{{Sources}}
{{disambig-two|the dwarf in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''|elf in [[The Tale of Tinúviel]]|[[Gimli (elf)]]}}
{{dwarves infobox
| name=Gimli
| image=[[File:Matt Stewart - Forty-Two.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Forty-Two" by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Elf-friend]], [[Lockbearer]]
| titles=[[Lord of the Glittering Caves]]
| position=
| location=[[Thorin's Halls]] [[Lonely Mountain]] [[Glittering Caves]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Khuzdul]] and [[Westron]]
| birth={{TA|2879}}
| birthlocation=[[Thorin's Halls]]
| rule=Early [[Fourth Age]] - {{FoA|120}}
| sailedwest={{FoA|120}}
| sailedfrom=[[Ithilien]]
| age=262
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Durin]]
| parentage=[[Glóin]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=Dark<ref name="Riders">{{TT|Riders}}</ref>
| clothing=Short shirt of steel rings<ref name="South"/> cap of iron and leather<ref name="King">{{TT|King}}</ref> belt,<ref name="South">{{FR|South}}</ref> hood, boots,<ref name="Journey">{{FR|Journey}}</ref> shield<ref name="King"/>
| weapons=Broad-bladed axe<ref name="South"/>
| steed=[[Arod]]
}}
{{quote|Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.|Gimli in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Ring Goes South]]"}}

'''Gimli''' was a [[Dwarves|dwarf]] of the [[House of Durin]] who became famous as the only Dwarven member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].

==History==
Gimli was born in the [[Blue Mountains]] during a time of exile for the [[Durin's Folk]], about [[Third Age 2770|a century]] after the tragic destruction of [[Dale]] and the [[Sack of Erebor|Sacking]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] by [[Smaug]] the Golden. His father was [[Glóin]], a direct descendant of [[King of Durin's Folk|King]] [[Náin II]] and, through him, of [[Durin|Durin the Deathless]]. His father joined [[Thorin and Company]] in their [[Quest of Erebor|quest]] to reclaim the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]], but Gimli was forbidden because he was too young: only 62 at the time.<ref>{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>

The Dwarves were successful in their Quest and Gimli and his father were among the Dwarves who returned to Erebor. Years later, in {{TA|3017}}, Gimli witnessed the arrival of a messenger of [[Sauron]] (presumed to be a [[Nazgûl]]) inquiring about [[Bilbo Baggins]], old acquaintance of his father, and the [[The One Ring|Ring of Power]], promising tempting offers. Gimli accompanied his troubled father to [[Rivendell]] for the dual purpose of warning Bilbo and seeking the counsel of [[Elrond]] on such weighty matters. He attended the [[Council of Elrond]] as a representative of the [[Dwarves of Erebor]].

===The Fellowship of the Ring===
Gimli, as the only young dwarf seen at the council of Elrond, was appointed as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. He alone of the company wore a mail-shirt, and carried a broad-bladed axe.<ref name="South">{{FR|South}}</ref> He quickly distinguished himself in the company by declaring that he "needed no map" and naming the [[Misty Mountains]] individually by their [[Khuzdul]] names, inspiring the comment from [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]: "A fair jaw-cracker dwarf-language must be!"
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Balin's Tomb.jpg|left|thumb|''Balin's Tomb'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
Gimli stood more than all the others with [[Gandalf]] on the matter of passing through [[Moria]].<ref name="Journey">{{FR|Journey}}</ref> This may be influenced by his curiosity about the fate of his cousin [[Balin]], who went thither to [[Balin's Colony|refound]] the ancient kingdom of the [[Durin's Folk|Longbeards]], and also his vengeful nature. His first clash with [[Legolas]] occurred before the [[Doors of Durin]], in a brief dispute over whose fault it was (the Elves’ or the Dwarves’) that the friendship between the two races waned. Gandalf quickly intervened, though it was not until [[Lothlórien]] that they would truly become friends.

He was quite helpful to Gandalf in explaining the Doors to the other curious members of the fellowship. Gandalf showed his appreciation of Gimli’s skills by letting him walk up front through the dark tunnels beside himself, and taking brief counsels with him when the way is unsure. It is probable that here Gandalf was tapping into Dwarven inborn or developed skills rather than actual knowledge of Moria itself, as Gimli had never personally been there.

