, Sam.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sam is played by [[Sean Astin]]. [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]] majorly diverges Sam and Frodo's story. Frodo, manipulated by Gollum and the One Ring, abandons Sam in Mordor after he offers to carry the Ring. Frodo faces Shelob alone and Sam comes to his rescue after he has already been bound by her webs. Though not noted in dialogue, a page of Frodo's ''The Lord of the Rings'' notes that Sam became the Mayor of Hobbiton.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Scott Menville]] provided the voice for Sam in all but the X-box version; there, [[Cliff Broadway]] took over. The role of Sam is greatly diminished: after being caught eavesdropping by Gandalf, Sam is to be Frodo's companion, but he does not appear again until Frodo reaches [[Farmer Maggot]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Sam is a playable character in several missions: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Samwise only makes a single appearance in the Lothlorien mission.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Sam and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Samwise is first found in Rivendell, preparing for the departure. Later, he is found on [[Cerin Amroth]] in Lothlorien, alongside Frodo. A series of a session plays depicts Sam, Frodo and Gollum's journey through the [[Dead Marshes]], the Pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] and [[Mordor]]. The player later meets Sam and Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]].

:The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. Samwise insists that he is no Guardian and not fit to be one - because his heroic deeds have not happened yet. The player has to double-check and discovers that whoever talked of Sam as a great Guardian, apparently had misheard the word "Gardener".

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Samwise appears in the game as a non-playable character, with [[Sean Astin]] reprising his role. He narrates the story of Aragorn to his children when the latter is to come to the Shire.

{{References|n}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Gamgee Family]]
| born=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| died=Sailed west in {{FoA|61}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[13 March|13]] - [[14 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Frodo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Will Whitfoot]]
| list=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| dates={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| next=Unknown
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
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{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Mayors of Michel Delving]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]

User:Banazîr Galpsi/common.js

2026-02-09T22:06:55Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Created page with "const backgroundIdentifierElement = document.querySelector("#background") if (backgroundIdentifierElement) { document.querySelector(".citizen-page-container").classList.add("background-" + backgroundIdentifierElement.className) }"

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Template:Infobox character

2026-02-09T22:04:16Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Second attempt; MW apparently strips unrecognized attributes

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Template:Infobox character

2026-02-09T22:01:58Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Add experimental headerimage parameter (no effect on display)

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User:Banazîr Galpsi/common.css

2026-02-09T21:54:57Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Created page with " .citizen-page-container.background-shire:before { background-image:url(/w/images/4/4b/Ted_Nasmith_-_Green_Hill_Morning.jpg) !important; }"

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Gríma

2026-02-08T16:17:43Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Clarify what was a mistake

{{infobox character
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| image=Fabio Leone - Grima son of Galmod.png
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'''Gríma Wormtongue''' was the chief counsellor of King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]] and the son of [[Gálmód]].<ref name="Golden" /> He became [[Saruman]]'s mole at the court of [[Edoras]], relaying to him the happenings in realm as well as weakening Théoden with his words and poisons. His treachery revealed and unwilling to ride to war against the [[Sauron|Enemy]], Gríma fled to [[Isengard]] and later to the [[Shire]], where he slew his abusive master only to be shot down by the [[Hobbits]]' arrows.

==History==
Gríma son of Gálmód was the advisor of Théoden, King of Rohan in the late [[Third Age]]. At some point, Gríma was ensnared by the corrupted [[Istari|Wizard]] Saruman, who had promised him [[Éowyn]] in exchange for the former acting as his spy and agent. Gríma not only informed Saruman about the secrets and movements of Rohan, but also actively worked to weaken the ailing Théoden with his deceitful counsels and subtle poisons administered as remedies for the easing of old age. Seeing that [[Théodred]] and [[Éomer]] were the main obstacles to the Wizard's takeover of the kingdom, Gríma tried to cause disagreement between the two men and when he failed, he instead resolved to paint Théodred as a soft-hearted heir and Éomer as a power-hungry warmonger in the clouded mind of Théoden. Wormtongue's exploits allowed Saruman to aid Rohan's enemies and amass a significant host in Isengard unfettered, much to both the [[Dark Lord]] Sauron's and his own advantage.
[[File:April Lee - Twisted Tales.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"Twisted Tales" by [[:Category:Images by April Lee|April Lee]]]]
During the [[War of the Ring]], the Nine [[Nazgûl]] came to Rohan on their hunt for the [[Ring-bearer]] and stumbled upon Gríma on their way, the latter whom was hurrying to Isengard to tell Saruman of the Wizard [[Gandalf]]'s arrival in Edoras. Terrified, Wormtongue answered their questioning with those same news that the Grey Pilgrim had passed through Rohan, and also told them where the [[The Shire|Shire]] was and how to reach it. He also revealed that Saruman had lied to them in order to deny them this information, a sign of his only half-hearted faith to their common master, Sauron. Seeing that Wormtongue would not betray their interrogation of him to the Wizard and believing his opportunism may continue to be of use to the Dark Lord and do harm to the treacherous Wizard, the [[Witch-king of Angmar]] spared Gríma's life.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>
[[File:Cor Blok - Gríma dismissed.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"Gríma dismissed" by [[Cor Blok]]]]
Upon Gandalf's second coming to Edoras, Gríma tried to discredit him, until the White Wizard managed to heal Théoden. After this, "many things which men had missed" were found locked in Gríma's trunk and he was given a grim choice: ride into battle with his liege and so prove his good faith or into exile.<ref name="Golden">{{TT|III6}}</ref> Choosing the latter, he went to dwell with Saruman at [[Orthanc]], where he witnessed the disastrous [[Battle of Isengard]]. Following the confrontation between Saruman and Gandalf, he threw what he mistakenly believed to be a mere "heavy rock"—which was actually the ''[[palantíri|palantír]]'' [[Orthanc-stone|of Orthanc]]—at either his master or the outsiders, for "he couldn't decide which he hated the most". Saruman seems to have punished him severely for this act.<ref>{{TT|III10}}</ref>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Saruman is Overtaken.jpg|thumb|left|''Saruman is Overtaken'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
While being held in [[Orthanc]], Gríma became weak and thin and was subjected to Saruman's mistreatment of him. When [[Treebeard]] released him and Saruman in August, they left and headed west. On their way, they were confronted by Gandalf, [[Celeborn]], [[Galadriel]] and the Hobbits on their way to northern [[Dunland]]. They found them as travelling beggars and Saruman kicked Gríma to move on, as he exclaimed how he hated his master. Galadriel told Gríma that he was free to leave him whenever he wished but he did not reply and he continued to follow the Wizard.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

Saruman had already been exerting his control over the Shire from afar by sending [[ruffians|evil Men]] there and puppeteering [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]]'s rise to power, thus the fallen Wizard sought his revenge in petty tyranny as "Sharkey" over the Hobbits who indirectly ensured his downfall. During this time Gríma became increasingly degraded until he was a crawling wretch, almost resembling [[Gollum]], and Saruman shortened his nickname to "Worm" in derision. During this time he murdered the now-useless Lotho on his master's orders, and may have eaten him.<ref name="RKVI8">{{RK|VI8}}</ref>
[[File:Valera Lutfullina - Nasty End.jpg|thumb|250px|right|"Nasty End" by [[:Category:Art by Valera Lutfullina|Valera Lutfullina]]]]
The return of [[Frodo Baggins]] and his companions to the Shire resulted in the Hobbits rallying against the brigands and overthrowing Sharkey. Spurred by the words of Frodo that he did not have to follow Saruman, and being pushed over the edge when Saruman scorned him yet again, Gríma used a hidden knife to slit the throat of his oppressor from behind and then darted down the road. He was quickly shot dead by several Hobbit arrows, and thus Wormtongue was the final casualty of the War of the Ring, an unhappy and short-lived wretch who sold his soul to the side of the Enemy and paid the price for his folly.<ref name="RKVI8" />

