Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Boromir

2011-07-31T12:42:00Z

Iorhael: /* The Fellowship of the Ring */

{{sources}}
{{Disambig-more|Boromir|[[Boromir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{gondorian infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe Boromir.jpg|250px]]
| name=Boromir
| othernames=
| titles=
| position=Captain of the [[Tower of Ecthelion|White Tower]], Captain-General
| realm=[[Gondor]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth={{TA|2978}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death=[[26 February|February 26]], {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Amon Hen]]
| age=41
| house=[[House of Húrin]]
| parentage=[[Denethor II]] and [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]]
| siblings=[[Faramir]]
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=c. 6ft 4in (1.93m)<ref name="Companion">{{HM|RC}}, p. 229</ref>
| hair=Dark<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Council"/>
| clothing=Shield, [[Great Horn|horn in a baldric]],<ref name="Council"/> helm,<ref name="Departure">{{TT|Departure}}</ref> [[Boromir's belt|golden belt]], Elven cloak and fur-lined cloak, silver-collar with a white stone<ref name="Council"/>
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Boromir.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|There was a tall man with a fair and noble face, dark-haired and grey-eyed, proud and stern of glance. His garments were rich, and his cloak was lined with fur and he had a collar of silver in which a single white stone was set; his locks were shorn about his shoulders. On a baldric he wore a great horn tipped with silver that now was laid upon his knees.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Council of Elrond]]}}<ref name="Council"/></center>
'''Boromir''' was the eldest son of [[Denethor II]], older brother of [[Faramir]]. He was one of the Nine Walkers who made up the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].

== History ==
Boromir was born in {{TA|2978}}, five years before his brother Faramir.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 206</ref> Between the brothers there was great love, and had been since childhood, when Boromir was the helper and protector of Faramir. He was only ten years old when their mother Finduilas died, and after her death their father became grim and remote. Boromir was beloved by his father and was like him in face and pride, but in little else. Boromir's temperament was similar to King [[Eärnur]] of old, he took no wife and was more interested in arms and warfare. He cared little for lore, save the tales of old battles.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

Boromir was man of great strength and valour. He had a fair and noble face, dark haired and grey-eyed, proud and stern of glance. When [[Sauron]] attacked [[Osgiliath]], Boromir was the commander of the company which drove back the [[Orcs]] and held the last bridge until it was destroyed behind them, to prevent the Orcs from crossing the river.<ref name="Council"/>

===Journey to Rivendell===
''"In that dream I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote but clear, crying:''
<poem>
Seek for the Sword that was broken:
In Imladris it dwells;
There shall be counsels taken
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
There shall be shown a token
That Doom is near at hand,
For Isildur's Bane shall waken,
And the Halfling forth shall stand.</poem>
Boromir<ref name="Council"/>

On the evening before Sauron's [[Battle of Osgiliath|attack on Osgiliath]], Faramir had a dream. A similar dream came to Boromir. Both Boromir and Faramir could understand little of these words, therefore they spoke to their father who was wise in the lore of [[Gondor]]. But he could only say that [[Rivendell]] was a dale in the far north where [[Elrond]] lived. Faramir was eager to seek Imladris, however since the way was full of doubt and danger Boromir took the journey upon himself.
[[File:Map of Boromir's Journey.jpg|thumb|Map of Boromir's Journey from Osgiliath to Rivendell (the brown line shows his journey with the Company of the Ring)]]
Boromir's journey took 110 days. He passed through the [[Gap of Rohan]] and travelled north through the lands west of the Misty Mountains. He faced many hardships, for that land had fallen into decay and the [[North-South Road]] no longer existed except for crumbling remains of the old causeways. He lost his horse near [[Tharbad]] while crossing the [[Greyflood]] using a dangerous ford formed by a ruined bridge. The rest of the way he travelled on foot.

When he reached [[Rivendell]], he attended the [[Council of Elrond]]. Boromir spoke to the Council of Gondor's vigilance and the struggle to keep the forces of [[Mordor]] from crossing the [[Anduin]]. However, he said, he had not come seeking military aid but counsel. When he told of the dream that had led him to Rivendell the answers to its riddles were revealed: [[Aragorn]] brought out the [[Shards of Narsil]] and [[Frodo Baggins]] the [[Halflings|Halfling]] held up [[the One Ring]] that was [[Isildur]]'s Bane. There he attempted to persuade the Council to let him take the One Ring to Gondor so that it could be used in the defence of the realm. But Elrond explained that the Ring could not be used, for even though it is used for the purpose of doing good it would twist all deeds and intentions to evil in the end.<ref name="Council"/>

===The Fellowship of the Ring===
It was Boromir's intention to return to [[Minas Tirith]], therefore he joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. When the Company of the Ring reached [[Caradhras]], Boromir advised that each of them should carry a faggot of wood. This saved the Company's life when they got caught in a blizzard on Caradhras. The next morning Boromir and Aragorn plowed their way through the snow and carried the four [[Hobbits]] back down the mountain to safety.

As the [[Redhorn Pass]] was now blocked, Boromir proposed that they should travel southward on the west side of the [[Misty Mountains]] and then either pass through the Gap of Rohan or cross the [[Isen]] and go through the southern lands of [[Langstrand]] and [[Lebennin]]. But [[Gandalf]] opposed this saying that, because of [[Saruman]]'s treachery those lands were no longer safe. He proposed that the Company should instead go through the mines of [[Moria]], but Boromir said that he would not go that way, not unless the whole company voted against him.

Boromir finally agreed, but upon reaching the [[Doors of Durin]] he was angry that [[Gandalf]] did not know the password and he threw a stone in the Dark Water. This alerted the [[Watcher in the Water]]. When Gandalf stepped into the mines the Watcher attacked Frodo, but all the Company were able to escape into the mines.

Boromir fought valiantly when the Company was attacked in the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], and he blocked the western door and hewed at the arm of a [[Cave-trolls|Cave-troll]]. After escaping from the Chamber, the company reached the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]] they were again attacked by Orcs, and with them was a [[Balrogs|Balrog]]. Boromir sounded his [[Horn of Gondor|Great Horn]] which caused their enemies to pause, but then continued to advance. As Gandalf fought with the Balrog, Boromir and Aragorn ran towards him, but just they reached the bridge Gandalf shattered the bridge and the Balrog fell into the abyss, dragging Gandalf in as well.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

Aragorn then led the Company towards [[Lothlórien]]. Boromir advised against this, saying that the woods had a perilous reputation in Gondor and that few escaped unscathed. Aragorn replied that only those who were evil or brought evil with them had reason to fear Lothlórien. After [[Galadriel]] had spoken to each member of the Company in their thoughts, Boromir was keen to know about the conversation between the Lady and the Ring-bearer, but what he thought that the Lady had offered him he did not tell. When the Company were set to depart from Lothlórien, Galadriel gave each of them a gift. Boromir received a [[Boromir's belt|golden Belt]].<ref>{{FR|Lorien}}</ref>

As the Company set out down the Anduin. Boromir shared a boat with [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]. As they travelled down the river, Boromir became increasingly consumed with thoughts of the Ring. He muttered to himself and bit his nails and sometimes paddled closer to Frodo's boat. His behavior made Merry and Pippin uneasy, and Pippin noticed a strange glint in Boromir's eye as he looked at Frodo. As the Company approached the rapids of [[Sarn Gebir]] it was Boromir who alerted them and they were able to turn back. Boromir then advised the company to leave the river and strike a westward and southward road to Gondor. But Frodo did not intend to go to Gondor, hence the Company continued on their way down the river.

When the Company reached [[Nen Hithoel]], it was time for the Company to decide their next course. When Frodo wandered off into the forest to think, Boromir followed him after a while. He tried to persuade Frodo to bring [[The One Ring|The Ring]] to Minas Tirith. As Boromir spoke, the lure of the Ring grew stronger in him. He envisioned himself as a mighty king who would overthrow Sauron and lead Gondor to victory and glory. When Frodo refused to accompany him to Minas Tirith, Boromir became enraged and tried to take the Ring from Frodo by force. Frodo put the Ring on and vanished, and Boromir was overwhelmed with the realization of what he had done. He wept and called for Frodo to return, but it was too late.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Boromir's Last Stand.jpg|thumb|right|''Boromir's Last Stand'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
When Boromir returned to the Company he would only say that he had argued with Frodo and that the Hobbit had disappeared. Merry and Pippin ran off looking for their friend, and Aragorn told Boromir to follow them and guard them. Boromir did as he was asked. When he found the Hobbits they were surrounded by dozens of Orcs. Boromir slew many of them and the rest fled. He began to lead the Hobbits back to the campsite, but they were attacked again by at least 100 Orcs. Boromir sounded the Great Horn and fought valiantly to prevent the Orcs from seizing Merry and Pippin. He was pierced by many arrows and fell at last, and the Hobbits were taken prisoner.

Boromir was still alive when Aragorn found him. At least twenty Orcs lay slain around him. Boromir still held his sword, though the blade had been broken off at the hilt, and the Great Horn had been cloven in two. Before he died, Boromir told Aragorn that he had tried to take the Ring from Frodo. Then Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas laid Boromir's body in one of the boats. His shattered horn and sword they laid across his lap and the weapons of his enemies were laid at his feet. The funeral boat was taken out to the middle of the Anduin and the river carried Boromir's body over the [[Falls of Rauros]].

<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
Through Rohan over fen and field where the long grass grows
The West Wind comes walking, and about the walls it goes.
'What news from the West, O wandering wind, do you bring me tonight?
Have you seen Boromir the Tall by moon or by starlight?'
'I saw him ride over seven streams, over waters wide and grey;
I saw him walk in empty lands, until he passed away
Into the shadows of the North. I saw him then no more.
The North Wind may have heard the horn of the son of Denethor.'
'O Boromir! From the high walls westward I looked afar,
But you came not from the empty lands where no men are.

From the mouths of the Sea the South Wind flies, from the sand hills and the stones;
The wailing of the gulls it bears, and at the gate it moans.
'What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring me at eve?
Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve.'
'Ask not of me where he doth dwell – so many bones there lie
On the white shores and the dark shores under the stormy sky;
So many have passed down Anduin to find the flowing Sea.
Ask of the North Wind news of them the North Wind sends to me!'
'O Boromir! Beyond the gate the seaward road runs south, But you came not with the wailing gulls from the grey sea’s mouth.'