Gimli reacted most indignantly to Sam’s suggestion that Moria was but "holes", going so far as to chant for him the ancient ''[[Song of Durin]]''. Gimli continued to be helpful to Gandalf on the rest of the dark passage, and boldly aided in the [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]], protecting Balin’s tomb. After Gandalf remained behind to halt the Balrog, Gimli led the others across the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]].

He again showed great emotion when they neared [[Kheled-zâram]], taking [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] alone out of all the company with him to see it (though Sam followed as well).<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref> This hinted at a degree of affection for Frodo, though it may merely have been because he was the most important of the company. Despite his helpfulness, at [[Lothlórien]] he became the greatest hindrance to the Company, when he alone was required to be blindfolded and of all of them liked the idea the least (save for perhaps Legolas). The compromise was made that the entire company would go through the Golden Wood in this manner, that Gimli would not suffer alone.<ref name="Lorien"></ref>

Despite this early struggle, it was Gimli of all the company that was most remembered for his deeds in Lothlórien. For his heart softened towards [[Galadriel]] and as a result toward Elves in general when that great lady sympathised with his sorrows, using the traditional Khuzdul names.<ref name="Mirror">{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> In return he attempted to compliment her, as he saw her love and understanding. Though slightly clumsy in his first attempt, he distinguished himself when, as Galadriel gave the Company [[Gifts of Galadriel|gifts]], he asked only for a single strand of her hair. Galadriel gave him three hairs with a blessing, probably remembering when [[Fëanor]] had requested a similar gift several millennia ago. She later referred to him as "[[Lockbearer]]". Gimli wept openly at the departure from Lothlórien, calling the light more dangerous than the darkness he had feared.<ref>{{TT|III5}}</ref>

By the time the Fellowship departed from Lothlórien, Gimli had become fast friends with Legolas the Elf, a result of Galadriel’s kindness. This, too, made him famous among all the Dwarves of the [[Third Age]].

===The Three Hunters===
{{Main|Three Hunters}}
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Pursuit in Rohan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Pursuit in Rohan'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]] After the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], during which he and Legolas slew many [[orcs]], Gimli listened in silence as his only remaining comrades, [[Aragorn]] and Legolas, sang a lament for Boromir in the character of three of the Winds. Only the East Wind was left, and Gimli would not sing it, which Aragorn declared to be appropriate.

For most of the chase he served as a commentator, usually leaving the decisions to Aragorn. His reaction was quite hostile to the suspicious [[Rohirrim]], especially after [[Éomer]]'s rash comments about Galadriel. Little did either know that they would become close friends in the times to come as fiery words passed between them. After the [[Three Hunters]] were lent horses, Gimli and Éomer parted in peace, with promises to one another of reconciliation.

Of the Three Hunters, Gimli seemed the most shaken by [[Fangorn Forest]] while they searched for traces of [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. Gimli felt no reluctance to shoot the “unarmed” old man whom they thought was [[Saruman]], unlike Aragorn and Legolas. After Gandalf was revealed to them, Gimli fell to his knees. Gandalf put his hand on Gimli’s head, and the dwarf laughed for the first time recorded during the [[Quest of the Ring]].

Gimli’s ire was raised again in King [[Théoden]]'s courts against [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], who spoke slanderously of the Lady of the Golden Wood. Gandalf quickly calmed him. Gimli was delighted by the [[White Mountains]] and [[Helm's Deep]], declaring "This country has tough bones". He declared that if he had a hundred of his kin he could make the fortress invincible.

===War of the Ring===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Glittering Caves of Aglarond.jpg|thumb|left|''The Glittering Caves of Aglarond'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
During the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], Gimli saved Éomer’s life outside the gates. He came in, boasting of his first two orc-kills to his friend Legolas. Legolas estimated his slaughter to amount to twenty, starting the good-hearted orc-killing game that continued through the rest of the battle. Gimli was the first to the culvert when the orcs crept through, leaping heroically into their midst from the walls. He then proceeded to lead the blocking up of the culvert. During the course of the battle Gimli was one of those forced into the [[Glittering Caves]]. He was astonished to see the magnificence of these caverns, moving even Legolas with his glowing description of them. This one sight would change his life.

His final kill score number was forty-two in that battle, surpassing his friend the elf by one. Gimli shows a hint of humour and affection when he greets the two [[Hobbits]] Merry and Pippin comfortably situated among [[wikipedia:flotsam|flotsam]] and [[wikipedia:jetsam|jetsam]] in the ruin of [[Isengard]]. He declared himself deep in Pippin’s debt when the hobbit lent him his spare pipe.