==Etymology==
''Gríma'' means "mask", "visor", "helmet" or "spectre" in [[Old English]].<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 404</ref><ref>{{webcite|website=[http://www.bosworthtoller.com/ Bosworth-Toller Anglo-Saxon Dictionary]|articleurl=https://bosworthtoller.com/17508|articlename=gríma|accessed=24 July 2025}}</ref> According to [[Jim Allan]] this is a good name for a traitor who hides his true face as well as his lust for Éowyn.<ref>{{HM|IE}}, "Giving of Names", p. 217</ref>

''Wormtongue'' is a modernised form of [[Old English]] ''wyrm-tunge'' ("snake-tongue").<ref>{{HM|N}}, entry '''Wormtongue''', p. 764</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| GAL | |GAL=[[Gálmód]] ''fl. late {{TA}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | |}}
{{familytree| GRI | |GRI='''GRÍMA''' ''d. {{TA|3019}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Inspiration==
J. Allard suggests that Gríma was based on or inspired by Unferth from ''[[Beowulf (poem)|Beowulf]]'', a character that sits near King Hrothgar and serves as a taunter.<ref>J. Allard, ''Beowulf and Other Stories'' (2014) p. 45-7</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
When initially conceived, the character is introduced as "a wizened [struck out: old] figure of a man with a pale wise face". While he is first named "Wormtongue", his "true name" is initially ''Frána''.<ref>{{TI|King}}</ref>{{rp|386}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Gríma in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gríma Wormtongue.jpg|Gríma Wormtongue in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Gríma Wormtongue.jpg|Gríma Wormtongue in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gríma Wormtongue.jpg|Gríma Wormtongue in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego The Lord of the Rings (video game) - Gríma Wormtongue.png|Gríma Wormtongue in ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]''
</gallery>
'''1956: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Bernard Rebel]] played Gríma.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gríma Wormtongue was voiced by [[Michael Deacon]].

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[John Vickery]] played Gríma.
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Paul Brooke]] played Gríma. He is introduced much earlier than in the book in excerpts from [[The Hunt for the Ring]] when he is questioned by the Nazgûl on his way to Isengard. His death at Bag End is also included in the final episode.

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Gríma Wormtongue is played by Karl Lieffen.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Gríma is played by [[Brad Dourif]]. The reason for Gríma's pale and emaciated appearance in the movie is not entirely clear. Perhaps it is meant to suggest that by throwing in his lot with Saruman he has started down the same path to physical and mental corruption that caused Gollum to become a twisted parody of his original self, although it is just as likely that Jackson simply wanted to make it clear that Wormtongue was one of the "bad guys" in what may seem a large and confusing cast of characters to the audience.

:The events of "[[The Scouring of the Shire]]" do not appear in the film version, so Saruman's death was moved to an earlier scene. Other than the location, which was moved to the Tower of [[Orthanc]], the manner of their deaths is very much the same. As in the book, Gríma kills Saruman, but by stabbing him in the back, not slitting his throat. Saruman's body then falls from the tower and is impaled on a spiked wheel, one of the remnants of his infernal machines. Gríma himself is shot by an arrow fired by Legolas, thereby mirroring his death in the book. This scene was to have included a line where Saruman blamed Gríma for killing [[Théodred]], replacing Lotho in the context of that scene, but the line was cut out.

'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gríma is provided by Ivan Gogál.

'''2007-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gríma Wormtongue, having the skill Seeds of Doubt, appears in the instance quest The Wizard's Vale.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.tentonhammer.com/node/193712/page/2|articlename=LotRO's Rise of Isengard: The Road to Level 75, Days 4 & 5 - Page 2|dated=5 October 2011|website=[http://www.tentonhammer.com/lotro Tentonhammer.com]|accessed=9 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://lotro.allakhazam.com/db/bestiary.html?lotrmob=7509|articlename=Grima Wormtongue (Player)|dated=|website=[http://lotro.allakhazam.com/ Lotro.allakhazam.com/]|accessed=9 March 2013}}</ref>

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Kirk Thornton did the voicework of Gríma.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0861558/|articlename=Kirk Thornton|dated=|website=[http://www.imdb.com/ IMDb]|accessed=9 March 2013}}</ref>

'''2013: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Gríma Wormtongue appears as a minifigure in the video game.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/Gr%C3%ADma_Wormtongue|articlename=Gríma Wormtongue|dated=|website=[http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/LEGO_Wiki Brickipedia]|accessed=9 March 2013}}</ref>
{{References}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Grima}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Saruman]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de:Gríma Schlangenzunge]]
[[fi:Gríma]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes du nord/rohirrim/grima]]

Frodo Baggins

2026-02-07T23:29:41Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Add experimental headerimage parameter (no effect on template)

{{short description|Ring-bearer of the Third Age}}
{{Disambig-two|the Ring-bearer|son of [[Samwise Gamgee]]|[[Frodo Gardner]]}}
{{infobox character
| ribbonid = test
| ribboncolor = #90a26f
| headerimage = shire
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Frodo Baggins
| image=Matt Stewart - Frodo Baggins.webp
| caption="Frodo Baggins" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[#Other names|See below]]''
| titles=
| position=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Crickhollow]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=53
| notablefor=Bearing the [[One Ring]] to the land of [[Mordor]], and bringing it to the [[Cracks of Doom]]
| family=[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]
| parentage=[[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]]
| siblings=
| spouse=Never married
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than some Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| hair=Brown<ref group="note">In the chapter "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]", [[Nob]] says to Frodo: "And I made a nice imitation of your head with a brown woollen mat"</ref>
| skin=Fairer than most Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| eyes=
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{{quote|And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, [[Hador]], and [[Húrin]], and [[Túrin]], and [[Beren]] himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them.|Elrond to Frodo Baggins in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

'''Frodo Baggins''' was a [[Hobbits|hobbit]] of the [[Third Age]], the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. During this epic quest, he bore [[the One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]] and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other [[Hobbits|Halfling]] throughout [[Middle-earth]]. He is also peculiar for being, as a [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], one of the only three Hobbits to be granted passage from Middle-earth to [[Aman]], the [[Undying Lands]].