From the Gate of Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls;
And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls.
'What news from the North, O mighty wind, do you bring me today?
What news of Boromir the Bold? For he is long away.'
'Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry, there many foes he fought.
His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought.
His head so proud, his face so fair, his limbs they laid to rest;
And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast.'
'O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze
To Raurors, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days.'</poem>

- [[Aragorn]] and [[Legolas]]' song of Boromir after setting his funeral boat adrift.<ref>{{TT|Departure}}</ref>

Three nights later, Faramir was sitting by the banks of the Anduin in Osgiliath when he saw or envisioned a boat float past him on the river. Faramir had heard the Great Horn sounding in the distance when Boromir was in need, and now he saw his brother's body laid out in the boat, but the Great Horn was missing. The two halves of the horn were later washed ashore and they were returned to Denethor. It was said that the boat bearing Boromir's body was borne down the Anduin and out into the Sea.<ref>{{TT|Window}}</ref>

==Etymology==

Boromir was named after [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

''Boromir'' is mentioned to be one of the few [[Gondor Sindarin|Gondorian names]] of mixed forms, containing both [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]] elements.<ref>{{App|Men}}, footnote</ref> It has been suggested that ''boromir'' consists of Sindarin ''boro(n)'' ("steadfast") + Quenya ''[[míre]]'' ("jewel").<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 224</ref>

*''See also: [[Boromir of Ladros#Etymology|Boromir of Ladros: Etymology]] and [[Borlach#Other versions of the Legendarium|Borlach: Other versions of the Legendarium]]''

==Inspiration==
One of the many similarities between [[wikipedia:Roland|Roland]], the paladin of Charlemagne, and Boromir is that both bore a white horn.<ref>[[Gerard Seaman]], "Old French Literature", published in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia]]'' (edited by [[Michael Drout]]), pp. 468-9</ref> Like Roland in battle with the Saracens blew his horn to call for Charlemagne, Boromir called for Aragorn. In both cases, help came too late.<ref>[[Wayne G. Hammond]], [[Christina Scull]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 359</ref>

== Portrayal in adaptations ==
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Derek Prentice]] voiced Boromir.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:[[Michael Graham Cox]] provided the voice of Boromir. His appearance was inspired by the popular image of a viking: he wore a fur tunic and a horned helmet. He did not have a shield.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Boromir.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'':'''
:Cox reprised his role of Boromir. In the mean time, he learned to pronounce Elvish words correctly: he came from "My Nasty Rith" in Bakshi's film, but he uses the correct pronounciation here.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Boromir is played by [[Sean Bean]]. Differing from the book, Boromir dies (killed by the [[Uruk-hai]] leader [[Lurtz]]) at the end of the film instead of the beginning of ''The Two Towers''.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'':'''
:[[James Horan]] provides the voice of Boromir, clad in blue and carrying a great shield. His death is not shown; he is not seen again after the first camp at the foot of [[Amon Hen]].

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:The [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Special Extended DVD Edition|extended edition]] includes a scene not taken from the book in which Boromir and his brother Faramir see each other for the last time, and we see their father Denethor's attitude toward his two sons. At the Council of Elrond in Rivendell, Boromir says that his prophetic dream came to first his brother, Faramir, and then to him, on the night before an attack on [[Osgiliath]]. This reference to Osgiliath may be the inspiration for the flashback scene in The Two Towers.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Boromir is seen in a brief flashback being pierced by arrows, as Pippin explains to Denethor the circumstances of his death. In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Special Extended DVD Edition|extended edition]], he is seen again in a vision of Denethor, walking proudly towards his father until he fades away.

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | MAR | | |MAR=[[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]] ''{{TA|1960|n}} - {{TA|2080|n}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |:| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | PRI | | | | | | STE | | |PRI=''[[Princes of Dol Amroth|Princes of Dol Amroth]]''|STE=''[[Ruling Steward|Ruling Stewards of Gondor]]''}}
{{familytree | | | | | |:| | | | | | | |:| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | ADR | | | | | | ECT | | |ADR=[[Adrahil II]] ''{{TA|2917|n}} - {{TA|3010|n}}''|ECT=[[Ecthelion II]] ''{{TA|2886|n}} - {{TA|2984|n}}''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | IVR | | IMR | | FIN |y| DEN | | |IVR=[[Ivriniel]] ''{{TA|2947|n}} -''|IMR=[[Imrahil]] ''{{TA|2955|n}} - {{FoA|34}}''|FIN=[[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]] ''{{TA|2950|n}} - {{TA|2988|n}}''|DEN=[[Denethor II]] ''{{TA|2930|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | BOR | | FAR |y| EOW |BOR='''BOROMIR''' ''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''|FAR=[[Faramir]] ''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''|EOW=[[Éowyn]] ''{{TA|2995|n}} -''}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | | | | | ELB | | |ELB=[[Elboron]] ''[[Fourth Age]]''}}
{{familytree/end}}
==See Also==
*[[:Category:Images of Boromir|Images of Boromir]]

{{references}}
{{fellowship}}
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:House of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Boromir (Sohn von Denethor II.)]]
[[fa:بورومیر پسر دنه‌تور دوم]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:3a:dunedain:gondoriens:boromir]]
[[fi:Boromir]]

Faramir

2011-07-31T12:28:10Z

Iorhael: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{disambig-more|Faramir|[[Faramir (disambiguation)]]}}
{{gondorian infobox
| image=[[Image:Ellaine - Untitled.jpg|250px]]
| name=Faramir
| othernames=
| titles=[[Steward of Gondor]], [[Prince of Ithilien]]
| position=Captain of Gondor
| realm=[[Ithilien]], [[Gondor]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{TA|2983}}
| birthlocation=
| rule={{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|82}} (84 years)
| death={{FoA|82}}
| deathlocation=
| age=120
| house=[[House of Húrin]]
| parentage=[[Denethor II]] and [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]]
| siblings=[[Boromir]]
| spouse=[[Éowyn]]
| children=[[Elboron]]<ref name="Elboron">{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 221</ref>
| gender=Male
| height=Tall<ref name="Herbs">{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>
| hair=Raven<ref name="Steward">{{RK|Steward}}</ref>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Window"/>
| clothing=Green gauntlets, green hood and mask, green and brown clothing<ref name="Herbs"/>
| weapons=Sword,<ref name="Herbs"/> nail-knife<ref name="Forbidden">{{TT|Pool}}</ref>
| steed=
}}
{{quote|[Faramir] is bold, more bold than many deem; for in these days men are slow to believe that a captain can be wise and learned in the scrolls of lore and song, as he is, and yet a man of hardihood and swift judgement in the field. But such is Faramir. Less reckless and eager than [[Boromir]], but not less resolute.|[[Gandalf]]<ref name="MT">{{RK|MT}}</ref>}}
'''Faramir''' was the last [[Ruling Steward|Ruling]] [[Steward of Gondor]] and the first [[Prince of Ithilien]].

The second of [[Denethor II|Denethor]]'s two sons, Faramir was briefly the [[Ruling Steward]] after his father's death. Upon the arrival of the true king, King [[Aragorn|Aragorn Elessar]], he laid down his office, but Elessar renewed the hereditary appointment of [[Steward of Gondor|Steward]] as the advisor to the King. Faramir was also appointed [[Prince of Ithilien]].<ref name="Elendil">{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 207</ref>

==History==
===In Ithilien===
Faramir acted as a Gondorian ranger in [[Ithilien]], harassing [[Haradrim]] and keeping evil things from entering the land from [[Minas Morgul]]. During one such raid he found [[Frodo Baggins]], [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] observing an attack by his rangers on a column of [[Haradrim]]. The former two were captured as spies by the rangers though Gollum eluded them. Frodo was questioned by Faramir concerning their errand. Frodo recounted the journeys of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] and its members but referred to the [[Quest for the Ring|purpose]] of the travels only cryptically. During the questioning he denied knowledge of Gollum but revealed that he travelled with both [[Aragorn]], the [[Heir of Isildur]], and [[Boromir]].<ref>{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement in it, though Frodo had not known of Boromir's death until that very moment. Unsure of how to deal with his captives, Faramir led Frodo and Sam, blindfolded, to [[Henneth Annûn]]. There he questioned them further in private, learning that the hobbits' errand was linked to the 'Isildur's bane' that had sent Boromir to [[Rivendell]] in the first place. Eager to earn their trust Faramir delivered his famous oath, saying that he "...would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were [[Minas Tirith]] falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs". In a slip up however Samwise revealed the nature of 'Isildur's bane' and so Faramir was tested, just as Boromir had been, by the lure of The Ring. Where Boromir failed Faramir succeeded, leading Samwise to remark that Faramir had "shown [his] quality".<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref>

During the night, Faramir's watch spotted Gollum fishing in the Forbidden Pool. Faramir called Frodo to him who confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, begging Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released Frodo and Sam (with Gollum), but warned them strongly against taking the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]].<ref>{{TT|IV6}}</ref>

===In Pelennor/Minas Tirith===

Faramir returned to [[Osgiliath]] after his encounter with the hobbits, supervising the defense there. However he retreated over the [[Pelennor Fields]] to report to Denethor and was almost caught by the [[Nazgûl]] on their Fell Beasts, but was saved by [[Gandalf]]. Faramir reached Minas Tirith, telling Denethor and Gandalf of what befell in Ithilien, but soon departed to supervise the defenses at his father's bidding. In this venture the host of the [[Witch-king]] came upon Osgiliath and Faramir was struck down by the [[Black Breath]]. Only a sorie by [[Imrahil]] and his knights saved the wounded (including Faramir) from that onset.<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref>

Faramir remained out of action for the rest of the War of the Ring. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]] Denethor planned to burn his stricken son alongside him and Faramir was once again saved by Gandalf, though Denethor completed his suicide.<ref>{{RK|V7}}</ref> After this he was taken to the [[Houses of Healing]] and healed by [[Aragorn]] after the battle.<ref>{{RK|V8}}</ref> Faramir spent the rest of the war recovering in the Houses of Healing where he met [[Éowyn]], also grievously wounded.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> The two fell in love and were married after the war.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>

===After the War of the Ring===

After the destruction of the [[The One Ring|Ring]] and the [[Battle of the Morannon]] Faramir, as Steward, led the ceremony in the crowning of [[Aragorn]] as King of Gondor and Arnor.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> Aragorn reinstated the original role of the [[Stewards]] before the failing of the [[Kings of Gondor]] and made Faramir the [[Prince of Ithilien]]. As Prince of Ithilien, Faramir was one of the two Chief Commanders of [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] and his duty was to guard and maintain the eastern borders of Gondor. He also defeated the remaining enemies and cleansed the [[Morgul Vale]].

Faramir and Éowyn settled down in [[Emyn Arnen]], a range of hills in Ithilien in sight of [[Minas Tirith]], and Faramir became the [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]]. He and Eowyn had at least one son named [[Elboron]],<ref name="Elboron"/> who followed his father as Steward and Prince of Ithilien when Faramir died in the year {{FoA|82}}. Faramir lived to be 120 years old, due to the large percentage of pure Dúnedain ancestry he possessed as a member of the Gondorian nobility.<ref>{{App|South}}</ref>

== Inspirations ==
Faramir was, in the words of Tolkien, "modest, fair-minded and scrupulously just, and very merciful".<ref>{{L|244}}</ref> His appearance toward the end of ''[[The Two Towers]]'' apparently was as much of a surprise to Tolkien as it is to his readers. "I am sure I did not invent him," he wrote. "I did not even want him, though I like him".<ref>{{L|66}}</ref>

Faramir in many ways speaks for Tolkien, who was a soldier in [[World War I]], when he says, for example, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness... I love only that which they defend".<ref name="Window">{{TT|Window}}</ref> Much later, Tolkien would write, "As far as any character is 'like me', it is Faramir".<ref>{{L|180}}</ref>

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
A major player in the second half of ''The Lord of the Rings'', Faramir has found his portrayal both diminished and expanded.

<center><gallery>
File:WiMe-Faramir-1--.png|<center>''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''
Image:Faramir r-b.JPG|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]''
Image:Faramir the Ranger.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''
</gallery></center>

'''1978: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Faramir's role has been omitted. However, a young black-haired man is shown at the coronation of "King Aragorn", sitting on a horse beside Éowyn. It can be guessed that this is a cameo of Faramir. Whether he had at any time a larger part, that was cut for time restraints, is unknown.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Faramir is voiced by [[Andrew Seear]]. Because Boromir already named him during the Council of Elrond - in the book, he is simply called "my brother" - much of the mystery surrounding Faramir's first appearance is lost to the attentive listener.