Gimli shows some of the stone hardness of Dwarves when they meet [[Saruman]] at [[Orthanc]]. Saruman uses the power in his voice to sway [[Théoden]] to forgive him and make peace, and many of the [[Rohirrim]] are moved by his magic and are spell-bound. Unmoved, Gimli comments that Saruman's words cannot be trusted and that from Orthanc, help would mean ruin. Saruman is angered enough by Gimli that for a moment he loses his charm.

As the fellowship of friends again began to break up – Gandalf and Pippin heading for [[Minas Tirith]], [[Théoden]] and his riders for [[Dunharrow]] – Gimli out of love and respect for Aragorn went with him, Legolas, the sons of Elrond, and the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] on the [[Paths of the Dead]]. He showed great reluctance before the [[Dark Door]], the final thought that drove him downward was the thought of being bested by an Elf underground.

He participated in the epic [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], returning with Aragorn and his other companions on the [[Black Ships]], and later recounted their journey to the fascinated Hobbits. He began to fear for Legolas, who seemed entranced by the Sea. His position on Elves completely changed, he remarked "If all the fair folk take to the Havens, it will be a duller world for those who are doomed to stay". He was much more skeptical as to the overall end of [[Men]] than his comrade.

Gimli fought in the [[Battle of the Morannon]], passing through unscathed, and finding the alive but bruised Pippin among the dead lying on the hill. He returned to the [[Field of Cormallen]] to be reunited to his friends, and there displayed open affection for all of them, even his frequent rival Pippin ("If only because of the pains you have cost me, which I shall never forget").

===After the War of the Ring===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Legolas and Gimli Reach the Shores of Valinor.jpg|thumb|right|''Gimli and Legolas reach the shores of Valinor'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After the coronation of Aragorn, Gimli said farewell to his old friend Éomer, who begged for pardon as to his words on Galadriel, though he added that he still didn’t think she was the fairest in the world. When he added that he considered [[Arwen]] the fairest instead, Gimli was content with this.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

During the return journey he visited many places with Legolas, including Fangorn Forest and [[Glittering Caves|Aglarond]]. Eventually he returned to Erebor, to find it nearly devastated by war. [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] had died, and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]] was now King. Eventually, though, he returned to the Glittering Caves with a contingent of dwarves, becoming the "[[Lord of the Glittering Caves]]". He rebuilt the gates of Minas Tirith with ''[[mithril]]'' and steel, and in both [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]] accomplished great works. There he met his friends Merry and Pippin and the [[Appendix A|history of his people]] made its way to the [[Red Book]];<ref>{{App|A}}</ref> he also set out the genealogical tree of the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] for King Elessar.<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref>

In Aglarond, it is assumed, he lived on until he was old, and in {{FoA|120}} he sailed with Legolas his friend across [[Belegaer]] to [[Valinor]], becoming the first and only Dwarf to do so.<ref>{{App|Later}}</ref>

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gimli.mp3|Ardamir}}
In [[1978]], [[Jim Allan]] noted that the name ''Gimli'' appears once in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' and three times in the ''Prose Edda''. Allan suggested that ''Gimli'' means "One-of-Gimlé/Gimill", where [[Wikipedia:Gimlé|''Gimlé''/''Gimill'']] in the ''Eddas'' is a hall of the after-life "''inhabited solely by [[Calaquendi#Inspiration|Light-elves]]''" (evoking Gimli's leaving for [[Aman]]).<ref>[[Jim Allan]], "Giving of Names", in ''[[An Introduction to Elvish]]'', p. 225</ref>

However, with the publication of ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'' in [[1981]], Tolkien wrote in a draft letter that Gimli's name comes from a poetic [[Old Norse]] word, ''gimm'', presumably meaning "fire".<ref>{{L|297}}, p. 382</ref>

== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | NAI | | | | | | | | | | | |NAI=[[Náin II]] ''{{TA|2338|n}} - {{TA|2585|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| DAI | | | | | | | | BOR | | | | | | |DAI=[[Dáin I]] ''{{TA|2440|n}} - {{TA|2589|n}}''†| BOR=[[Borin]] ''{{TA|2450|n}} - {{TA|2711|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| THR | | | | | | | | FAR | | | | | | |THR=[[Thrór]] ''{{TA|2542|n}} - {{TA|2790|n}}''†''|FAR=[[Farin]] ''{{TA|2560|n}} - {{TA|2803|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | | | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| THR | | | | FUN | | | | | | GRO | | |THR=[[Thráin|Thráin II]] ''{{TA|2644|n}} - {{TA|2850|n}}''†|FUN=[[Fundin]] ''{{TA|2662|n}} - {{TA|2799|n}}''†|GRO=[[Gróin]] ''{{TA|2671|n}} - {{TA|2923|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| THO | | BAL | | DWA | | OIN | | GLO |THO=[[Thorin]] ''{{TA|2746|n}} - {{TA|2941|n}}''†|BAL=[[Balin]] ''{{TA|2763|n}} - {{TA|2994|n}}''†|DWA=[[Dwalin]] ''{{TA|2772|n}} - {{FoA|91}}''|OIN=[[Óin]] ''{{TA|2774|n}} - {{TA|2994|n}}''†|GLO=[[Glóin]] ''{{TA|2783|n}} - {{FoA|15}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | GIM |GIM='''GIMLI''' ''{{TA|2879|n}} - {{FoA|120}}+''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The name "[[Gimli (elf)|Gimli]]" was first used by Tolkien for the name of a [[Gnome]] in the ''[[Tale of Tinúviel]]'', written in mid-1910s.

In the [[Adûnaic]] language described in ''[[The Notion Club Papers]]'' ([[1945]]), ''gimli'' (pl. ''gimil'') is the word for "[[stars|star]]", derived from a [[root]] G-M-L and having the Characteristic Vowel I. From these derive others words such as ''igmil'' "a star-shaped formation"; and ''Gimilnitîr'' "Star-kindler" ([[Gilthoniel]]), a name for [[Varda]].<ref>{{SD|NC}}, p. 427-428</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Pictures of adaptations of Gimli
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gimli.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Gimli.jpg|[[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) - Gimli.JPG|[[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:SBG - Gimli.gif|''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
|File:Aragorn's Quest - Gimli.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Gimli.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Gimli mini figure.png|''[[Lego]] mini figure''
}}

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Gimli was read by [[Eric Lugg]].

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Gimli is portrayed as almost as tall as [[Aragorn]] and [[Legolas]]. He has a brown beard and wears a hood. [[David Buck]] provided Gimli's voice.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gimli is provided by [[Gail Chugg]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Both Gimli and Legolas are omitted from this adaptation, as it centers on Aragorn.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Gimli is played by [[Douglas Livingstone]], who uses a heavily articulated accent.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Gimli is provided by Vladimír "Ady" Hajdu. Hajdu portrays Gimli's voice as less gruff than most other adaptations, and though he is a fierce warrior, he is sensitive and insightful and often fairly cheerful. At one point in the series, when his companions in the Fellowship ask him if he heard a suspicious noise, he exclaims "I only hear the whisper of stones and mosses" (a possible reference to Tolkien's Dwarves being attuned to stone and the mountains as much as Elves are to the woods and sea).

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[John Rhys-Davies]] portrayed Gimli in voice and close-ups; Brett Beattie was his size-double. Jackson used the antagonism between Legolas and Gimli, although he placed most of it on Gimli's plate.

'''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)]]:'''
:Gimli is portrayed as a burly lumberjack, slightly smaller than Legolas, but the same size as Boromir. His moment of glory is in [[Moria]], where he aids the player (at this point, Frodo) with trying to find the Bridge. He is voiced by [[James Horan]].

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Now that [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] were no longer around to provide comic relief, Gimli was chosen to fill the spot. This has led to much criticism.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gimli is one of the three playable characters.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:As in the second film Gimli's character was somewhat controversially used to insert comic relief into the scenes he appeared in.