==History==
===Childhood and youth===
Frodo, child of the respectable [[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]], was born on [[22 September]] of {{TA|2968}}. After his parents died in a boating accident in {{TA|2980|n}}, Frodo went to live in [[Brandy Hall]] with his mother’s relatives, the [[Brandybucks]]. He grew up under the guardianship of the [[Master of Buckland]] [[Rorimac Brandybuck|Rorimac "Goldfather" Brandybuck]], who was his maternal uncle. Frodo was caught several times stealing [[mushrooms]] from [[Farmer Maggot]], who, on the last incident, thrashed Frodo and set his three dogs to chase Frodo from [[Bamfurlong]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. Frodo was terrified of them afterwards.<ref>{{FR|14}}: "''though I daresay the beasts knew their business...''"</ref>

Frodo stayed in Buckland until his "uncle" [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] adopted him and took him in to live in [[Bag End]], Bilbo's house in [[Hobbiton]]. He enjoyed life with Bilbo, with whom he shared the same birthday - though others often called the old hobbit "queer." Bilbo taught him to read, and told him stories of the past, even giving him some instruction in the [[elvish]] tongue. Frodo was the only one Bilbo allowed to read [[There and Back Again|his memoirs]]. Bilbo made Frodo his heir, frustrating the attempts of the disagreeable [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Baggins]]es, who coveted the estate of Bag End.<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref>

The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the [[Water-valley]] and talked about adventure; they were sometimes seen by [[Wandering Companies]] of [[Elves]], though the hobbits did not see them. When they returned home, Bilbo would tell Frodo that the Road is like a massive river, and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

Frodo and Bilbo were comfortable and well off until {{TA|3001}}. At this time, Bilbo threw an enormous [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|party]] to celebrate his 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd, the date of Frodo's coming of age. At this party Bilbo gave his farewell speech, and made his long-planned "disappearance" and withdrawal from [[the Shire]]. Frodo, who had been informed beforehand of the "joke", as Bilbo called it, was spared the shock that afflicted the other assembled Hobbits. Frodo returned home as the new Master of Bag End, as per [[Bilbo's will]]. He was greeted there by [[Gandalf]], who informed him that, among other things, Frodo had inherited Bilbo's [[One Ring|magic ring]].

===Master of Bag End===
[[File:Eric Faure-Brac - Bag End.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Bag End'' by Eric Faure-Brac]]
Frodo took charge of distributing the presents Bilbo had left for the other hobbits, a long and tiring task. Then [[Gandalf]] the [[Wizards|wizard]], who had come for the festivities, warned Frodo not to use the magic ring, and to keep it secret and safe. Then he left, Frodo knew not where, with his mind full of curiosity about the ring. A suspicion was growing in the back of the Wizard's mind, but Gandalf did not yet know what it was.

Frodo, meanwhile, was quite well off. He continued honouring Bilbo every year along with his own birthday. He had also inherited some strange customs from Bilbo, like wandering by himself at nights far from home in the hills and woods under the starlight. His closest friends at this time were [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], also [[Folco Boffin]] and [[Fredegar Bolger]], and other cousins from the family of the [[Old Took]]. Like Bilbo, Frodo continued to look robust and energetic even in his forties, and dreamed of one day seeing mountains and wilderness; he often wondered what lay beyond the borders of the Shire, and as he grew older, he would travel further and further from home. His friends were worried, and suspected that he met [[Elves]] and other strangers that had begun to be more common sights in the Shire. These strangers bore strange tales of unrest from lands far-off.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Still, he lived in peace and respectability for seventeen years, until Gandalf returned with the dreadful revelation that the "magic ring" was really the [[One Ring]], weapon of [[Sauron]], a thing of evil power thousands of years old. Furthermore, the Dark Lord was now aware of its survival, and would be searching for it, as [[Gollum]] had revealed - under torture - that it was to be found in the Shire. After a long discussion and a test by fire, which revealed the [[Black Speech]] written upon the ring, the two agreed that Frodo would have to leave the Shire for his own safety. [[Samwise Gamgee]], the gardener, was selected to travel with him. Gandalf recommended Rivendell as a destination, as the road was likely safe and the valley well-protected. He told Frodo to take the alias [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] while abroad. Frodo was reluctant, but wisely followed the wizard's advice. He bought a house in [[Crickhollow]] as an excuse to head east.

Gandalf stayed for two months while Frodo worked out the details. At the end of that time the wizard left to "get some news", as rather disturbing tidings had come to his ears. He promised to be back for the farewell party. Meanwhile, Frodo was not aware that some of his closest friends were watching him - [[Fredegar Bolger|Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger]], his cousin [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin "Pippin" Took]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]], and Sam himself knew that Frodo and Gandalf were in some trouble concerning the Ring, and that Frodo was preparing for some adventure.

As autumn passed, Frodo was waiting for Gandalf, but did not return and Frodo grew quite anxious. Merry and Fatty drove the cart of Frodo's belongings ahead, while Frodo still waited for Gandalf. At the last possible day, he gave up waiting and departed with Pippin and Sam.

===Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Last Sight of Hobbiton.jpg|thumb|220px|''Last Sight of Hobbiton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Less than a day into their journey, Frodo, strangely nervous, requested that the threesome hide upon the approach of a [[Nazgûl|horseman]]. The rider was dressed in black, riding upon a black horse, and making queer sniffling noises. Frodo felt the urge to put on the Ring and vanish, but just as he was about to give in, the rider departed at a trot. Samwise then remarked upon the "[[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]" that had spoken to his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee]], some time earlier. This made Frodo wish that he had waited for Gandalf.

That night, they were again overtaken by a Black Horseman. This time it seemed to be able to sniff out their hiding place. But as it approached, it was driven away by the song of a group of [[Elves]]. Their leader, [[Gildor]], greeted the hobbits warmly, and lauded Frodo for his knowledge of their tongue. Frodo tried to get information from Gildor on the Black Riders, but the elf would tell him very little. Gildor foresaw that Frodo would have many dealings with the Riders in the future, and urged him to flee them whenever he met them. He and his party left the Hobbits before daybreak, while the three slept.

The next day the threesome agreed to stay off the road. After a brief scare when Sam sighted a Rider, they worried about losing their way. That evening they heard a terrible wail, and Frodo distinguished words in it. Before long they came to [[Bamfurlong]], the property of [[Farmer Maggot]]. Although Pippin knew Maggot, Frodo recalled a scare he had received at a young age after caught stealing the farmer’s mushrooms, being threatened with the dogs. He froze when the dogs came forth from the house, but Maggot's hospitality soon won him over. When Maggot told of a Black Rider who had stopped at his house asking for "Baggins," and made several shrewd guesses, Frodo grew uncomfortable. Maggot took them to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in his wagon. There they joined up with Merry. As they were ferried across into [[Buckland]], they caught sight of a dark shape on the landing from which they had come.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
When they reached the house in Crickhollow, the other hobbits revealed their knowledge of the One Ring and promised to stick with Frodo on the road to [[Rivendell]]. The next morning, leaving Fatty to housesit, they passed into the [[Old Forest]]. In time they were driven by the trees down to the [[Withywindle]], where they were ensnared by [[Old Man Willow]]. Rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]], the hobbits came to his house. There they met Tom's wife, [[Goldberry]], and Frodo was moved to poetry over her loveliness. He was interested in Bombadil himself, and several times tried to learn who he was. That night he dreamed of a white-haired figure on a pinnacle of stone, borne away by an eagle.

The next day Frodo tried on the Ring, after finding it had no effect on Bombadil. Not subject to the Ring’s power, Tom nevertheless could see Frodo. That night Frodo dreamed once more, a dream he never forgot.

{{Blockquote|Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]"}}

After bidding Tom and Goldberry farewell, the Hobbits went on and traveled through the [[barrow-downs]]. Becoming lost in the mist, they were taken by the [[barrow-wights]], Frodo last of all. Frodo woke in the barrow to find the barrow-wight bending over his three friends. He rose and in a tremendous act of bravery and resilience took a sword and smote off the wight's hand. Then he summoned Bombadil with a [[Ho! Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo!|song]] Tom had taught him. Bombadil drove the wight away and helped Frodo wake the others. Tom gave the hobbits ponies and escorted them all to the road before turning his face back toward the Withywindle. The hobbits continued along the road to Bree, where they took lodging at [[The Prancing Pony]] inn as Bombadil had recommended, with Frodo registering under the name of [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] as Gandalf had suggested.