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Faramir is portrayed as a blond, bearded man. He can be controlled by the player.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:[[David Wenham]] plays Faramir in this adaptation. He does not at first let Frodo, Sam, and Gollum go, but decides to bring them and the Ring to Gondor. He takes them west to [[Osgiliath]], crossing the river [[Anduin]], and not until the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] attack the city does he release them. Many fans of the book criticize this change, saying that it seriously damages the character. [[Peter Jackson]]'s explanation is that he needed another adventure to delay Frodo and Sam, because the episode at [[Cirith Ungol]] was moved to the third movie, and so a new climax was needed. Another explanation often cited is that it was felt that for dramatic reasons it was necessary to show character ''development'', which meant that Faramir had to go through some kind of struggle or difficult decision. Jackson also argued that it was necessary for Faramir to be tempted by the Ring because everyone else was tempted, and letting Faramir be immune would be inconsistent, at least in the eyes of a film audience, and would weaken the films' portrayal of the Ring.

:In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Special Extended DVD Edition|extended edition]], Jackson has included a flashback scene showing that Denethor has been neglecting him and favoring Boromir, so that Faramir wanted to please his father by bringing him the Ring. The relationship is similarly strained in the books, but there his father's favoritism does not seem to affect his decisions in Ithilien. On the whole, however, new Extended Edition scenes with Faramir brought the character closer to the sympathetic treatment of the books.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category: Images_of_Faramir|Images of Faramir]]

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race= gondorian
| house= [[House of Húrin]]
| born={{TA|2983}}
| died={{FoA|82}}
}}
{{seq
| prow=
| pvac=
| prev=[[Denethor II]]
| list=[[Ruling Steward|Ruling Steward of Gondor]]
| dates={{TA|3019}}-{{TA|3019}}
| next=None
| nvac=
| nrow=
}}
{{seq
| prow=
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=[[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]], 969 years earlier
| list=[[Steward of Gondor|Steward to the King of Gondor]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|82}}
| next=[[Elboron]]
| nvac=
| nrow=2
}}
{{seq
| prow=
| pvac=None
| prev=Position created
| list=[[Prince of Ithilien]]
| dates={{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|82}}
| next=
| nvac=
| nrow=
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{rulingstewards}}
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:Ruling stewards]]
[[Category:Stewards]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Faramir (Sohn von Denethor II.)]]
[[fi:Faramir]]
[[fa:فارامیر]]

Witch-king

2011-07-31T04:46:32Z

Iorhael:

{{footnotes}}
{{evil infobox
| image= [[Image:Melissa Hitchcock - The Black Captain.jpg|250px]]
| name= Witch-king of Angmar
| othernames=Black Captain, Lord of the Nazgûl, Chief of the Nine, Lord of Minas Morgul
| created= [[Second Age|S.A.]] 1800-2200, probably [[Númenor]]
| years= [[Second Age 2251|S.A. 2251]]-[[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| age= 4200+
| destroyed= [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]
| realm= [[Angmar]], [[Minas Morgul]]
| gender= Male
| race= [[Men]]/[[Nazgûl]]
| appearance= (Later) Cruel, pale king with gleaming hair and a crown, invisible to most eyes
| accomplishments= [[Arnor#The Fall of Arthedain|Fall of Arnor]], fall of [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Osgiliath]], deaths of [[Eärnur]] and [[Théoden]]
|}}
{{quote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|"[[The Siege of Gondor]]"<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>}}
The '''Witch-king of Angmar''' was the chief of the [[Nazgûl]], King of [[Angmar]], and [[Sauron]]’s great captain in his wars. A [[Wraiths|wraith]], the Witch-king of Angmar was nearly indestructible, a terrible warrior, and a cunning strategist.

==History==
Some time after Sauron seized the [[Nine Rings]] in the [[Fall of Eregion]], [[Second Age 1697|S.A. 1697]] he gave them to mortal kings, sorcerers, and other warriors.<ref>[[The Silmarillion]], [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 289</ref> With these rings the Nine achieved glory and grew wealthy, with the ability to turn invisible at will, not aging, but hating life as they were slowly drawn under Sauron’s dominion. Eventually all became [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], the dreaded Nazgûl.

The one later known as the Witch-king was one of these, likely one of the unnamed three lords of [[Númenor]] to take the rings.<ref>[[The Silmarillion]], [[Akallabêth]], p. 267, Ballantine Books p. 320</ref> <ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]], p. 20</ref> He first appeared in the histories as a Ringwraith in [[Second Age 2251|S.A. 2251]]. Being the most powerful of the Nazgûl, he became their chief, the most dreaded servant of his master Sauron.

When [[Mordor]] fell in [[Second Age 3441|S.A. 3441]], the Nazgûl vanished into the shadows, and were not heard of again for a long time.<ref name="appendixB">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix B]]</ref>

===Early Power in Angmar===
More than a thousand years later, in c. [[Third Age 1050|T.A. 1050]] of the [[Third Age]], [[Sauron]] began to rebuild his power in [[Dol Guldur]]. In c. [[Third Age 1300|T.A. 1300]] his Nazgûl also reappeared, and the Witch-king established his realm, [[Angmar]], in the north.<ref name="appendixB">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix B]]</ref> His capital was [[Carn Dûm]], on the northernmost peak of the [[Misty Mountains]]. He summoned men, [[orcs]], and other creatures of evil inclination to his banner. No one knew that he was actually a servant of the long-dormant [[Sauron]], and few that he was a wraith.<ref name="AppA">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 320 </ref>

In the north, disunity plagued the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Arnor]]. They had divided into three kingdoms, [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]], and [[Arthedain]], and were constantly at war with one another.<ref name="AppA">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), Houghton Mifflin p. 320 </ref> The Witch-king saw the North-kingdom of Arnor as more vulnerable than the South-kingdom of Gondor.<ref name="Malvegil">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Malvegil]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 193-194 </ref> He played upon their opposition, sending in infiltrators and taking over the hearts of the men of that land. By [[Third Age 1349|T.A. 1349]] the government of Rhudaur was controlled by men secretly in his service,<ref name="Malvegil">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Malvegil]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 193-194<ref> and he secretly aided them in their wars against the other kingdoms.<ref name="Argeleb">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Argeleb I]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 194</ref> He then struck at a time of great hostility among the three, in [[Third Age 1409|T.A. 1409]]. Rhudaur in the east fell first, and most of the Dúnedain there were hunted down and slaughtered by sorcerers.<ref name="Arveleg">[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]], [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Arveleg I]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 194 </ref> Cardolan was ravaged, and the [[Tower of Amon Sûl]], held by the men of Arthedain, was placed under siege. King [[Arveleg I]] was slain, and the tower was destroyed, but the coveted ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|palantír]]'' escaped in the hands of the surviving men of Arthedain and was brought to [[Fornost]].<ref name="Palantiri16">[[Unfinished Tales]], [[The Palantíri]], note 16, [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 413 </ref>

The Witch-king continued to press the men of Arthedain, laying siege to Fornost, and he might have taken over all of Arnor in that one offensive. But [[Araphor]], the 18-year-old son of Arveleg, came to leadership and, with the help of the ancient elf [[Círdan]] of [[Lindon]], repelled the Witch-king’s forces at Fornost and the [[North Downs]].<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref> [[Elrond]] brought an army of [[Elves]] from [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]], and the Witch-king was pushed back and subdued.

===Twilight of Angmar===
The Witch-king sat silent in Carn Dûm, rebuilding his armies and preparing for a final assault on [[Arthedain]], last of the Arnorian kingdoms. The [[Dark Plague]] came and went in [[Third Age 1636]], taking with it the last of the Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]]. The Witch-king sent [[barrow-wights]] to inhabit the barrows in [[Tyrn Gorthad]].<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref> In [[Third Age 1974|1974]], he felt that his power was sufficiently restored to begin the advance.

His attack was sudden, but not unexpected. King [[Arvedui]] sent a message to King [[Eärnil II]] of [[Gondor]] the year before, but help did not arrive in time. [[Fornost]] fell, and the Witch-king took up residence there in the palace.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref> Arvedui held out as best as he might on the [[North Downs]], but at last fled north with the treasured ''[[palantíri]]'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]]. He would not return, for he perished in a shipwreck in [[Third Age 1975|1975]]. With him the ''palantíri'' were lost forever in the icy seas of [[Forod]]. The already-diminished North-kingdom ended, and [[Arnor]] fell.<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref>

Meanwhile, a coalition in the south had formed. Eärnil sent his son, [[Eärnur]], north with a great fleet, all that Gondor could spare. They arrived at [[Lindon]], and joined with the folk of Círdan. Círdan summoned all that would come: surviving Dúnedain of Arnor and elves of Lindon.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref> Even a company of [[Hobbits|hobbit]] archers went to their aide.<ref name="ten">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 321-322</ref> The Witch-king had grown overconfident, and instead of staying behind his fortifications initiated the attack. The [[Battle of Fornost]] was fought on the plain between [[Nenuial]] and the North Downs. The Witch-king may not have anticipated the strength brought against him, but for whatever reason the alliance gained the upper hand. His army began to fall back toward Fornost, but Eärnur’s magnificent horsemen struck from the north, and the Witch-king was routed.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref>

He decided to flee to Angmar and the safety of Carn Dûm, but the cavalry, with Eärnur himself in the lead, overtook him. Moreover, the ranks of the allies swelled, as an army of elves from [[Rivendell]] came led by the mighty hero of old, [[Glorfindel]]. Angmar was purged of men and orcs, and all seemed lost for the Witch-king in the face of such numbers. But the Witch-king himself came at the last, robed and masked in black and riding a black horse, and attempted to kill Eärnur with his own hands. But Eärnur’s horse shied away and fled, and the Witch-king laughed. But Glorfindel came on his white horse, and faced with such power the Witch-king fled. He vanished into the shadows, and no-one marked where he had gone.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref>

Eärnur wanted to pursue, but Glorfindel held him back, and made his famous prophecy.

{{quote|He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|Glorfindel, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv)}}

===Lord of Minas Morgul===
The Witch-king escaped to [[Mordor]], and gathered the other Ringwraiths about him in [[Third Age 1980|1980]].<ref name="appendixB">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix B]]</ref> Angmar and Carn Dûm were lost, and so in [[Third Age 2000|2000]] the Witch-king began a two-year siege of [[Minas Ithil]], eventually capturing the place and turning it into his residence. It was renamed [[Minas Morgul]], and the ''[[Ithil-stone|palantír]]'' was sent to Sauron. The Witch-king sent an aura of fear in [[Gondor]], and much of [[Ithilien]] was deserted.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref>

Eärnur succeeded his father as King of Gondor, and still held the Witch-king in especial hostility due to his humiliation at the Battle of Fornost. The year of his coronation the Witch-king sent him a taunting challenge, but [[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]] the steward restrained Eärnur from rash action. Seven years later the challenge was repeated, and Eärnur rode with a small escort to Minas Morgul. None that rode thither ever returned, and there was no longer a King in Gondor.<ref name="eleven">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] pp. 331-332</ref>

After this the Witch-king bided his time. He and the Nazgûl built up their armies, including the terrible new orc-race of [[uruks]]. In [[Third Age 2475|2475]] he sent them out to capture [[Osgiliath]], which they did successfully. They were driven out by [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], but Osgiliath now lay completely in ruins. Boromir went on to retake Ithilien, so that even the Witch-king feared him. But he was killed by a Morgul-wound, and so his rule was but twelve years.<ref name="twelve">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 333</ref>

===Hunt for the Ring===
Sauron declared himself openly in [[Third Age 2951|2951]], and sent three of his Ringwraiths to [[Dol Guldur]] (though the Witch-king was left in Minas Morgul). Then, by lucky chance, the creature [[Gollum]] was captured and interrogated. Under torture, the wretched creature revealed the tale of [[the One Ring]] and how it came to be in his possession. But he had the daring to trick Sauron into thinking that the land of the hobbits who stole the Ring was on the banks of the [[Gladden River]].<ref name="thirteen">* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Hunt for the Ring]], [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 338-341</ref> Under the leadership of the Witch-king, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring after the assault of Osgiliath.