'''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)]]:'''
:Gimli is a playable character, with an aggressive fighting style. He and Legolas accompany Aragorn through Paths of the Dead, later he fights on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Bob Papenbrook]] provided the voice of Gimli, who is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. His first appearance is near the Lonely Mountain, where he and other dwarves fight orcs and later activate a giant catapult.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Gimil is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, though he accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gimli is now the Hero for the Dwarven faction.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gimli is first met by Dwarven characters in the intro taking place in {{TA|2941}}, shortly before the Quest for Erebor. Later, all characters meet him in Rivendell where Gimli accompanies them on a mission to the [[Misty Mountains]]. The player catches up with Gimli at several points during the Fellowship's journey and also fights alongside Gimli in the [[Glittering Caves]] during the [[Battle of Helm's Deep]], the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] and in Northern [[Ithilien]] during the [[Army of the West]]'s march towards the [[Black Gate]]. After the downfall of [[Sauron]], Gimli and Legolas join the [[Gondor]]ian army in exploring and securing the Land of Shadow. There, Gimli finds a dwarven clan from the East who have been used as skilled slaves by the Dark Lord for centuries. He leads the survivors to [[Erebor]] and secures King [[Thorin Stonehelm]]'s permission for them to reside in his halls, before returning south to [[Minas Tirith]] for the wedding of Aragorn and [[Arwen]].

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Gimli is a playable hero available in several missions.

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Gimli can be found and talked to in Rivendell, he retains the appearance from the movies. While he provides insight into many events, interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:When Thorin's Company are arrested in [[Mirkwood]], Legolas searches Glóin's possessions and finds a picture wallet. Legolas comments how ugly the portraits are and Glóin points out that it's his son's portrait, parodying the future friendship of the two.

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=dwarf
| house=[[House of Durin]]
| born={{TA|2879}}
| died=after {{FoA|120}}
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=Position created
| list=[[Lord of the Glittering Caves]]
| dates=unknown – {{FoA|120}}
| nvac=Unknown
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Rulers in Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Gimli]]
[[fi:Gimli]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/nains/3a/gimli]]

DarthWhiskey: Changed image

{{cleanup}}
{{kingdom
| image=[[File:Jef Murray - Edoras.jpg|250px]]
| name=Rohan
| pronun=
| othernames=Riddermark
| location=From [[Fangorn Forest]] to [[White Mountains]], between the [[Isen]] and the [[Entwash]]
| capital=[[Edoras]], earlier [[Aldburg]]
| towns=[[Aldburg]], [[Dunharrow]], [[Grimslade]], [[Hornburg]], [[Upbourn]], [[Underharrow]]
| regions=[[Eastemnet]], [[Westemnet]], [[Eastfold]], [[Folde]], [[Westfold]], [[The Wold]], [[West-march]]
| population=[[Rohirrim]] few [[Dwarves]]
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Khuzdul]]
| govern1=[[King of Rohan]]
| govern2=
| govern3=
| currency=
| holiday=
| precededby=[[Calenardhon]]
| event1=Formed
| event1date={{TA|2510}}
| event2=
| event2date=
| event3=
| event3date=
| event4=
| event4date=
| event5=
| event5date=
| followedby=
}}
'''Rohan''' was a [[Men|Mannish]] kingdom on the northern borders of [[Gondor]]. It was the territory of the [[Rohirrim]], a people of herdsmen and farmers. Well-known for their [[horses]] and cavalry, they were Gondor's most important ally.

== Background==
In the 1200s of the [[Third Age]], the Kings of Gondor made close alliances with the [[Northmen]] of [[Rhovanion]], a people akin to the [[Edain#The Three Houses|Three Houses of the Edain]] (later the [[Dúnedain]]) from the [[First Age]]. In the 2000s, a remnant tribe of such Northmen that called itself the [[Éothéod]] moved from the valleys of [[Anduin]] to the north west of [[Mirkwood]], clearing out what remained of the recently defeated witch kingdom of [[Angmar]], east of the [[Misty Mountains]].

In the meantime, the Gondorian province of Calenardhon was deserted by the [[Great Plague]] and during the [[Watchful Peace]] and local chieftains, such as [[Dunlendings]] gained control.<ref name=isen>{{UT|Isen}}</ref> During the time of [[Cirion]] the [[Stewards of Gondor|Steward of Gondor]], Calenardhon was overrun by the [[Balchoth]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl]]
In {{TA|2509|n}}, Cirion sent summons to the Éothéod for aid in stopping a combined invasion of Men from the north east of Middle-earth, and [[Orcs]] from the [[Misty Mountains]]. [[Borondir]] reached [[Eorl the Young]], king of the Éothéod, who answered the summons, and arrived unexpectedly at a decisive [[battle of the Field of Celebrant]].

As a reward, Cirion invited Eorl on [[Amon Anwar]], over the [[tomb of Elendil]] and he swore mutual alliance and cooperation between the two peoples. The Steward also gave Eorl the deserted but fertile area of Calenardhon to take as their own and repopulate.