===Strider and Weathertop===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Strider in The Prancing Pony.jpg|thumb|200px|''Strider in The Prancing Pony'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
While Merry went out to take a walk in the night air, the other hobbits came down to the common-room and were introduced by the landlord [[Barliman Butterbur]] to the gathering, Frodo under his alias. Frodo asked if Gandalf was present in Bree, only to learn that he had not yet arrived. While Pippin and Sam enjoyed the drink and conversation, Frodo remained withdrawn, soon falling into conversation with a curious [[Rangers of the North|ranger]] called [[Aragorn|Strider]], who gave him a warning about letting his friends talk to much. Pippin began to tell about [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Birthday Party]], and Frodo, at Strider’s encouragement and in an attempt to prevent the name of Baggins from being raised, began to sing ''[[The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late]]''. This proved popular with the gathering, but unfortunately, as Frodo relaxed, he fell from the table and the Ring slipped on his finger, causing him to vanish.

[[File:John Howe - Against the Shadow.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Against the Shadow'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Frodo crawled over to Strider's corner and slipped off the Ring, and said that he had rolled quickly to the side. The suspicious Breelanders, however, grew angry or frightened, and eventually all left the common-room. Frodo and his comrades retired to their room, where they found Strider waiting to talk to them. Strider was honest and blunt, telling what he had overheard and what he knew of them, as well as warning them of the Black Riders and traitors in Bree. He urged them to accept his aide by inviting him into the company. Frodo was leaning to believe the ranger when Butterbur broke in, giving Frodo the long-awaited letter from Gandalf, undelivered by Butterbur’s forgetfulness. After some little bit of light was shed on the situation to the innkeeper, he swore to help the hobbits in any way he could, as a friend of Gandalf and one very much afraid of Mordor. Frodo, reading the letter, learned that Gandalf recommended Strider as one to whom Frodo could go for help. After some further debate, Frodo agreed to let Strider lead them to Rivendell.

Strider arranged for a deception, by moving them to a different room. The next morning, their ponies were gone and the room was ravaged. Butterbur paid for a [[Bill the Pony|replacement pony]], and the four hobbits and ranger set out into the Wilds. They passed through [[Chetwood]] and [[Midgewater Marshes]], and finally to the [[Weather Hills]] before coming up to [[Weathertop]]. Black Riders were sighted from the top of the cairn, and Strider counselled to remain where they were. Shortly after the Black Riders came, and Frodo was stricken down. In desperation he put on the Ring and saw the [[Nazgûl]] in their true forms. Frodo then tried to attack in [[Varda|Elbereth]]’s name, but their leader, the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a [[Morgul-knife]], before being driven away by Strider.

===Weathertop to Rivendell===
Because of a piece of the knife embedded in his shoulder, Frodo started to become ill, so his companions hurried to take him to the [[Rivendell|House of Elrond]]. After journeying for 12 days, they were found by [[Glorfindel]], one of the [[Calaquendi|High Elves]], who was sent by Elrond to help Frodo after he heard of him from Gildor. Glorfindel, seeing that Frodo was starting to fade, put him upon his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and ordered him to go on when the Ringwraiths approached. Asfaloth outran the steeds of the Nazgûl and bore Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, who was on the brink of becoming a [[Wraiths|wraith]], turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. The Riders, were driven into the [[Bruinen|River]] by Glorfindel, Strider and the three hobbits, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> As a sign that Frodo was shifting to the [[Wraith-world]], he could see the [[Unseen]] [[Light of Valinor|luminous form]] of Glorfindel.

Unconscious, Frodo was carried inside Rivendell, where Elrond removed the fragment of the knife from his shoulder. He awoke two days later, mostly recovered, and was delighted to find that Gandalf had arrived. Frodo's recovery was celebrated with a feast during which he met [[Glóin]] and asked concerning the [[Dwarves of Erebor]]. Afterwards, Elrond led his guests to the [[Hall of Fire]], where Frodo found Bilbo, whom he hadn't seen in seventeen years. Bilbo asked to see the Ring and was saddened to see Frodo's negative reaction. The two hobbits then enjoyed talking about Bilbo's [[Translations from the Elvish|works on lore]] and [[the Shire]].<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
{{seealso|Quest of the Ring}}
During the [[Council of Elrond]], it was decided that the Ring must be destroyed by casting it into the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Frodo volunteered to be the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and a [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] was formed to protect him; the fellowship included Gandalf, Aragorn (Strider's real name), [[Boromir]] of [[Gondor]], [[Legolas]] of the [[Woodland Realm]], [[Gimli]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and Frodo's friends Sam, Merry and Pippin.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Before their departure, Bilbo gave Frodo his sword, [[Sting]], and his [[Mithril-coat]] to protect him on the perilous journey to [[Mount Doom]] that lay ahead.

On [[December 25]], the fellowship left Rivendell, and headed south along the west side of the [[Misty Mountains]]. They attempted to cross them by the Redhorn gate, but were thwarted by a fierce blizzard <ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> and had to go back. After surviving a [[Wargs|Warg]] attack, Gandalf persuaded the company to go through the abandoned [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] kingdom of [[Moria]]. Just before entering Moria, Frodo was attacked by the [[Watcher in the Water]] and barely escaped. During the journey through Moria, Frodo began to suspect that something was tracking them. Later, inside the [[chamber of Mazarbul]], the Fellowship was attacked by [[Orcs]], and Frodo was struck by an Orc spear but was saved by the mithril coat he wore. The company escaped the chamber, and were close to exiting Moria, when [[Durin's Bane]] appeared and pursued them to the [[bridge of Khazad-dûm]] where Gandalf held him off so the rest of the Fellowship could escape. After breaking the bridge, both he and the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] fell and disappeared into the chasm below, after which Aragorn took over as leader.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Mirror of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|''The Mirror of Galadriel'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Eventually they reached [[Lothlórien]], and were housed by the elves at [[Caras Galadhon]]. During their rest there, [[Galadriel]] allowed Frodo and Sam to look into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]], in which they saw many things.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> When leaving the Woods, Galadriel gave Frodo a [[Phial of Galadriel|vial]] with light from the [[Silmaril]] of [[Eärendil]].<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

They travelled down the [[Anduin]] river in boats given to them by the elves. On their trip down the river, Frodo confirmed his suspicion that they were being trailed by Gollum. At [[Amon Hen]], the Ring's corrupting power caused Boromir to try to take the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on. Seeing the corrupting influence of the ring on Boromir, he then decided to leave the Fellowship and go on alone, but he was thwarted in this when Sam discovered him attempting to cross the [[Nen Hithoel]], and insisted on accompanying him.

===Emyn Muil to Ithilien===
The two companions reached [[Amon Lhaw]] and toiled through the [[Emyn Muil]]. Soon after, they found Gollum following them, and they captured him with the [[Elven rope]].
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Through the Marshes.jpg|thumb|left|''Through the Marshes'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Frodo decided to trust Gollum to be their guide. He led the Hobbits out of the Emyn Muil and through the [[Dead Marshes]]. During their route, they were delayed several times by a [[Nazgûl]] flying on a [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. The Hobbits reached [[Carchost]], the western [[Towers of the Teeth|Tower of the Teeth]], where Frodo had intended to enter Mordor, but Gollum persuaded Frodo to follow him to a safer entrance, the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]. During the next night's march they passed into [[North Ithilien]], and by daylight of [[March 7]] they reached the stream of [[Henneth Annûn]].