[[Image:Marc Holmes - Nazgul.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Nazgûl'' by [[Marc Holmes]].]][[Khamûl]], the Witch-king’s lieutenant, reported that he was unable to find the “[[the Shire|Shire]]” in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The Witch-king was determined to search north and west until Gollum was found, or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the Wise did not yet have possession of the Ring. He sent the Ringwraiths to [[Isengard]] in the form of [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], too late to prevent the escape of the captured wizard [[Gandalf]], but had words with Saruman. Saruman, already a traitor to both sides due to his transparent lust for the Ring, fortified himself in Isengard. The Witch-king did not have enough power with him to assault Saruman in his great fortress, but had words with him. Saruman convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him.<ref name="thirteen">''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Hunt for the Ring]], [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 338-341</ref>

They came upon the traitor called [[Wormtongue]] and questioned him. The terrified man told them everything he knew; that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The Witch-king spared Wormtongue’s life, foreseeing that Wormtongue would bring ruin to Saruman. He divided his wraiths into four pairs, and went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found to their delight charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="thirteen">''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Hunt for the Ring]], [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 338-341</ref>

They came to [[Sarn Ford]], but the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] prevented them from crossing. They sent for their great captain, the chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], who alone could well resist the wraiths, but he was away, and the Ringwraiths captured the ford and killed many of the Rangers.<ref name="thirteen">''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Hunt for the Ring]], [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 338-341</ref> The Witch-king sent three Ringwraiths under Khamûl into the Shire while he went east with the others.<ref name="appendixB">[[The Lord of the Rings]], [[Appendix B]]</ref> But they had come too late: the Ring had moved on in the hands of a hobbit, [[Frodo Baggins]].

===Pursuit of the Ring===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|right|220px|''Fire on Weathertop'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]Khamûl was unsuccessful, but brought word from the spy they had spared in Bree. The man had witnessed a vanishing act on Frodo's part, and had organized an attack on the inn. The Witch-king guessed that Frodo would head east, and sent four wraiths to [[Weathertop]], the ruins of the tower he had destroyed long ago. He went south along the [[Greenway]] and discovered nothing. Gandalf followed them, but the Witch-king let him slip ahead, and attacked him on Weathertop. Gandalf escaped at dawn, and again the Witch-king divided his force and sent four after the wizard.

The Ring walked almost right into his hands. The captain of the Dúnedain, Aragorn II, had become the guide of the hobbits, and led them to Weathertop, where they were spotted and attacked. The Witch-king advanced on Frodo, and the terrified hobbit put on the Ring, seeing them as they truly were. When Frodo resisted, and invoked the name of [[Varda|Elbereth]], the Witch-king stabbed Frodo in the shoulder. The tip of his blade broke off and sent poison through the hobbit’s veins. Then Aragorn counterattacked with flaming brands. The Witch-king fled at his mighty presence, confident that the poison of the blade would do its work and bend Frodo's will to his purpose. But he was shaken by the encounter; Gandalf and Aragorn were people of immense power, and even the Ring-bearer, who was not an especially strong person, had dared to resist him. He feared that Frodo might have some elvish power. Moreover, he knew that Frodo’s weapon, a [[blade of Westernesse]], was wrought for his undoing and if it had struck him would have done him damage. He was thus distressed, and Aragorn, Frodo, and their little company eluded him.[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

He resumed the pursuit quickly, though, and found the Khamûl had been driven from the [[Last Bridge]] by his old enemy [[Glorfindel]]. The Witch-king, who only had one companion with him, was likewise unable to confront him openly. They regrouped and went south, rejoining with the other four. They managed to pick up the trail of the company of the Ring, and despite hindrance from Glorfindel and Aragorn managed to pursue Frodo alone on [[Asfaloth]]. The pursuit came to the [[Ford of Bruinen]], and there Frodo compelled the horse to stop. The Witch-king saw his defiance and laughed, breaking his sword with a movement of his hand. But the waters of the [[Bruinen]] rose at [[Elrond]]'s command, sweeping the Nine downstream.<ref name="fourteen">[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[Flight to the Ford]]</ref>

===War of the Ring===
The Witch-king took the only surviving horse back to [[Mordor]], arriving there in December. He then sent aid to the other eight Nazgûl, and they returned in secret. In [[Minas Morgul]] they prepared for a grand invasion of [[Gondor]] at the order of their master. The Witch-king was given by Sauron added "demonic" force.<ref name="fifteen">[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Letter 210]], p. 272</ref> On March 10, [[Third Age 3019|3019]], the signal was given and Minas Morgul was emptied. The Witch-king rode at the head of the army in black, upon a black horse, as he had in the time of the wars of Angmar. As the Witch-king passed out of the gates of the dead city, he sensed the presence of Frodo. He was disturbed, but continued on through Ithilien.

With the Witch-king in command, [[Osgiliath]] soon fell.<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref> The defeat was attributed to his superior numbers, and his terrible presence which made all hearts to quail. The [[Rammas Echor]] was breached, and the [[Pelennor Fields]] were overrun. Other wraiths he sent out mounted on [[Fell Beasts]]. [[Faramir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Denethor II]]'s son, was wounded by a dart and the [[Black Breath|black breath]], but his company was saved by a sortie. Then the Witch-king laid siege to [[Minas Tirith]] itself, sending fire and the heads of the dead Gondorians into the city via catapults. Then he launched the assault.

[[Image:Angus McBride - Gandalf facing Witch-king.gif|thumb|right|220px|''Gandalf facing the Witch-king'' by [[Angus McBride]].]]He sent [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] out first, accompanying it in person so as to be the first to enter the city. Three times Grond struck the gate, empowered by the sorcery of the Witch-king. The third time the Gate shattered in a flash of fire. The Witch-king passed into Minas Tirith, but was confronted by Gandalf on [[Shadowfax]]. Gandalf forbade him entry, but the Witch-king laughed and put on a show of power.

{{quote|The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there cam a deadly laughter. 'Old fool!' he said. 'Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!' And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Siege of Gondor]]}}

But as Gandalf stood resolute, the [[Rohirrim]] came. The Witch-king departed, mounting a fell beast and descending upon King [[Théoden]] who led the attack. [[Snowmane]], the King's horse, collapsed with a dart in the side, and Théoden was crushed beneath him. But the rider [[Dernhelm]] defied the Witch-king. The Witch-king threatened Dernhelm with a terrible death, but the rider revealed that she was a woman, [[Éowyn]], and the Witch-king remembered the words of Glorfindel. He hesitated, but then moved forward. Éowyn decapitated the fell beast, but the Witch-king rose and struck her down with his mace, breaking her shield-arm. Then the hobbit [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] stabbed him in the sinew of his leg with the [[blade of Westernesse]], as he drew back to kill the woman. Then Éowyn rose and drove her sword through where his invisible head was, and the sword broke as his crown toppled. The Witch-king gave a great and horrible wail, perishing at last.<ref name="Pelennor">{{RK|Battle}}</ref> [[Image:Michael Kaluta - Eowyn and the Witch-King of Angmar.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Éowyn and the Witch-king'' by [[Michael Kaluta]].]]

So the prophecy of Glorfindel was fulfilled, for the Witch-king did not fall at the hands of a man, but at the hands of a woman and a hobbit. With his death, and the coming of Aragorn II in the black ships, the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost by Sauron.

==Early Life==

The Witch-king's true name is never given, and therefore among [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]], the Witch-king is often simply called ''Angmar'', after the name of the realm he founded and led. Many fans also identify him as one of the three [[Black Númenóreans]] Tolkien stated had become Nazgûl, or possibly [[Isilmo]], a Númenórean prince and father of Tar-Minastir. In the now defunct [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] game, he was named ''Er-Murazor'', a Númenórean prince, though this is strictly [[Canon|non-canonical]] and does not appear outside of the role playing material. It is also a popular belief among some fans, that the Witch-king was not dead as Éowyn had not an enchanted sword, and cite the passage that says that his wail was not heard again ''In this age of the earth''. But other Tolkien scholars say that although the Witch-king's return at an unspecified time in the future is possible, another possible solution is that Merry's stroke destroyed the Witch-king's invulnerability allowing Éowyn's non-magic blade to end his existence forever. Also, because of the perishing of [[the One Ring]], the nine other rings which kept the Nazgûl would probably have lost their power.

==Names==
* Witch-king of Angmar - "Witch" most likely coming from his background in sorcery, and "king" after his establishment of the realm of Angmar in 1300.
* Witch-lord of Angmar - A variant of the above title.
* Lord of the Nazgûl
* Lord of the Ringwraiths
* Chieftain of the Ringwraiths
* Lord of the Nine Riders
* King of the Nine Riders
* Wraith-lord
* Wraith-king
* High Nazgûl
* Lord of Morgul
* Morgul-lord
* King of Minas Morgul
* Black Captain
* Captain of Despair
* [[Dwimmerlaik]]
* Lord of Carrion

==Etymology==
While in modern English ''witch'' has mostly female connotations, referring to a hag or sorceress, in middle-English ''wicche'' had no gender distinction; the preference of ''witch'' for female persons (the males referred more usually as ''wizzards'') evolved later through the centuries.

Tolkien uses the archaic, gender-unspecific meaning of the term; of course, the word [[Wizard]] refers exclusively to the [[Maiar]] [[Istari]].

==Inspirations==
An undead witch-king named ''Þráinn'' appears in ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hrómundar_saga_Gripssonar Hrómundar saga Gripssonar]''. It is possible that this was Tolkien's source of inspiration.

The prophecy that the Witch-king would fall "not by the hand of man" and the fulfillment of the prophecy occurring as a technicality (being slain by a hobbit and a woman) bears a striking resemblance to the prophecy regarding the title character's death in Shakespeare's Macbeth, where it was foretold that Macbeth will be slain "not by man born of woman" and is then killed by Mcduff, born by caesarian section. Tolkien it seems was familiar with the play, having reputedly taken inspiration for the Last March of the Ents from the same source (See article ''[[Ents]]'' for details).

==Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Witch-king from PJ's LotR - Armored.jpeg|<center>The Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]</center>
Image:Witchking ea rotk.jpg|<center>In ''[[EA's The Return of the King]]'', with different helmet.</center>
Image:The Lord of the Rings online Shadows of Angmar - Witch-king 1.jpg|<center>The Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings Online]].</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1956: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:The Black Captain is played by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1727">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1727, [[14 December|December 14]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is shown with no distinction from the other Ringwraiths; all are robed in brown and black, and none seem to be able to talk clearly.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is portrayed as a humanoid figure with no head. Red eyes glare under a golden crown. His dialogue is more or less as in the books, albeit in a strange and somewhat unfitting electronic voice. After a stab from behind by Merry, Éowyn beheads him. It is worthy of note that the Witch-king is seen with the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] as his emblem and faction, rather than the grim moon of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The role of the Witch-king is expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''. He is the second speaking character in the series: he is the one who captures [[Gollum]], though he is not identified as such until the credits. [[Philip Voss]] provided the voice for the Witch-king.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl.

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:The Lord of the Nazgûl is only named the "Witch-king of Angmar" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. In that film, there is no mention of [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy; there is only a claim among the enemy that "no man can kill" the Witch-king. Like the other Nazgûl, he is depicted as a humanoid figure shrouded in a hooded black robe; his only distinguishing feature is a mask-like spiked helmet with a huge mouth. His first mention is when [[Gandalf]] tells [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] while in Minas Tirith that the Dark Lord has not yet revealed his greatest servant: the Witch-king, the one that "stabbed Frodo on Weathertop".