==History==
Eorl moved his people there driving out the Dunlendings who attempted to repopulate it without Gondor's consent. Eorl also built the first city of Rohan, [[Aldburg]]. Eorl lost his life fighting the [[Easterlings]] in [[the Wold]].<ref name=mark>{{App|Mark}}</ref> Migration was continued to the days of second king [[Brego]] who defended the borders against the Dunlendings and Easterlings, and drove the remaining [[Orcs]] and [[Balchoth]] off the Wold. Brego also built the Golden Hall of [[Meduseld]], and made [[Edoras]] the capital of Rohan.

[[File:Jan Pospisil - Edoras.jpg|thumb|Jan Pospisil - ''Edoras'']]
King [[Aldor]] was the founder of a golden age in Rohan's history, during which he completed Rohan's conquest east of the [[Isen]] and the [[Rohirrim]] increased greatly in numbers, who even settled valleys of [[Ered Nimrais]] including [[Harrowdale]]. It was he who succeeded in driving all the remaining Dunlendings from his realm. Rohan continued to prosper during [[Goldwine]]'s rule; but as the guard of the borders lessened, the Dunlendings slowly began to return to northern [[Westfold]], settling the area around the (friendly to them) [[Ring of Isengard]] and the southern eaves of [[Fangorn Forest]]<ref name=isen/>. A powerful Dunlendish force had been established, and King [[Déor]] was forced to ride northward from Edoras, ultimately to defeat his enemies but he was unable to recapture the Ring of Isengard. The following years the Dunlendings harassed and mingled with the Rohirrim.

The first line of kings lasted for 249 years, until the ninth king [[Helm|Helm Hammerhand]]. In {{TA|2758}}, Rohan was invaded by Dunlendings under [[Wulf]], son of [[Freca]], of mixed Dunland and Rohan blood. The King, Helm Hammerhand, took refuge in the [[Hornburg]] until reinforcements from Gondor and [[Dunharrow]] (a refuge of the Rohirrim) arrived a year later and defeated the invaders. In a daring raid [[Fréaláf]] recaptured Edoras, and managed to reclaim it. He eventually drove the Dunlendings back across the rivers Isen and Adorn, freeing all of Rohan.

The Rohirrim now kept a strong force in north [[Westfold]], however at some time King [[Folcwine]] would need the help of Gondor to drive some of them from the area.<ref name=mark/> He was successful but the people who remained were largely of mixed blood, and not loyal to Edoras.<ref name=isen/>

It was soon after this that [[Saruman]] arrived and took over [[Isengard]], and was welcomed as a strong ally, since it would take Rohan close to 200 years to recover its strength after the invasion.

As Rohan was still recovering from the war with the Dunlendings, hostilities remained at the western borders. For two generations, during the coincidental [[War of Dwarves and Orcs|conflict]] many thousands of [[Orcs]] tried to claim a refuge in the [[White Mountains]] and troubled the Rohirrim; [[Brytta]] fought them off, and when he died it was believed Rohan was free of Orcs; they were not entirely driven from the White Mountains until {{TA|2864}} by [[Folca]].

During [[Thengel]]'s reign, a mysterious Northerner calling himself [[Thorongil]] entered his service, and rode with him for some time.

Around {{TA|2960|n}} Saruman started to harass Rohan and in {{TA|3014|n}}, he began using his influence to weaken the King, [[Théoden]], as part of a campaign to invade or take over the kingdom. In {{TA|3019|n}}, he launched a full-scale invasion of Rohan, with victories; (Théoden's son, [[Théodred]] was killed during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]) and defeat at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], where the [[Huorns]] came to the aid of the Rohirrim.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Pursuit in Rohan.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Pursuit in Rohan'']]
On the heels of this victory, [[Théoden]] rode with an army to [[Minas Tirith]] and helped break its siege in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], where he was slain. [[Éomer]], the nephew of King [[Théoden]], then succeeded to the throne, beginning the third line. [[Éomer]] rode with the armies of [[Gondor]] to the gates of Mordor and took part in the final battle with the forces of [[Sauron]], who was defeated when the [[The One Ring|Ruling Ring]] was destroyed.