Their camp fire attracted the [[Rangers of Ithilien]], and their leader, [[Faramir]] (Boromir's brother), considered them spies and questioned Frodo concerning their errand, who recounted the journeys of the Fellowship, but said nothing about the Ring. Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement. Faramir blindfolded the Hobbits and led them to Henneth Annûn, a secret Gondorian outpost, and questioned them further in private. After a meal, Sam accidentally revealed that Frodo had the Ring, but Faramir denied its lure, and thus gained the trust of the hobbits.

During the night, Faramir called Frodo and Sam to him, and showed them Gollum, who had found his way to Henneth Annûn, and (ignorant of their presence) was hunting for [[fish]]. Faramir, suspecting that Frodo had lied about Gollum's involvement in their quest, threatened to kill him for fear that he might reveal the location of their outpost to the enemy. Frodo confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, and begged Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released the three travellers, warning them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.

===Entering Mordor===
[[File:John Howe - Shelob About to Leap on Frodo.jpg|thumb|left|''Shelob About to Leap on Frodo'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After two marches they came to the valley of the [[Morgulduin]] and continued east. On the "[[Dawnless Day]]" Gollum lead them east to the [[Southward Road]] and reached the [[Cross-roads]] just as the sun was setting.<ref>{{TT|Journey}}</ref> They reached just opposite the north-facing gate of [[Minas Morgul]] and they saw the Morgul-host march forth.

In that night they ascended the [[Straight Stair]] and reached the top of the [[Winding Stair]] at dawn of [[March 11]] where they were woken by Gollum. He led the up the to the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]]. Inside the tunnel Gollum betrayed Frodo and Sam to [[Shelob]] the [[Spiders|spider]], who stung Frodo after he left the tunnel. Sam saved Frodo from being eaten by Shelob, but thought him dead and took the Ring from him, resolving to continue the Quest alone. However Frodo (who was still alive) was captured by Orcs and taken to the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

===Cirith Ungol to Mount Doom===
[[File:John Howe - Mount Doom II.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Mount Doom'' by [[John Howe]] ]]
Learning of this, Sam rescued Frodo and on early [[March 15]] the Hobbits escaped and jumped into the ravine west of the [[Morgai]] and crossed the valley. The next day they attempted to climb the Morgai, but had to retrace their steps and reached the north end of the valley, and on [[March 18]] they set out on the road that ran to the [[Carach Angren|Isenmouthe]]. There they were overtaken by an Orc troop and had to follow their trot.

As Sauron's troops moved at night, the hobbits continued their journey in daytime towards Mount Doom. During the morning of [[March 25]] they reached the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] where, at the last moment, Frodo, under the influence of the Ring, claimed it as his own. However, at that moment he was attacked by [[Gollum]], who seized the Ring and then fell into the fire with it, thus destroying the Ring.

By then, this pressure of the ring reached its maximum, which was impossible, "especially after long possession, months of increasing torment, and when starved and exhausted." Frodo had done what he could, and by then he was simply incapable of making a conscious decision to destroy the Ring.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

===Return home===
Frodo and Sam were rescued by [[Gwaihir]], [[Landroval]] and [[Meneldor]] and taken to [[Ithilien]]. After being healed and having rested for a month, the Ring-bearers were honoured on the [[Field of Cormallen]]. The following months the Hobbits witnessed the coronation of their companion Aragorn as King Elessar, and were present at his marriage to [[Arwen]] that summer. Arwen renounced her [[immortality]] and gave to Frodo her place to sail into the [[Uttermost West|West]]. She also gave to Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace that she claims would aid him when he remembers the fear and darkness of the toll the ring took on him.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

Frodo and his company left Minas Tirith on [[July 19]] for [[Edoras]] and the funeral of King [[Théoden]], then set out for the [[Hornburg]] and eventually [[Isengard]]. They parted there from Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.

After overtaking Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], they reached the [[Mountains of Moria]]; and when they approached [[Lothlórien]], [[Celeborn]] and Galadriel parted from their company. The hobbits, with Gandalf and other Elves, reached Rivendell on [[September 21]], where Frodo met Bilbo once again.

They stayed there until [[October 5]] and eventually visited the ''Prancing Pony'' in Bree before reaching the Shire. At the Buckland Gate Gandalf left them to go and have a talk with Tom Bombadil. Once in the Shire, they reached [[Frogmorton]] where they were arrested. The next day they reached [[Bywater]] where they defeated the [[ruffians]] who had overtaken their land. The leader of the ruffians was revealed to be Saruman, and Frodo decided to let him live, even after he had tried to stab him with a knife. But Saruman did not live much longer, for his servant, Wormtongue, killed him himself (before being killed by the hobbits), thus ending the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later years===
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|220px|''Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
Over the next two years, the travellers reordered the Shire and their lives; but Frodo was still troubled by his wounds, falling ill every [[13 March]] and [[6 October]], clutching the white gem in a manner reminiscent of the One Ring. Frodo served as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] until [[Will Whitfoot]] was restored in {{SR|1420}}.<ref name="chief">{{App|Chief}}</ref> Having no family of his own, Frodo left his estate ([[Bag End]]) and passed on the [[Red Book of Westmarch|Red Book]] to Samwise Gamgee, who named [[Frodo Gardner|his son]] after Frodo.

On [[September 21]] of {{TA|3021}} Frodo set out for the [[Grey Havens]]. Going south to Woody End he met the [[Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings]], Elrond, Galadriel, and Bilbo. On [[September 29]] they came to the firth of [[Lhûn]] where Gandalf awaited them, and on the [[White Ship]]<ref name="chief" /> they crossed the [[Straight Road]] into the West. Frodo would spend the rest of his days in "a period of reflection and peace" on [[Tol Eressëa]], giving him the opportunity to truly understand his position in [[Arda]] before passing beyond the [[Circles of the World]].<ref>{{L|246}}: "a gaining of a truer understanding of his position..."</ref>

==Legacy==
According to [[Elanor Gardner]], Sam followed Frodo across the sea on September 22, 1482 following the death of his wife [[Rose Cotton|Rose (née Cotton)]].<ref>{{App|B5}}: "''Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor...''"</ref>

At some point well into the [[Fourth Age]], the words "''Frodos Dreme''" appeared scrawled at the head of a poem, [[The Sea-Bell]], within the Red Book, possibly derived from the nightmares that Frodo had before passing into the West.<ref>{{AB|Preface}}: "''It is the latest piece and belongs to the Fourth Age...''"</ref>

==Characteristics==
The only real description of Frodo's appearance was given only once by Gandalf in his letter to Barliman Butterbur, in which he was declared a "stout fellow with red cheeks, taller than some (hobbits), and fairer than most", with a cleft chin, a bright eye, and a perky personality.<ref name="Strider" /> Although Frodo was apparently fairly stout before his journey, he seemed to have lost a significant amount of weight on his trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.<ref name="Meetings" /> Also, at a later point, Sam remarked that Frodo was "too thin and drawn" for a hobbit.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>

Frodo carried a small Elven sword called [[Sting]] and wore a coat of Dwarven mail made of ''[[mithril]]'' under his clothes, both given to him by Bilbo. In [[Lothlórien]], [[Galadriel]] gave Frodo, along with all of the Fellowship, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], which allowed the wearer to blend in with his natural surroundings, and, to Frodo alone, the [[Phial of Galadriel]], a small crystal phial in which light from the [[Star of Eärendil]] had been captured, to aid him on his quest.