:During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the Witch-king's army uses the ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] to break through the city gates early in the battle (after the failure of a lesser ram), and the Witch-king is not present to confront Gandalf as he is in the book. The confrontation takes place later, as Pippin and Gandalf race to the tombs to save [[Faramir]], and the Witch-king intercepts them. Unlike in the book, this meeting decisively favors the Witch-king, who breaks Gandalf's staff and throws the wizard to the ground before leaving to deal with the arrival of the [[Rohirrim]]. Gandalf's face shows obvious fear in this scene, in comparison to the resolution (for "victory or death") in the books.

:The Witch-king's destruction on the battlefield occurs with less dialogue than in the book, and the weapons used to destroy him are both mundane: Merry's sword is not a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] from the [[Barrow-downs]], but rather the Rohirric sword that Théoden had as a child.

:Eight actors are known to have played some part of the Witch-king.
# An unidentified extra portrayed the "King of Men" in the prologue. He was chosen to be the Witch-king simply because he was the smallest of the nine.
# [[Shane Rangi]] did the horse chase.
# [[Fran Walsh]] provided the "Ringwraith scream".
# Effects technician Ben Price played the Witch-king in "many scenes"<ref>http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072904lotrwetaprops.html</ref>
# [[Brent McIntyre]] is officially credited as the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. He stabbed Frodo.
# [[Lawrence Makoare]] filled the robe of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.
# [[Mark Ferguson]] filled the heavy armoured costume when Makoare felt claustrophobic.<ref>http://www.markferguson.net/articles/interview_Nautilus20.html</ref>
# [[Andy Serkis]] provided the voice of the Witch-king. It was layered thrice to give it a ghastly effect.

'''2003: ''[[EA's The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The Witch-king's role and voice are similar to that of the film, but his appearance is different. An early helmet design, that had been removed from the film because it resembled [[Sauron]]'s helm too much, was used here, presumably because there was no time to make a new character model.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is a non-playable character that the player sees in various scenes.

==See Also==
* '''[[:Category:Images of the Witch-king|Images of the Witch-king]]'''
* [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]

{{references}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Featured Articles]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[de:Der Hexenkönig von Angmar]]
[[fa:ویچ‌کینگ]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/roi-sorcier]]
[[fi:Noitakuningas]]

Witch-king

2011-07-31T03:53:52Z

Iorhael: /* War of the Ring */

{{footnotes}}
{{evil infobox
| image= [[Image:Melissa Hitchcock - The Black Captain.jpg|250px]]
| name= Witch-king of Angmar
| othernames=Black Captain, Lord of the Nazgûl, Chief of the Nine, Lord of Minas Morgul
| created= [[Second Age|S.A.]] 1800-2200, probably [[Númenor]]
| years= [[Second Age 2251|S.A. 2251]]-[[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| age= 4200+
| destroyed= [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]
| realm= [[Angmar]], [[Minas Morgul]]
| gender= Male
| race= [[Men]]/[[Nazgûl]]
| appearance= (Later) Cruel, pale king with gleaming hair and a crown, invisible to most eyes
| accomplishments= [[Arnor#The Fall of Arthedain|Fall of Arnor]], fall of [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Osgiliath]], deaths of [[Eärnur]] and [[Théoden]]
|}}
{{quote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|"[[The Siege of Gondor]]"<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref>}}
The '''Witch-king of Angmar''' was the chief of the [[Nazgûl]], King of [[Angmar]], and [[Sauron]]’s great captain in his wars. A [[Wraiths|wraith]], the Witch-king of Angmar was nearly indestructible, a terrible warrior, and a cunning strategist.

==History==
Some time after Sauron seized the [[Nine Rings]] in the [[Fall of Eregion]], [[Second Age 1697|S.A. 1697]] he gave them to mortal kings, sorcerers, and other warriors.[[#References|1]] With these rings the Nine achieved glory and grew wealthy, with the ability to turn invisible at will, not aging, but hating life as they were slowly drawn under Sauron’s dominion.[[#References|1]] Eventually all became [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], the dreaded Nazgûl.

The one later known as the Witch-king was one of these, likely one of the unnamed three lords of [[Númenor]] to take the rings.[[#References|2]] [[#References|3]] He first appeared in the histories as a Ringwraith in [[Second Age 2251|S.A. 2251]]. Being the most powerful of the Nazgûl, he became their chief, the most dreaded servant of his master Sauron.

When [[Mordor]] fell in [[Second Age 3441|S.A. 3441]], the Nazgûl vanished into the shadows, and were not heard of again for a long time.[[#References|4]]

===Early Power in Angmar===
More than a thousand years later, in c. [[Third Age 1050|T.A. 1050]] of the [[Third Age]], [[Sauron]] began to rebuild his power in [[Dol Guldur]]. In c. [[Third Age 1300|T.A. 1300]] his Nazgûl also reappeared, and the Witch-king established his realm, [[Angmar]], in the north.[[#References|4]] His capital was [[Carn Dûm]], on the northernmost peak of the [[Misty Mountains]]. He summoned men, [[orcs]], and other creatures of evil inclination to his banner. No one knew that he was actually a servant of the long-dormant [[Sauron]], and few that he was a wraith.[[#References|5]]

In the north, disunity plagued the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Arnor]]. They had divided into three kingdoms, [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]], and [[Arthedain]], and were constantly at war with one another.[[#References|5]] The Witch-king saw the North-kingdom of Arnor as more vulnerable than the South-kingdom of Gondor.[[#References|6]] He played upon their opposition, sending in infiltrators and taking over the hearts of the men of that land. By [[Third Age 1349|T.A. 1349]] the government of Rhudaur was controlled by men secretly in his service,[[#References|6]] and he secretly aided them in their wars against the other kingdoms.[[#References|7]] He then struck at a time of great hostility among the three, in [[Third Age 1409|T.A. 1409]]. Rhudaur in the east fell first, and most of the Dúnedain there were hunted down and slaughtered by sorcerers.[[#References|8]] Cardolan was ravaged, and the [[Tower of Amon Sûl]], held by the men of Arthedain, was placed under siege. King [[Arveleg I]] was slain, and the tower was destroyed, but the coveted ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|palantír]]'' escaped in the hands of the surviving men of Arthedain and was brought to [[Fornost]].[[#References|9]]

The Witch-king continued to press the men of Arthedain, laying siege to Fornost, and he might have taken over all of Arnor in that one offensive. But [[Araphor]], the 18-year-old son of Arveleg, came to leadership and, with the help of the ancient elf [[Círdan]] of [[Lindon]], repelled the Witch-king’s forces at Fornost and the [[North Downs]].[[#References|10]] [[Elrond]] brought an army of [[Elves]] from [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]], and the Witch-king was pushed back and subdued.

===Twilight of Angmar===
The Witch-king sat silent in Carn Dûm, rebuilding his armies and preparing for a final assault on [[Arthedain]], last of the Arnorian kingdoms. The [[Dark Plague]] came and went in [[Third Age 1636]], taking with it the last of the Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]]. The Witch-king sent [[barrow-wights]] to inhabit the barrows in [[Tyrn Gorthad]].[[#References|10]] In [[Third Age 1974|1974]], he felt that his power was sufficiently restored to begin the advance.

His attack was sudden, but not unexpected. King [[Arvedui]] sent a message to King [[Eärnil II]] of [[Gondor]] the year before, but help did not arrive in time. [[Fornost]] fell, and the Witch-king took up residence there in the palace.[[#References|11]] Arvedui held out as best as he might on the [[North Downs]], but at last fled north with the treasured ''[[palantíri]]'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]]. He would not return, for he perished in a shipwreck in [[Third Age 1975|1975]]. With him the ''palantíri'' were lost forever in the icy seas of [[Forod]]. The already-diminished North-kingdom ended, and [[Arnor]] fell.[[#References|10]]

Meanwhile, a coalition in the south had formed. Eärnil sent his son, [[Eärnur]], north with a great fleet, all that Gondor could spare. They arrived at [[Lindon]], and joined with the folk of Círdan. Círdan summoned all that would come: surviving Dúnedain of Arnor and elves of Lindon.[[#References|11]] Even a company of [[Hobbits|hobbit]] archers went to their aide.[[#References|10]] The Witch-king had grown overconfident, and instead of staying behind his fortifications initiated the attack. The [[Battle of Fornost]] was fought on the plain between [[Nenuial]] and the North Downs. The Witch-king may not have anticipated the strength brought against him, but for whatever reason the alliance gained the upper hand. His army began to fall back toward Fornost, but Eärnur’s magnificent horsemen struck from the north, and the Witch-king was routed.[[#References|11]]

He decided to flee to Angmar and the safety of Carn Dûm, but the cavalry, with Eärnur himself in the lead, overtook him. Moreover, the ranks of the allies swelled, as an army of elves from [[Rivendell]] came led by the mighty hero of old, [[Glorfindel]]. Angmar was purged of men and orcs, and all seemed lost for the Witch-king in the face of such numbers. But the Witch-king himself came at the last, robed and masked in black and riding a black horse, and attempted to kill Eärnur with his own hands. But Eärnur’s horse shied away and fled, and the Witch-king laughed. But Glorfindel came on his white horse, and faced with such power the Witch-king fled. He vanished into the shadows, and no-one marked where he had gone.[[#References|11]]

Eärnur wanted to pursue, but Glorfindel held him back, and made his famous prophecy.

{{quote|He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|Glorfindel, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv)}}

===Lord of Minas Morgul===
The Witch-king escaped to [[Mordor]], and gathered the other Ringwraiths about him in [[Third Age 1980|1980]].[[#References|4]] Angmar and Carn Dûm were lost, and so in [[Third Age 2000|2000]] the Witch-king began a two-year siege of [[Minas Ithil]], eventually capturing the place and turning it into his residence. It was renamed [[Minas Morgul]], and the ''[[Ithil-stone|palantír]]'' was sent to Sauron. The Witch-king sent an aura of fear in [[Gondor]], and much of [[Ithilien]] was deserted.[[#References|11]]

Eärnur succeeded his father as King of Gondor, and still held the Witch-king in especial hostility due to his humiliation at the Battle of Fornost. The year of his coronation the Witch-king sent him a taunting challenge, but [[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]] the steward restrained Eärnur from rash action. Seven years later the challenge was repeated, and Eärnur rode with a small escort to Minas Morgul. None that rode thither ever returned, and there was no longer a King in Gondor.[[#References|11]]

After this the Witch-king bided his time. He and the Nazgûl built up their armies, including the terrible new orc-race of [[uruks]]. In [[Third Age 2475|2475]] he sent them out to capture [[Osgiliath]], which they did successfully. They were driven out by [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], but Osgiliath now lay completely in ruins. Boromir went on to retake Ithilien, so that even the Witch-king feared him. But he was killed by a Morgul-wound, and so his rule was but twelve years.[[#References|12]]

===Hunt for the Ring===
Sauron declared himself openly in [[Third Age 2951|2951]], and sent three of his Ringwraiths to [[Dol Guldur]] (though the Witch-king was left in Minas Morgul). Then, by lucky chance, the creature [[Gollum]] was captured and interrogated. Under torture, the wretched creature revealed the tale of [[the One Ring]] and how it came to be in his possession. But he had the daring to trick Sauron into thinking that the land of the hobbits who stole the Ring was on the banks of the [[Gladden River]].[[#References|13]] Under the leadership of the Witch-king, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring after the assault of Osgiliath.