The rule of the Stewards of Gondor was now over. King Éomer and the new king of Gondor, [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] (Aragorn), renewed their oath of alliance, and reaffirmed Cirion's grant of Calenardhon to the Rohirrim. But though Sauron had perished Éomer often fulfilled the Oath of Eorl and went with [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] far into the East and South. He was known as Éomer Éadig, or "the Blessed", because during his reign Rohan recovered from the hurts of the War and became a rich and fruitful land again.

After the downfall of [[Sauron]], [[Gimli]] led a party of the [[Dwarves]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] to Aglarond, the [[Glittering Caves]] of the [[White Mountains]] within the realm of Rohan, of which there was an entrance in [[Helm's Deep]].<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref>

== Description ==
The borders of Rohan were the river [[Isen]] from its junction with the river [[Adorn]] and then northwards to the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the river Adorn in the west; from the outer walls of Isengard eastwards and northwards along the eaves of [[Fangorn Forest]] to the river [[Limlight]] in the north; the river [[Anduin]] and the west-cliff of the [[Emyn Muil]] hills down to the marshes of the mouths of the river [[Entwash]] and beyond those marshes the [[Mering Stream|Mering stream]] that flowed from the Wood of Anwar to join the river Entwash in the east and the [[White Mountains]] as far as the end of their northward arm in the south.<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, (iii) Cirion and Eorl, paragraph with the footnotes 45 and 46 and the following paragraph</ref><ref>{{RK|Map}}, red dotted line with the label "Border of Rohan"</ref>.

The most significant feature of Rohan's geography was the river [[Entwash]], which divided the country between [[Eastemnet]] and [[Westemnet]], itself divided as [[Eastfold]] and [[Westfold]]. Other lands were [[the Wold]], the [[Folde]], the [[Downs]] and the [[Undeeps]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Riders of Rohan.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''The Riders of Rohan'']]
The Rohirrim found abandoned Gondorian fortresses and refuges in the White Mountains, such as the [[Dunharrow]], the [[Orthanc]] and the [[Hornburg]] which they restored and used themselves.

The capital of Rohan was the hill fort of [[Edoras]] which lay on the slopes of the [[White Mountains]]. Another large city was '''[[Aldburg]]''', the capital city of the Eastfold and original city of Eorl the Young. Other cities must have existed but are not named.

At the time of the War of the Ring, Rohan was roughly a third the size of Gondor, whose borders had slowly been shrinking for decades.{{fact}}

===Climate and countryside===
The countryside of Rohan was described as a land of pastures and lush tall grassland. The lands of Rohan are frequently described as appearing like "seas of grass". Most of the Rohirrim dwelt in small villages or farms.

== Politics ==
===Military===
[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|''"Forth Eorlingas!"'']]
The military of the Rohirrim was commanded by Marshals. The [[First Marshal of the Riddermark]] was the highest military rank and commanded the [[Muster of Edoras]]: Riders of the capital Edoras and the surrounding lands, including the King's Lands and [[Harrowdale]]. In his youth, King Théoden had led the Riders of the Muster of Edoras himself, so that no First Marshal was needed and at the time of the War of the Ring, there was no First Marshal.

The Second and Third Marshals had no fixed duties, and their roles changed according to the needs of the time. The [[Second Marshal of the Riddermark]] and was based in the [[Helm's Deep]] and around the War of the Ring it was filled by Théoden's son, Prince [[Théodred]], and later [[Erkenbrand]] after the death of the prince. The [[Third Marshal of the Riddermark]] was based at [[Aldburg]] in the [[Folde]] and around the War of the Ring it was filled by [[Éomer]].

After the War of the Ring, the new rank of [[Marshal of the East-mark]] was created for the eastern Rohan by King Éomer. The first Rider to hold it was his lieutenant, [[Elfhelm]].

The Riders were divided into one hundred [[Éored|Éoreds]]. in the days of King [[Folcwine]] a "full Éored" was defined as 120 horsemen (including its captain).<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, note 36</ref> This would imply that a full muster of the Riders of the Rohirrim would number at least twelve thousand, if not many more. This does not include levied infantry, such as those Erkenbrand led at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].<ref>{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