Before Frodo returned to the Shire after the Quest of the Ring was completed, Arwen Evenstar, wife of Aragorn and daughter of Elrond, gave Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace to wear around his neck.

Frodo is said to have shown great "skill with foreign sounds" and probably could pronounce [[Elvish]] correctly, more than other Hobbits (who pronounced long Elvish vowels as diphthongs).<ref>{{App|Vowels}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Frodo Baggins'' is an English translation of his [[Westron]] name '''[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]]'''. The name ''Maura'' has the element ''maur-'' (wise, experienced), which Tolkien equated to the Germanic element ''frod-'' of the same meaning. Frodo's name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''[[Iorhael]]''''' ("old-wise") although in some instance he is mentioned as '''Daur''' (probably [[lenition|lenited]] form of ''[[taur]]'').

''Frodo'' is a real name, which comes from the Gemranic tradition with ''Fróda'' being its [[Old English]] form. It is obviously connected with the Old English word ''fród'', which means "wise by experience", but it was connected mythologically with legends of the Golden Age in the North.<ref>{{L|168}}</ref>

In the German translation he is called ''Frodo Beutlin'', in Spanish, ''Frodo Bolsón'', in French, ''Frodon Sacquet'', or ''Frodo Bessac'' (in the latest translation of the books), in Norwegian, ''Frodo Lommelun'', in Danish, ''Frodo Sækker'', in Faroese, ''Fróði Pjøkin'', in Finnish, ''Frodo Reppuli'', in Swedish, ''Frodo Secker'', in Portuguese, ''Frodo Bolseiro'', in Czech, ''Frodo Pytlík,'' and in Dutch, ''Frodo Balings''. In one of three Polish translations he is called ''Frodo Bagosz'', but he keeps his original name in the other two.

===Other names===
*Frodo Baggins - ''fród'' means "wise by experience" in [[Old English]]. Baggins may have been a reference to [[Bag End]] or may come from "bagging" which means "eating between meals" in northern England.
*[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]] - the [[Hobbitish]] name for Frodo.
*[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] - he bore the [[One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]].
*[[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] - given to him by [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]].
*[[Mr. Underhill]] - used during his stay in [[The Prancing Pony]] to conceal his identity.
*The Halfling - a name used for him from [[Boromir]]'s dream. Also a title given to him in [[Gondor]] after he accomplished the [[Quest of the Ring]].
*[[Master]] - given to Frodo by both [[Samwise Gamgee]] as Sam was his gardener, and [[Gollum]], as Frodo was the Master of the Precious.
*Nine-fingered Frodo\Frodo of the Nine Fingers - given to Frodo after Gollum bit off his finger.
*Deputy Mayor of [[Michel Delving]] - he was the Deputy from November {{TA|3019|n}} through Mid-Year's Day in {{TA|3020|n}}.
*[[Taur|Daur]] - which translates to "noble" and was given to Frodo at the [[Field of Cormallen]].
*[[Iorhael]] - the [[Sindarin]] name for Frodo which comes from ''[[iaur]]'' meaning "old" and ''[[sael]]'' meaning "wise".

*[[Bingo Baggins]] - Frodo's name in the early drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.
*''Bronwe athan Harthad'' - name given to Frodo by Gandalf in an early version of the ''[[Many Partings]]'' chapter, meaning "Endurance beyond Hope".<ref>{{SD|VII}}: "''the bards and the minstrels should give them new names...''"</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | |BAL|y|BER| |BAL=[[Balbo Baggins]]|BER=[[Berylla Baggins|Berylla Boffin]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree|MUN| | | |LAR|y|TAN|MUN=[[Mungo Baggins]] (grandfather of Bilbo)|LAR=[[Largo Baggins]]|TAN=[[Tanta Hornblower]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |,|-|-|-|v|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | |DOR| |DRO|y|PRI| |DUD|DOR=[[Dora Baggins]]|DRO=[[Drogo Baggins]]|PRI=[[Primula Brandybuck]]|DUD=[[Dudo Baggins]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!|}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |FRO| | | |DAI|~|GRI|FRO='''Frodo Baggins'''|DAI=[[Daisy Baggins]]|GRI=[[Griffo Boffin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
===Frodo Baggins in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="170px" heights="170px">
File:Frodo.png|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:Frodo Rankin Bass.png|Frodo in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo at the Grey Havens.png|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|Frodo in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego LOTR logo.png|Frodo as a ''[[Lego]]'' minifigure
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Christopher Guard]]. [[Sharon Baird]] was the model for Frodo in the live-action recordings Bakshi used for rotoscoping.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Orson Bean]], who had previously played Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by [[Elijah Wood]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Elijah Wood]] reprises his role as Frodo Baggins.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> He has a conversation with Bilbo on the day of his 111th Birthday, before setting off to the woods to wait for Gandalf.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:Frodo was played by Taneli Mäkelä.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Oliver Burt]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Frodo is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is voiced by [[Ian Holm]].

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by Matthias Haase.

'''1992: [[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|''Tales from the Perilous Realm'' (1992 radio series)]]:'''
:In two episodes telling of the meeting of Frodo and [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Nigel Planer]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:In the first of the three series (seasons), based on ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', the voice of Frodo is provided by Dušan Cinkota. Cinkota was unable to reprise his role after the first series, and the role of Frodo was recast with Ľuboš Kostelný for the second and third series (based on ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'').

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is one of the playable characters; his story doesn't significantly differ from the book. He is voiced by [[Steve Staley]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is present in all missions from Sam's perspective: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom. Completing the game allows to replay those missions from Frodo's perspective.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Frodo is a "Hero" unit of the Free People; his ability to use the Ring and turn invisible makes him ideal for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Frodo and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Frodo is first met in Rivendell, preparing for departure. Later, he is found on Cerin Amroth in Lothlorien, weary from the loss of [[Gandalf]]. From [[Amon Hen]] onwards, player experiences Frodo's journey in a series of Session Plays, alternatively playing as either Frodo, Sam or [[Gollum]]. The player meets Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]], he later gives a speech at [[Aragorn]] and [[Arwen]]. A Hobbit actor portrays Frodo Baggins in a Hobbit-made theater play "The Disappearance of Mad Baggins". Notably, the player is not told about Frodo's mission for a very long time, with [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]] and others only saying that it is "of great importance".

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Frodo is mentioned as '''"Frodo the Ringbearer"''', one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]], in the introduction of the game. In [[The Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] tells that he is waiting on a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] with [[The One Ring|an important burden]], this refers to Frodo and the One Ring.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'', ''Prologue''</ref>
:Later in the game, Frodo appears in [[Rivendell]], but interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

==See also==
*[[Timeline of Frodo Baggins]]

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Baggins Family]]
| born=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[22 September]], {{TA|3001}} - [[13 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[14 March|14]] - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Gollum]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Baggins]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Frodo Beutlin]]
[[fi:Frodo Reppuli]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:bessac:frodo bessac]]

Domine defende nos contra hos Motores bos!