[[Image:Marc Holmes - Nazgul.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Nazgûl'' by [[Marc Holmes]].]][[Khamûl]], the Witch-king’s lieutenant, reported that he was unable to find the “[[the Shire|Shire]]” in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The Witch-king was determined to search north and west until Gollum was found, or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the Wise did not yet have possession of the Ring. He sent the Ringwraiths to [[Isengard]] in the form of [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], too late to prevent the escape of the captured wizard [[Gandalf]], but had words with Saruman. Saruman, already a traitor to both sides due to his transparent lust for the Ring, fortified himself in Isengard. The Witch-king did not have enough power with him to assault Saruman in his great fortress, but had words with him. Saruman convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him.[[#References|13]]

They came upon the traitor called [[Wormtongue]] and questioned him. The terrified man told them everything he knew; that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The Witch-king spared Wormtongue’s life, foreseeing that Wormtongue would bring ruin to Saruman. He divided his wraiths into four pairs, and went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found to their delight charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.[[#References|13]]

They came to [[Sarn Ford]], but the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] prevented them from crossing. They sent for their great captain, the chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], who alone could well resist the wraiths, but he was away, and the Ringwraiths captured the ford and killed many of the Rangers.[[#References|13]] The Witch-king sent three Ringwraiths under Khamûl into the Shire while he went east with the others.[[#References|4]] But they had come too late: the Ring had moved on in the hands of a hobbit, [[Frodo Baggins]].

===Pursuit of the Ring===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Fire on Weathertop.jpg|thumb|right|220px|''Fire on Weathertop'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]Khamûl was unsuccessful, but brought word from the spy they had spared in Bree. The man had witnessed a vanishing act on Frodo's part, and had organized an attack on the inn. The Witch-king guessed that Frodo would head east, and sent four wraiths to [[Weathertop]], the ruins of the tower he had destroyed long ago. He went south along the [[Greenway]] and discovered nothing. Gandalf followed them, but the Witch-king let him slip ahead, and attacked him on Weathertop. Gandalf escaped at dawn, and again the Witch-king divided his force and sent four after the wizard.

The Ring walked almost right into his hands. The captain of the Dúnedain, Aragorn II, had become the guide of the hobbits, and led them to Weathertop, where they were spotted and attacked. The Witch-king advanced on Frodo, and the terrified hobbit put on the Ring, seeing them as they truly were. When Frodo resisted, and invoked the name of [[Varda|Elbereth]], the Witch-king stabbed Frodo in the shoulder. The tip of his blade broke off and sent poison through the hobbit’s veins. Then Aragorn counterattacked with flaming brands. The Witch-king fled at his mighty presence, confident that the poison of the blade would do its work and bend Frodo's will to his purpose. But he was shaken by the encounter; Gandalf and Aragorn were people of immense power, and even the Ring-bearer, who was not an especially strong person, had dared to resist him. He feared that Frodo might have some elvish power. Moreover, he knew that Frodo’s weapon, a [[blade of Westernesse]], was wrought for his undoing and if it had struck him would have done him damage. He was thus distressed, and Aragorn, Frodo, and their little company eluded him.[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]

He resumed the pursuit quickly, though, and found the Khamûl had been driven from the [[Last Bridge]] by his old enemy [[Glorfindel]]. The Witch-king, who only had one companion with him, was likewise unable to confront him openly. They regrouped and went south, rejoining with the other four. They managed to pick up the trail of the company of the Ring, and despite hindrance from Glorfindel and Aragorn managed to pursue Frodo alone on [[Asfaloth]]. The pursuit came to the [[Ford of Bruinen]], and there Frodo compelled the horse to stop. The Witch-king saw his defiance and laughed, breaking his sword with a movement of his hand. But the waters of the [[Bruinen]] rose at [[Elrond]]'s command, sweeping the Nine downstream.[[#References|14]]

===War of the Ring===
The Witch-king took the only surviving horse back to [[Mordor]], arriving there in December. He then sent aid to the other eight Nazgûl, and they returned in secret. In [[Minas Morgul]] they prepared for a grand invasion of [[Gondor]] at the order of their master. The Witch-king was given by Sauron added "demonic" force.[[#References|15]] On March 10, [[Third Age 3019|3019]], the signal was given and Minas Morgul was emptied. The Witch-king rode at the head of the army in black, upon a black horse, as he had in the time of the wars of Angmar. As the Witch-king passed out of the gates of the dead city, he sensed the presence of Frodo. He was disturbed, but continued on through Ithilien.

With the Witch-king in command, [[Osgiliath]] soon fell.[[#References|16]] The defeat was attributed to his superior numbers, and his terrible presence which made all hearts to quail. The [[Rammas Echor]] was breached, and the [[Pelennor Fields]] were overrun. Other wraiths he sent out mounted on [[Fell Beasts]]. [[Faramir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Denethor II]]'s son, was wounded by a dart and the [[Black Breath|black breath]], but his company was saved by a sortie. Then the Witch-king laid siege to [[Minas Tirith]] itself, sending fire and the heads of the dead Gondorians into the city via catapults. Then he launched the assault.

[[Image:Angus McBride - Gandalf facing Witch-king.gif|thumb|right|220px|''Gandalf facing the Witch-king'' by [[Angus McBride]].]]He sent [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] out first, accompanying it in person so as to be the first to enter the city. Three times Grond struck the gate, empowered by the sorcery of the Witch-king. The third time the Gate shattered in a flash of fire. The Witch-king passed into Minas Tirith, but was confronted by Gandalf on [[Shadowfax]]. Gandalf forbade him entry, but the Witch-king laughed and put on a show of power.

{{quote|The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there cam a deadly laughter. 'Old fool!' he said. 'Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!' And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Siege of Gondor]]}}

But as Gandalf stood resolute, the [[Rohirrim]] came. The Witch-king departed, mounting a fell beast and descending upon King [[Théoden]] who led the attack. [[Snowmane]], the King's horse, collapsed with a dart in the side, and Théoden was crushed beneath him. But the rider [[Dernhelm]] defied the Witch-king. The Witch-king threatened Dernhelm with a terrible death, but the rider revealed that she was a woman, [[Éowyn]], and the Witch-king remembered the words of Glorfindel. He hesitated, but then moved forward. Éowyn decapitated the fell beast, but the Witch-king rose and struck her down with his mace, breaking her shield-arm. Then the hobbit [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] stabbed him in the sinew of his leg with the [[blade of Westernesse]], as he drew back to kill the woman. Then Éowyn rose and drove her sword through where his invisible head was, and the sword broke as his crown toppled. The Witch-king gave a great and horrible wail, perishing at last.[[#References|17]][[Image:Michael Kaluta - Eowyn and the Witch-King of Angmar.jpg|left|220px|thumb|''Éowyn and the Witch-king'' by [[Michael Kaluta]].]]

So the prophecy of Glorfindel was fulfilled, for the Witch-king did not fall at the hands of a man, but at the hands of a woman and a hobbit. With his death, and the coming of Aragorn II in the black ships, the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost by Sauron.

==Early Life==

The Witch-king's true name is never given, and therefore among [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]], the Witch-king is often simply called ''Angmar'', after the name of the realm he founded and led. Many fans also identify him as one of the three [[Black Númenóreans]] Tolkien stated had become Nazgûl, or possibly [[Isilmo]], a Númenórean prince and father of Tar-Minastir. In the now defunct [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] game, he was named ''Er-Murazor'', a Númenórean prince, though this is strictly [[Canon|non-canonical]] and does not appear outside of the role playing material. It is also a popular belief among some fans, that the Witch-king was not dead as Éowyn had not an enchanted sword, and cite the passage that says that his wail was not heard again ''In this age of the earth''. But other Tolkien scholars say that although the Witch-king's return at an unspecified time in the future is possible, another possible solution is that Merry's stroke destroyed the Witch-king's invulnerability allowing Éowyn's non-magic blade to end his existence forever. Also, because of the perishing of [[the One Ring]], the nine other rings which kept the Nazgûl would probably have lost their power.

==Names==
* Witch-king of Angmar - "Witch" most likely coming from his background in sorcery, and "king" after his establishment of the realm of Angmar in 1300.
* Witch-lord of Angmar - A variant of the above title.
* Lord of the Nazgûl
* Lord of the Ringwraiths
* Chieftain of the Ringwraiths
* Lord of the Nine Riders
* King of the Nine Riders
* Wraith-lord
* Wraith-king
* High Nazgûl
* Lord of Morgul
* Morgul-lord
* King of Minas Morgul
* Black Captain
* Captain of Despair
* [[Dwimmerlaik]]
* Lord of Carrion

==Etymology==
While in modern English ''witch'' has mostly female connotations, referring to a hag or sorceress, in middle-English ''wicche'' had no gender distinction; the preference of ''witch'' for female persons (the males referred more usually as ''wizzards'') evolved later through the centuries.

Tolkien uses the archaic, gender-unspecific meaning of the term; of course, the word [[Wizard]] refers exclusively to the [[Maiar]] [[Istari]].

==Inspirations==
An undead witch-king named ''Þráinn'' appears in ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hrómundar_saga_Gripssonar Hrómundar saga Gripssonar]''. It is possible that this was Tolkien's source of inspiration.

The prophecy that the Witch-king would fall "not by the hand of man" and the fulfillment of the prophecy occurring as a technicality (being slain by a hobbit and a woman) bears a striking resemblance to the prophecy regarding the title character's death in Shakespeare's Macbeth, where it was foretold that Macbeth will be slain "not by man born of woman" and is then killed by Mcduff, born by caesarian section. Tolkien it seems was familiar with the play, having reputedly taken inspiration for the Last March of the Ents from the same source (See article ''[[Ents]]'' for details).

==Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Witch-king from PJ's LotR - Armored.jpeg|<center>The Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]</center>
Image:Witchking ea rotk.jpg|<center>In ''[[EA's The Return of the King]]'', with different helmet.</center>
Image:The Lord of the Rings online Shadows of Angmar - Witch-king 1.jpg|<center>The Witch-king in [[The Lord of the Rings Online]].</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1956: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:The Black Captain is played by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1727">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1727, [[14 December|December 14]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is shown with no distinction from the other Ringwraiths; all are robed in brown and black, and none seem to be able to talk clearly.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is portrayed as a humanoid figure with no head. Red eyes glare under a golden crown. His dialogue is more or less as in the books, albeit in a strange and somewhat unfitting electronic voice. After a stab from behind by Merry, Éowyn beheads him. It is worthy of note that the Witch-king is seen with the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] as his emblem and faction, rather than the grim moon of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The role of the Witch-king is expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''. He is the second speaking character in the series: he is the one who captures [[Gollum]], though he is not identified as such until the credits. [[Philip Voss]] provided the voice for the Witch-king.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl.

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:The Lord of the Nazgûl is only named the "Witch-king of Angmar" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. In that film, there is no mention of [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy; there is only a claim among the enemy that "no man can kill" the Witch-king. Like the other Nazgûl, he is depicted as a humanoid figure shrouded in a hooded black robe; his only distinguishing feature is a mask-like spiked helmet with a huge mouth. His first mention is when [[Gandalf]] tells [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] while in Minas Tirith that the Dark Lord has not yet revealed his greatest servant: the Witch-king, the one that "stabbed Frodo on Weathertop".

:During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the Witch-king's army uses the ram [[Grond (battering-ram)|Grond]] to break through the city gates early in the battle (after the failure of a lesser ram), and the Witch-king is not present to confront Gandalf as he is in the book. The confrontation takes place later, as Pippin and Gandalf race to the tombs to save [[Faramir]], and the Witch-king intercepts them. Unlike in the book, this meeting decisively favors the Witch-king, who breaks Gandalf's staff and throws the wizard to the ground before leaving to deal with the arrival of the [[Rohirrim]]. Gandalf's face shows obvious fear in this scene, in comparison to the resolution (for "victory or death") in the books.