===Alliance with Gondor===
The alliance between Rohan and Gondor came into existence in the year {{TA|2510|n}} of the [[Third Age]]. In that year the [[Easterlings]] launched a massive invasion of Gondor. The army of Gondor was defeated and trapped between the Limlight and the [[Celebrant]]. Gondor, which had always been on friendly terms with the different tribes of the [[Northmen]], sent messengers to the closest tribe, the [[Éothéod]]. Although it was unlikely that the message calling for aid would come through, it did. Then [[Eorl the Young]] and his fierce Éothéod Riders unexpectedly took the field during the Battle of Celebrant and turned the tide in the favour of Gondor. As a reward [[Cirion]], the [[Steward of Gondor]], gave Eorl the depopulated province of Calenardhon for his people to settle, while fulfilling Gondor's need for a strong ally. The [[Oath of Eorl]] was sworn by both Cirion and Eorl. Neither nation has ever broken the alliance ever since. Rohan has gone through great lengths to fulfill their part of the treaty including sacrificing two of its heirs when Gondor was under threat from the [[Haradrim]] in 2885, when [[Fastred (son of Folcwine)|Fastred]] and [[Folcred]], the twin sons of King [[Folcwine]], were killed during the Battle of Crossings of [[Poros]]. King [[Théoden]] once again honoured the alliance in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]].

===War with the Dunlendings===
To the west of Rohan lived the [[Dunlendings]], a native people who had been hostile against the Free Peoples for a long time. The Dunlending [[Wulf]] (whose father [[Freca]] was killed by King [[Helm]]) invaded Rohan and usurped the throne. Pressed by the west and east, the Rohirrim took refuge in the White Mountains. The [[Long Winter]] came upon the combatants, which caused many losses from both sides. Prince [[Háma (son of Helm)|Háma]], was lost in a blizzard searching for food while Prince [[Haleth]] was slain on the doors of the [[Golden Hall]]. Helm had also died from the freezing temperature in {{TA|2759}}. Wulf was soon defeated by [[Fréaláf]], who was [[Helm Hammerhand]]'s nephew and became the tenth King of Rohan.<ref>{{App|Eorl}}</ref>

Rohan recovered very slowly from the war and the Winter and [[Beren (Steward of Gondor)|Beren]] welcomed [[Saruman]] and allowed him to dwell in [[Isengard]] in {{TA|2759}} hoping that he would help the Rohirrim. The following years, after {{TA|2799|n}}, the [[Orcs]] who were defeated and fled from the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]], attempted to establish themselves in the White Mountains. As they crossed Rohan, they infested the dales and many years of fighting passed until they were eradicated.

During the [[War of the Ring]], Saruman incited them against the Rohirrim and they fought alongside the [[Uruk-hai]] in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].

==Etymology==

The name ''Rohan'' (coined by [[Hallas]]) is [[Gondor Sindarin]], meaning "Horse-country". ''Rohan'' is a debased form of the proper [[Sindarin]] name ''Rochand'' (or ''Rochan''), containing the elements ''[[Horses#Etymology|roch]]'' ("[[Horses|horse]]") and the toponymical ending ''[[-nd|-and]]''.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Nancy Smith]], ""[[Index questions]]"</ref><ref name=Cirion>{{UT|Cirion}}, "iii. Cirion and Eorl"</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, pp. 247-8</ref>

The native name of the country was '''[[Riddermark]]''', or simply '''the Mark'''.

In a draft of ''The Appendices'', Tolkien noted that ''Rohan'' "is of [[Noldorin]] origin, a translation of the native ''[[Lōgrad]]''", having the "strictly correct form [...] ''Rochann''."<ref>{{PM|II}}, p. 53</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
Conceptualised as the "Horse kings of Rohan" allied with [[Mordor]] in early drafts of [[1939]], the Rohirrim took their final form in 1942 when the text of the Lord of the Rings was completed to about one third.

==Inspiration==
Several aspects of Rohan's culture and history seem to be inspired by both Goths, Scandinavians and the medieval Anglo-Saxons.

Just like the Germanic Ostrogoths, Rohirric culture was a mounted culture. It had separated from the [[Northmen]], moved south, and had settled in close proximity with a civilization. In the Goths' case it was the Byzantine Empire and in the case of the Rohirrim, it was Gondor.

Especially Hervarar saga, with its [[Mirkwood]], Gothic horsemen and shieldmaidens, appears to have inspired Tolkien when creating the Rohirrim, although he exchanged the Gothic tongue with the Anglo-Saxon.

The antipathy between the Rohirrim and the [[Dunlendings]] resembles the historical tension between the Anglo-Saxon settlers of Britain and the native Celts.
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