2026-01-08T17:38:36Z

Banazîr Galpsi: /* Background */ Remove unnecessary apostrophe

{{poem infobox
| title=''Domine defende nos contra hos Motores bos!''
| image=
| caption=
| imageWidth=
| imageHeight=
| other names=
| written=Between mid-[[1957]] and early [[1960]]<ref name="guidereview"/>
| revised=
| published=''[[The Bovadium Fragments: together with The Origin of Bovadium]]''
| subject=[[Wikipedia:Jove|Jove]], ''[[Motores Bi]]'', ''[[The End of Bovadium]]'', ''[[Valedictory]]''
}}
'''''Domine defende nos contra hos Motores bos!''''' is a shared title of a poem "in thirty-one octosyllabic couplets"<ref name="Other">{{TBF|Other}}, pp. 45-54</ref> and a [[Latin]] text that were written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] for ''[[The End of Bovadium]]''<ref name="CGL">[[Letter to Rayner Unwin (2 December 1968)]], quoted in {{CG|C}}, p. 737 (entry "2 December 1968")</ref>.<ref name="guidereview">{{webcite|author=[https://www.tolkienguide.com/profile/1 Urulókë], [https://www.tolkienguide.com/profile/4446 onthetrail], [https://www.tolkienguide.com/profile/10 Trotter], and [https://www.tolkienguide.com/profile/5058 Mr. Underhill]|articleurl=https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=6867|articlename=The Bovadium Fragments: TolkienGuide review|dated=3 October 2025|website=Guide|accessed=4 October 2025|archiveurl=|archivename=|archivedate=}}</ref>

==Poem excerpt==
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
:Alas! that prayer was never heard:
:Jove’s ears, maybe, were rendered surd;
:for Motors prolific bred and teemed;
:from near and far to Town they streamed,
:hunting their prey with hooting shrill
:from Iffley turn to Hinksey Hill.
:Their stink above the steeples went;
:stones were shaken and ears were rent
:by din of wheels and engine-blare.<ref>{{TBF|2texts}}</ref></poem>

==Background==
While it is untold when exactly Tolkien first wrote the poem "in thirty-one octosyllabic couplets" and its related [[Latin]] text, [[Christopher Tolkien]] speculated that the Latin text followed the poem, but was unsure how they both relate to ''[[The End of Bovadium]]''<ref name="CGL" /> since they share details with earlier drafts.<ref name="Other" /> In a book review by the [https://www.tolkienguide.com/ Tolkien Collector's Guide], it is suggested that Tolkien may have had the poem ''From Iffley'', an early version of ''[[Valedictory]]'',<ref>{{CP|10}}, pp. 54-6</ref> in mind when writing ''Domine defende nos contra hos Motores bos!'' due to the mention of "from Iffley" in the poem. They noted in the review that "it is a stark change from the timelessness of the former to the smoke fumes of the" latter.<ref name="guidereview" />

==See also==
*''[[Progress in Bimble Town]]''

{{References}}

[[Category:Greco-Roman names]]
[[Category:Poems by J.R.R. Tolkien]]
[[Category:The End of Bovadium]]

Westron

2025-11-30T16:01:11Z

Banazîr Galpsi: /* Grammar */ Merge two similar sentences into one

'''Westron''' ('''''Adûni''''' in itself) was the [[languages|language]] of the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Middle-earth]]. By the end of the [[Third Age]] it was more or less a universal language spoken throughout the [[races]] and peoples of the [[Westlands]], thus it was also known as the '''Common Speech'''.

Westron, through its ancestor [[Adûnaic]], was distantly related to other native languages of the [[Middle Men]] of the Westlands, like [[Northern Mannish]] of [[Rhovanion]], and [[Rohanese]]; all descended from the [[Taliska|ancient languages]] of the [[Edain]].<ref name="lang">{{App|F1}}</ref><ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, Note 4</ref>

==History==
[[File:Tree of human tongues expanded.jpg|thumb|Genealogy of Middle-Earth's human languages]]
The Westron speech is derived from the [[Adûnaic]] tongue of [[Númenor]].<ref name="L144">{{L|144}}</ref> The [[Númenoreans]] brought it to the western coastlands of the continent of [[Middle-earth]] when they established trade outposts and forts in the third millennium of the [[Second Age]]. Westron originated as a creole language spoken between the Númenoreans and the native [[Middle Men]], and from those Númenorean colonies it spread to most of the westlands.

After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], the [[Faithful]] Númenoreans neglected their 'unfaithful' language in favour of [[Elvish]], allowing Adûnaic as spoken in Middle-earth to change and evolve chaotically among the Middle Men. But later it was enriched and softened under Elvish influence.

===Distribution===
In the course of the [[Third Age]] Westron was adopted by nearly all [[Men]] and [[Hobbits]] that lived within the borders of the old kingdoms of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] all along the coasts from [[Umbar]] northward to the Bay of Forochel, and inland to the [[Misty Mountains]] and the [[Ephel Dúath]] and north up the river [[Anduin]] to the [[Gladden Fields]] between the [[Misty Mountains]] and the Anduin. At the time of the [[War of the Ring]] Westron was still the native tongue in this area.<ref name="lang" /><ref>{{PM|XNotes}}, #59</ref> [[Hobbitish]] itself was a rustic dialect of Westron.

For this, Westron was also known as the '''Common Speech'''. [[Dwarves]] used Westron as a public language, as [[Khuzdul]] was private. Some [[Elves]] also spoke Westron, although some, like [[Haldir]]'s brothers, didn't leave their lands much and had not learned the Common Speech.<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref> Even [[Orcs]] spoke Westron, which was the base of [[Orkish]] tongues.<ref name="lang" /><ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref>

The [[Northmen]] also spoke Westron, such as [[Beorn]] and the [[Lake-men]].<ref>{{HM|H}}</ref> The [[Woses]],<ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref> the [[Dunlendings]]<ref>{{TT|Deep}}</ref> and the [[Rohirrim]] were examples of Men whose language was not Westron, but they spoke it in interlingual circumstances.<ref name="lang" />

Under King [[Thengel]] of Rohan (who had lived in Gondor for many years before taking the throne), the Common Speech began to be used as the language of the court instead of their native [[Rohanese]] (thus [[Théoden]], [[Éomer]], and [[Éowyn]] were all functionally bilingual in Rohirric and Common Speech) "though not all thought this a good thing..."{{fact}}

==Grammar==
Westron had both [[wikipedia:T-V distinction|"deferential" and "familiar" pronouns]] for the second (and sometimes third) person, but the deferential pronouns had fallen out of use in the [[Hobbitish]] dialect. Interestingly, this is the opposite of what happened in English, where the familiar "thee/thou" fell out of favour and the deferential "you" became universal.

This lack of a deferential pronoun and universal use of the familiar pronoun is what [[Gondorians]] were referring to when they repeatedly remarked that Hobbit-speech sounded strange.<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

==Etymology and names==
Westron is a translation of the original name '''''Adûni'''''<ref>{{PM|X}}, p. 316</ref> (cf. [[Adûnaic]] ''[[Adûn]]'' ("west")), and "Common Speech" translates the Westron term '''[[Sôval]] [[Phârë]]'''<ref>{{PM|Languages}}, note 6, p. 55</ref>, of identical meaning. In [[Sindarin]] the language was called '''[[Annúnaid]]''' (Westron), or '''[[Falathren]]''' (Shore-language).<ref>{{PM|Languages}}, The Languages at the End of the Third Age, p. 32</ref>

==Translation==
According to Tolkien's fiction, Westron was the language spoken and understood by the protagonists of ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings''.<ref name="L144" /> Many names of characters and places, in the book's "reality", were in Westron.

However, Tolkien mentions that Westron was presented as having been completely replaced by [[Modern English]] in the text. This had certain important implications: first of all, proper names with derivations understandable or evident to speakers of Westron had been translated, to preserve the effect to the English reader. Thus, names like ''Baggins'', ''Bagshot Row'', ''Peregrin'', ''Rivendell'' et cetera, are not the ''actual'' names as spoken by the characters but are presented as ''translations''.

Of course, outside the fictional context of the story, it is clear that there was no such "translation": the English names came first and the "original" forms in Westron or other languages were devised by Tolkien later.

[[Rivendell]] ("cloven valley") was actually called ''[[Rivendell#Etymology|Karningul]]'', and [[Bag End]] was actually called ''[[Labin-nec]]'', after ''[[Baggins Family|Labingi]]'', the real form of [[Baggins Family|Baggins]]. In some cases the explanations became quite involved, such as the river Brandywine (Sindarin [[Baranduin]], "golden-brown river") being actually called ''[[Branda]]-[[nîn]]'', a punning Westron name meaning "border-water", which was later punned again as ''[[Bralda]]-[[hîm]]'' meaning "heady ale".

This logic went one step further by also presenting all [[Mannish]] languages akin to Westron in languages related to English, so that their "understandability" by the protagonists would be simulated to the English reader.<ref name="L144" />

This utter replacement of Westron by English was taken so far that some sources that should give actual Westron have been turned to English too. For instance, in [[Moria]], an illustration of the runic text on [[Balin]]'s gravestone is given. The text is said to be written in both Khuzdul and Westron. But while the first part of the inscription seems to really be a bit of Khuzdul, the second part is actually plain English, just written in [[cirth]].

==Corpus==
The corpus of Westron is small; several of the Westron forms given above were not published in Tolkien's lifetime. Tolkien never worked out Westron to the same extent as [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]] or even [[Adûnaic]].

Many words come from [[Appendix F]] and the creation of it in ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''. A detailed Westron phonology and additional grammar notes can be found in the manuscripts that Tolkien sold to the archives of [[Marquette University]] (they were initially written for the [[Appendix F]] of ''The Lord of the Rings'')<ref>[[Tyalië Tyelelliéva 17]], p. 20</ref>. These documents include declensions of animate and inanimate nouns and the present tense conjugation of the verb ''pūt-'' “to blow”<ref name=":0">[[Tyalië Tyelelliéva 17]], pp. 37-44</ref>; their content was partially published in [[Tyalië Tyelelliéva 17|''Tyalië Tyelelliéva'' 17]] in [[2001]]. Even now, the corpus is small (roughly 150 words)<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl=https://drive.google.com/file/d/18EwnCZh56n2MoyTEBjotpP4rQAl8nsOC/view|articlename=Westron full dictionary|author=|dated=2025}}</ref><ref>[[Tyalië Tyelelliéva 17]], pp. 37-44.</ref>.

==See also==
*[[:Category:Westron words|Category:Westron words]]

==External links==
*[http://www.uib.no/people/hnohf/westron.htm Analysis of Westron] at [[Ardalambion]]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/18EwnCZh56n2MoyTEBjotpP4rQAl8nsOC/view?usp=sharing Complete Westron dictionary]
{{references}}
{{languages}}
[[Category:Westron| ]]
[[de:Westron]]
[[fi:Westron]]
[[fr:encyclo/langues/westron]]

Ring-bearers

2025-11-10T22:43:37Z

Banazîr Galpsi: Gollum/Smeagol bore the ring and had a part in its destruction, but that was involuntary.

{{quote|Cormacolindor, a laita tárienna! The Ring-bearers, praise them with great praise!|[[Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise!|Praises at the Field of Cormallen]]}}
[[File:John Howe - The One Ring 01.jpg|''The One Ring'' by [[John Howe]]|thumb]]
'''Ring-bearers''' was a title used for those three [[Hobbits]] ([[Bilbo Baggins]], [[Frodo Baggins]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]]) who had at one time borne [[the One Ring]], and willingly aided in its destruction. Because of their status as Ring-bearers, they were granted the passage of the [[Straight Road]], and each eventually went to the [[Aman|Blessed Realm]] to live out their lives.

Though only these three Hobbits are strictly counted as Ring-bearers, in fact the Ring was borne by other hands besides; and over its history of about 4.8 millennia only a very few individuals had ever touched it.
==List of persons who touched the Ring==
Those who actually wore the Ring, as opposed to picking it up or holding it, are shown in bold.

* '''[[Sauron]]''' - He forged the One Ring for himself around {{SA|1600}} and bore it for approximately 1840 years until his defeat in the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] in {{SA|3441}}.
* '''[[Isildur]]''' - Against the advice of [[Elrond]] and [[Círdan]], he took the Ring for himself. He did not bear it long - two years later, Isildur was ambushed by [[Orcs]] and the One Ring was lost in the [[Anduin]] on [[4 October]], {{TA|2}}, where it lay hidden for most of the [[Third Age]].
* [[Déagol]] - He discovered the Ring while fishing the [[Gladden Fields]] in about {{TA|2463}}. He held it for only a short time before he was murdered by his friend [[Sméagol]], who stole the Ring for himself.
* '''[[Gollum]]''' - He took the Ring from [[Déagol]], and soon hid with it in the roots of the [[Misty Mountains]]. He bore it in the dark for almost five hundred years. He was also the last to touch it before its destruction.
* '''[[Bilbo Baggins]]''' - He discovered the Ring 'by accident' while imprisoned beneath the Misty Mountains in July {{TA|2941}}, and claimed it from Gollum by defeating him in a [[Riddle-game]]. He carried it eastward to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and then back westward to the Shire, where he kept it. He bore the Ring for almost exactly sixty years.
* '''[[Frodo Baggins]]''' - He was given the Ring by Bilbo on the advice of Gandalf. He was the Ring-bearer, who carried the One Ring from the Shire to Orodruin, to the very brink of the Cracks of Doom. Once there, the Ring's power overmastered him, and he named it to himself, but Gollum bit it from his finger and fell into the Fire. Frodo bore the Ring for seventeen years until its destruction.
* [[Gandalf]] - He held it for a matter of moments on the morning of [[13 April]], {{TA|3018}}, before throwing it into Frodo's fire. This was the moment that the Ring's fiery inscription appeared, confirming that it was the One Ring.
* '''[[Tom Bombadil]]''' - He wore it on his finger for a moment on [[27 September]], {{TA|3018}}, but was unaffected by it. The reason that Tom was immune to the effects of the Ring remains an abiding mystery.
* '''[[Samwise Gamgee]]''' - He bore the Ring for about two days in March {{TA|3019}}, while Frodo his master was in the clutches of Orcs in the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

==A possible Ring-bearer?==
While Frodo was recovering in [[Rivendell]], one morning he found the Ring passed through a chain for him.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref> It is not known what person or persons did this while he was sleeping. It could be [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], or any [[Calaquendi|High Elf]] of Rivendell, but their identity, the process, and whether they touched it, are unknown.<ref>{{webcite|author=Stan Brown|articleurl=https://brownmath.com/general/ringfaq.htm#Q1-FrodoChain|articlename=FAQ of the Rings - In Rivendell, who put Frodo’s Ring on a chain?|dated=28 November 2021|website=|accessed=11 July 2023}}</ref>

==Etymology==

The [[Quenya]] translation of "Ring-bearers" is given as '''''[[Corma]]colindor'''''.<ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Ring-finder]]

{{References}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Ring-bearers|*]]
[[Category:Epithets]]
[[de:Ringträger]]
[[fi:Sormuksen viejä]]