:The Witch-king's destruction on the battlefield occurs with less dialogue than in the book, and the weapons used to destroy him are both mundane: Merry's sword is not a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] from the [[Barrow-downs]], but rather the Rohirric sword that Théoden had as a child.

:Eight actors are known to have played some part of the Witch-king.
# An unidentified extra portrayed the "King of Men" in the prologue. He was chosen to be the Witch-king simply because he was the smallest of the nine.
# [[Shane Rangi]] did the horse chase.
# [[Fran Walsh]] provided the "Ringwraith scream".
# Effects technician Ben Price played the Witch-king in "many scenes"<ref>http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072904lotrwetaprops.html</ref>
# [[Brent McIntyre]] is officially credited as the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. He stabbed Frodo.
# [[Lawrence Makoare]] filled the robe of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.
# [[Mark Ferguson]] filled the heavy armoured costume when Makoare felt claustrophobic.<ref>http://www.markferguson.net/articles/interview_Nautilus20.html</ref>
# [[Andy Serkis]] provided the voice of the Witch-king. It was layered thrice to give it a ghastly effect.

'''2003: ''[[EA's The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The Witch-king's role and voice are similar to that of the film, but his appearance is different. An early helmet design, that had been removed from the film because it resembled [[Sauron]]'s helm too much, was used here, presumably because there was no time to make a new character model.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is a non-playable character that the player sees in various scenes.

==See Also==
* '''[[:Category:Images of the Witch-king|Images of the Witch-king]]'''
* [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]

{{references}}
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]], p. 289
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]], p. 267, [[Ballantine Books]] p. 320
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 20
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]]
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 320
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Malvegil]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 193-194
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Argeleb I]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 194
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Heirs of Elendil]], entry for [[Arveleg I]], [[HarperCollins]] p. 194
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Palantíri]], note 16, [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 413
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iii), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 321-322
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 331-332
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv), [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 333
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Hunt for the Ring]], [[Houghton Mifflin]] p. 338-341
* ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[Flight to the Ford]]
* ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 210]], p. 272
* ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Siege of Gondor]]
* ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Featured Articles]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[de:Der Hexenkönig von Angmar]]
[[fa:ویچ‌کینگ]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/roi-sorcier]]
[[fi:Noitakuningas]]

Éowyn

2011-07-30T17:36:20Z

Iorhael: /* History */

{{rohirrim infobox
| image=[[Image:Ellaine - Eowyn.jpg|250px]]
| name=Éowyn
| othernames=White Lady of Rohan, Dernhelm, and Lady of the Shield-arm
| position=Lady of Rohan.
| noinline=
| birth={{TA|2995}}
| rule=
| death=Some time during the early [[Fourth Age]]
| gender=Female
| description=
| parentage=[[Éomund]] + [[Théodwyn]]
| siblings=[[Éomer]]
| spouse=[[Faramir]]
| children=[[Elboron]]
|}}
{{quote|Then, '''Éowyn of Rohan''', I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful. It may be that only a few days are left ere darkness falls upon our world, and when it comes I hope to face it steadily; but it would ease my heart, if while the Sun yet shines, I could see you still. For you and I have both passed under the wings of the Shadow, and the same hand drew us back.|[[Faramir]]<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref>}}

'''Éowyn''' ({{TA|2995}} – [[Fourth Age]] ?), the '''Lady of Rohan''', was also known as the [[Lady of the Shield-arm]], the [[White Lady of Rohan]]<ref group="note">Éowyn was known as "Lady of Rohan" in Rohan, but as "White Lady of Rohan" in Ithilien (due to her pale complexion).</ref>, and Lady of Ithilien. She was a member of the [[House of Eorl]] and the niece of King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]]. She was the daughter of Théoden's sister, [[Théodwyn]], and [[Éomund]] of Eastfold. Her brother was [[Éomer|Éomer Éadig]].<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref>

== History ==
Following the death of her parents in {{TA|3002}}, Éowyn and Éomer were brought into Théoden's house and there raised. Éowyn grew to be tall and slender, with a grace and pride that came from her mother.<ref name="Mark"/>

Prior to the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], Éowyn was left to care for [[Meduseld]] when Théoden and Éomer led the remaining [[Rohirrim]] to the west. King Théoden in fact named her ruler of [[Rohan]] in his and Éomer's absence when the Doorward [[Háma]] recommended that one of "The House of Eorl" should rule. At first, Théoden only thought of male members, and he and Éomer were the last males of the House, but Háma reminded them of Éowyn, who "is fearless" and that "all love her".<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref>

Éowyn revealed her temperament when [[Aragorn]] was about to ride into the mountains to attempt to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Unable to dissuade him, she offered to accompany him, declaring herself "weary of skulking in the hills, and wish to face peril and battle." The only thing she feared was a cage. However, Aragorn reminded her of her charge to govern the people until the king's return and left without her.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>

Later, when the forces of Rohan were mustered to go to Gondor, Éowyn disguised herself as a man, and under the alias of '''Dernhelm''', traveled with the Riders of Rohan, carrying with her [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], who was also ordered to remain behind.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref>

During the [[battle of the Pelennor Fields]] she fought by King Théoden, and when he was injured during combat with the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], she and Merry scrambled to help him. Confronting the Witch-king, who boasted that "no living man may hinder me," she removed her helmet, exposing her long blond hair and declaring,

<blockquote>''"No living man am I! You look upon a woman."''</blockquote>

Just as MacDuff disconcerted [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Macbeth Macbeth] by revealing he was not "of woman born", Lady Éowyn found the loophole in the 1,000-year-old prophecy by [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel]], fulfilling that the Witch-king would not be slain by a man. However, the Witch-king actually recited the prophecy incorrectly: he said that "no living man may hinder me," though the prophecy actually said that "Not by the hand of Man ''will'' he fall."<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Glorfindel's prophesy, unlike his own version, implies that the Witch-king will eventually fall, and the Witch-king likely overestimated his own power and believed he would never be defeated.

Lady Éowyn slew the Witch-king after Merry stabbed him behind the knee. Strictly speaking, Merry is also "no man," being a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]. However, the stab behind the knee likely wouldn't have been fatal, even if it did break the bonds that "bent his unseen sinews to his will." The consensus seems to be that Merry's stab made the Witch-king vulnerable while Eowyn's slash actually resulted in death. She was granted the title "Lady of the Shield-arm" after the Battle in recognition of her triumph over the Witch-king.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref>

Lady Éowyn was severely injured in this fight, and because of the poisonous effect of the Nazgûl, she faced near-certain death; however, she was treated in time by Aragorn during his brief rest in [[Minas Tirith]]. Since she didn't yet recover completely, she couldn't join Aragorn's army on their way to [[Mordor]]. However, while recuperating in the [[Houses of Healing]], she met [[Faramir]], with whom she fell in love. After the demise of [[Sauron]], the happily wed couple settled in [[Ithilien]], of which Faramir was made the ruling Prince. Éowyn was not known as the Princess of Ithilien, rather as the Lady of Ithilien.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> They had at least one son (likely [[Elboron]]),<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref> and their grandson was [[Barahir (grandson of Faramir)|Barahir]], who wrote ''[[The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen]]'' in the Fourth Age.<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref> The date of Éowyn's death is nowhere recorded.

Éowyn's role in the stories challenges conventional stereotypes of the role of women. She succeeds where a man would have failed in slaying the [[Witch-king]] and throughout the books even when recovering from the wounds bought in that conflict rebels against being left behind while the men go off to win glory in war. Her role more than any other female within the mythology challenges accusations of sexism commonly leveled at [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] and in many ways (intentionally or not) displays attitudes ahead of his time in regards to social equality.

== Etymology ==
''Éowyn'' means "Horse-joy" in [[Old English]] (being a combination of her parents' names: [[Éomund]] and [[Théodwyn]]),<ref name="Intro">{{HM|IE}}, "The Giving of Names", p. 216</ref> the language [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] adapted to represent [[Rohirric]].<ref name="L144">{{L|144}}</ref>

== Pronunciation ==
The first syllable of Lady Éowyn's name sounds like "eh-ah," with the "ah" just barely pronounced. As in Scandinavian, the ''y'' in the second syllable is the same sound as the German letter ''ü'' or the French ''u''. The actors in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]] consistently pronounce her name as well as the names of [[Éomer]] and [[Théoden]] in a manner inconsistent with most reconstructions of Old English pronunciation.

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Eowyn from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''</center>
Image:Eowyn from Rankin-Bass' The Return of the King.jpg|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]''</center>
Image:Eowyn in Peter Jackson's The Two Towers.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1955-6: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Olive Gregg]] provides the voice of Éowyn.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Éowyn is briefly seen, but has no lines.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|The Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Éowyn is portrayed by [[Karen Hurley]].

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Éowyn is voiced by actress [[Nellie Bellflower]]. She appears unintroduced, but Merry fills Pippin (and so the spectator) in on the details. She is not terribly wounded, and appears healthy besides Faramir at the coronation.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Elin Jenkins]] plays the part of Éowyn.

'''2002-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Éowyn is portrayed by [[Miranda Otto]]. Jackson's adaptation shows two different explanations for Éowyn's injuries after fighting the Witch-king. In the Theatrical Release, her wounds are less severe than in the book; she is conscious but hurt, as opposed to unconscious. In the extended scenes of the Extended Edition, she is near death: her brother finds her and grieves, and later we see her being healed in the Houses of Healing, where she shares a tender moment with Faramir.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Éowyn|Images of Éowyn]]
==Notes==
<references group="note"/>
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eowyn}}
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Feminine names]]

[[fa:ائووین]]

Aragorn

2011-07-30T05:37:19Z

Iorhael:

{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}
{{arnorian
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Elessar (Battlefields boardgame).jpg|250px]]
| name=Aragorn II
| othernames=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]], [[Elessar]], [[Thorongil]], Strider ([[Aragorn#Names and titles|see more below]])
| position=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]
| birth=[[1 March|March 1]], {{TA|2931}}
| rule={{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}}
| death={{FoA|120}} (210 years old)
| gender=Male
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]] & [[Gilraen]]
| spouse=[[Arwen|Arwen Undómiel]]
| children=[[Eldarion]], at least two daughters
}}{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[The Steward and the King]]}}</center>
'''Aragorn''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}; [[Third Age]] March 1, 2931 – [[Fourth Age]] 120, aged 210 years<ref>{{HM|AB}}.</ref>) was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was a [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest man of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]].

==History==
===Early Life===
At his birth, he received the name Aragorn from his father as "a name used in the House of the Chieftains". But his grandmother, Ivorwen, noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone; from this would come his royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone"), and he would be a healer and a renewer.

When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]]. By Elrond's order, his identity was kept secret, as he feared he would be slain like his father and grandfather. Aragorn was named '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead, and was not told about his heritage until he came of age in {{TA|2951}}.

Elrond revealed to "Estel" his true name and ancestry in 2951, when Aragorn was twenty years old, and delivered to him the heirlooms of his House: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. The next day, in the woods of Rivendell, Aragorn met and fell in love with [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]].
[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]

===Life as a Ranger===
Aragorn took up his proper name as Aragorn II, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and went into [[The Wild]].
In [[Third Age 2953|2953]] he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and they became great friends. At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]], and became known around the area as '''''Strider'''''.
[[Image:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|200px|right|"Thorongil" with [[Ecthelion II]], by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]
From [[Third Age 2957|2957]] to [[Third Age 2980|2980]] Aragorn took great journeys, serving in the armies of King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], and Steward [[Ecthelion II]] of Gondor. Many of his tasks weakened [[Sauron]] and his allies, which during the [[War of the Ring]] helped the West survive. His name in Gondor and Rohan was '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"), and with a few Gondorian ships he led a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack on the Havens of Umbar]], destroying many of their ships and slaying its lord. He later left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. Later in 2980 he was in [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen. He gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.

Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This may seem a harsh condition, but it should be noted that it is significantly more lenient than the closest precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].

===Before and during the War of the Ring===
In the year [[Third Age 3001|3001]], as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In [[Third Age 3018|3018]] after searching intermittently over the years, Aragorn finally overtakes Gollum in the [[Dead Marshes]] and takes him to Thranduil in Mirkwood to be held captive. He then returns west where he meets with Gandalf and learns of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the shire with the ring.

Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] waiting for sight of Frodo. While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions. He watched as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.

Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the [[Ambush at Weathertop]] and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.

At the Council of Elrond Aragorn was as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]].
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====
Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s plan to pass through [[Khazad-dûm|Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.

Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref>. It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.

Even at the [[Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearer]] chose.

[[Image:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Aragorn at the death of Boromir, by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save Merry and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].

He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defense against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].

After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.

====Return of the King====
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.

The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Black ships, by [[Luca Michelucci]]]]
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Aragorn then left the city, hooded and cloaked, and yet the people of Minas Tirith followed him, for they had heard rumours. Yet when in the morning they saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.

Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the Destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]]. Gandalf took him up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there Aragorn found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.

===Reign as Elessar===
[[File:Brothers Hildebrandt - Return of the King.jpg|thumb|[[Brothers Hildebrandt]] - The Return of the King]]Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. He died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.

He founded the [[House of Telcontar]], and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. He also had a number of daughters, whose names were not recorded.

Through his ancestor Elendil, Aragorn was a descendant of the [[Númenóreans]], great [[Men]] who were granted long lives by the [[Valar]]. Though [[Númenor]] was destroyed, its people lived on as the [[Dúnedain]], and like their ancestors they too were long-lived. Thus Aragorn lived to a great age, finally passing on at 210 years.

==Etymology==
The name '''''Aragorn''''' is [[Sindarin]], meaning '''"Revered King"''', from ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 113</ref>

This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref>
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref>
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref>

The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Aracorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 71</ref>

===Names and titles===
* Aragorn II - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.
* Elessar - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.
* Edhelharn - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two.
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.
* [[Wingfoot]] - A honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]].
* The Dúnadan - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved.
* Longshanks - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].
* Arakorno - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya "and".<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.

==Family tree==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=''[[Kings of Númenor]]''}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=''[[Kings of Arnor]]''|KOG=''[[Kings of Gondor]]''}}
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''}}
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN II'''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}
{{familytree/end}}
==Other versions of the legendarium==
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<center><gallery>
File:WiMe-Aragorn&Frodo VS Nazgul-1-.png|<center>''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''</center>
Image:Strider from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]''</center>
Image:Aragorn from Rankin-Bass' The Return of the King.jpg|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]''</center>
Image:Aragorn grimace.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''</center>
Image:Aragorn Anduril viv lotr.JPG|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]''</center>
Image:Aragorn LOTRO.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|stereotype of a Native American]].

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]].

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though originally, [[Stuart Townsend]] was cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt; a change that was presumably made to fit him in the modern "anti-hero" jacket.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|Peter Jackson's The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference being that in the book, their was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|Peter Jackson's The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Aragorn shows great trouble over the choice whether or not he should become king, whereas in the book, there is no doubt of his purpose to return as the king from the very first time his lineage is revealed.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Aragorn is a non-playable character, who the player first meets at [[the Prancing Pony]] and later in the story in [[Rivendell]].

'''See also:''' [http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.

==Titles==
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=gondorian
| house=[[House of Telcontar]] Continuation of the senior branch of the [[House of Isildur]]
| born=[[1 March|March 1]], {{TA|2931}}
| died={{FoA|120}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]
| list=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]
| dates={{TA|2933}} – T.A. 3019
| next=Position abolished
| nvac=None
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Gandalf]]
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| dates=[[15 January|January 15]] - [[22 August|August 22]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=Position abolished
| nvac=None
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier
| list=[[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]
| dates=T.A. 3019 – Fo.A. 120
| next=[[Eldarion]]
| nrow=4
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier
| list=[[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]
| dates=T.A. 3019 – Fo.A. 120
}}
{{seq
| pvac=Vacant
| prev=Last held by: '''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier
| list=[[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]
| dates=T.A. 3019 – Fo.A. 120
}}
{{seq
| pvac=None
| prev=New title
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]
| dates=T.A. 3019 – Fo.A. 120
}}
{{seq-end}}{{northernline}}
{{fellowship}}

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Aragorn|Images of Aragorn]]
*[[Timeline of Aragorn II|Timeline of Aragorn]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Featured Articles]]
[[Category:House of Aranarth]]
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Aragorn II.]]
[[fa:آراگورن دوم]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/dunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]
[[fi:Aragorn II]]

The Lord of the Rings

2011-07-30T05:28:50Z

Iorhael:

{{disambig-more|{{PAGENAME}}|[[{{PAGENAME}} (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}
{{book|
title=The Lord of the Rings|
image=[[Image:Jrrt lotr cover design.jpg|225px]]|
author=[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]|
publisher=Houghton Mifflin|
date=1954-1955|
format=Hardcover, Paperback|
pages=1210|
}}

{{quote|The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read '''The Lord of the Rings''' and [[The Hobbit]] and those who are going to read them.|Sunday Times}}

'''''The Lord of the Rings''''' is a book by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], the sequel to his earlier work, ''[[The Hobbit]]''. It was published in three volumes in 1954 and 1955.

The story's [[Lord of the Rings|titular character]] is the Dark Lord [[Sauron]] of [[Mordor]]. The primary villain of the work, he created the One Ring to control nineteen other Rings of Power, and is thus the "Lord of the Rings." Sauron, in turn, was the servant of an earlier Dark Lord, [[Morgoth]] (Melkor), who is prominent in Tolkien's ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', the history of Middle-earth.

==Books and volumes==

===Writing===

Tolkien did not originally intend to write a sequel to ''[[The Hobbit]]'', and instead wrote several other children's tales, including ''[[Roverandom]]'' and ''[[Farmer Giles of Ham]]''. As his main work, Tolkien began to outline the history of [[Arda]], telling tales of the [[Silmarils]], and many other stories of how the races and situations that we read about in the Lord of the Rings trilogy came to be. Tolkien died before he could complete and put together ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', but his son [[Christopher Tolkien]] edited his father's work, filled in gaps and published it in 1977.

Tolkien had a deep desire to write a mythology for England, especially after his horrific experiences during the First World War. He was also influenced by the effects of continued industrialisation, where he saw much of the England he loved passing away and became aware of the immense evil in the world. Thus to understand his writings we must be aware of how Tolkien the scholar influences Tolkien the author. His writing of this mythology emerges as an Oxford philologist well acquainted with Northern European Medieval Literature including the great mythic works such as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hervarar_saga Hervarar saga], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Völsunga_Saga Völsunga saga], the influential ''[[Beowulf]]'' as well as other [[Old Norse]], [[Old English|Old]] and [[Middle English]] Texts. He was also inspired by non-Germanic works such as the Finnish epic ''[[Kalevala]]''. A man who had created his first language by the age of seven, he was driven by a desire to write a mythology for England influenced by his exposure and expertise of these ancient traditions. The need for such a myth was often a topic of conversation in his meetings with the [[Inklings]], fellow Oxford scholars who have been described as Christian Romantics, meeting weekly and discussing Icelandic myths and their own unpublished compositions. Tolkien agreed with one of the other members of the group, [[C.S. Lewis]], that if there were no adequate myths for England then they would have to write their own. Tolkien's work has been commonly interpreted in this light.

Persuaded by his publishers, he started 'a new hobbit' in December 1937. After several false starts, the story of the One Ring soon emerged, and the book mutated from being a sequel to ''The Hobbit'' to being, in theme, more of a sequel to the unpublished ''[[The Silmarillion|Silmarillion]]''. The idea of the first chapter (''A Long-Expected Party'') arrived fully-formed, although the reasons behind Bilbo's disappearance, and the significance of the Ring did not arrive, along with the title ''The Lord of the Rings'' until spring [[1938]]. Originally he was going to write another story in which Bilbo had used up all his treasure and was looking for another adventure to gain more; however he remembered the ring and the powers it had and decided to write about that instead. He started to write it with Bilbo as the main character but decided that the story was too serious to use the fun loving Hobbit so Tolkien looked to use a member of Bilbo's family. He thought about using Bilbo's son but this generated some difficult questions — Where was his wife? How could Bilbo let his son go into that kind of danger? — so he looked for an alternate character to carry the ring. In Greek legend, it was a hero's nephew that gained the item of power, and so into existence came the Hobbit Frodo.

Writing was slow due to Tolkien's perfectionism, and was frequently interrupted by his obligations as an examiner, and other academic duties. In fact, the first sentence of ''[[The Hobbit]]'' was written on a blank page a student had left on an exam paper that Tolkien was grading — "In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit". He seems to have abandoned the book during most of 1943 and only re-started it in April 1944. This effort was written as a serial for [[Christopher Tolkien]] and [[C.S. Lewis]] — the former would be sent copies of chapters as they were written while he was serving in Africa in the [[Royal Air Force]]. He made another push in 1946, and showed a copy of the manuscript to his publishers in 1947. The story was effectively finished the next year, but Tolkien did not finish revising earlier parts of the work until 1949.

A dispute with his publishers, [[Allen and Unwin]], led to the book being offered to [[HarperCollins|Collins]] in 1950. He intended ''the Silmarillion'' (itself largely unrevised at this point) to be published along with ''The Lord of the Rings'', but Allen and Unwin were unwilling to do this. After his contact at Collins, [[Milton Waldman]], expressed the belief that ''The Lord of the Rings'' itself 'urgently needed cutting', he eventually demanded that they publish the book in 1952. They did not do so, and so Tolkien wrote to Allen and Unwin, saying "I would gladly consider the publication of any part of the stuff".

===Publication===
For publication, due largely to post-war paper shortages, but also to keep the price of the first volume down, the book was divided into three volumes (''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'': Books I and II; ''[[The Two Towers]]'': Books III and IV; and ''[[The Return of the King]]'': Books V and VI, 6 appendices). Delays in producing appendices and maps led to these being published later than originally hoped — on the 29 July and 11 November 1954 and 20 October 1955 in the United Kingdom, slightly later in the United States. ''The Return of the King'' was especially delayed. He did not, however, much like the title ''The Return of the King'', believing it gave away too much of the storyline. He had originally suggested ''[[The War of the Ring]]'' which was dismissed by his publishers.

The books were published under a 'profit-sharing' arrangement, where Tolkien would not receive an advance or royalties until the books had broken even, but after then take a large share of the profits.

An index to the entire 3-volume set at the end of third volume was promised in the first volume. However, this proved impractical to compile in a reasonable timescale. Later, in 1966, four indices which were not compiled by Tolkien were added to ''The Return of the King''.

Because the three-volume binding was so widely distributed, the work is usually referred to as the ''Lord of the Rings'' "trilogy". Tolkien himself made use of the term "trilogy" for the work, though he did at other times consider this incorrect, as it was written and conceived as a single novel.

A 1999 (Millennium Edition) British (ISBN 0-261-10387-3) 7-volume box set followed the six-book division authored by Tolkien, but with the Appendices from the end of Book VI bound as a separate volume. The letters of ''Tolkien'' appear on the spines of the boxed set which includes a CD.

The individual names for books in this series were decided posthumously, based on suggestions Tolkien had made during his lifetime.

* T Book I: ''The Ring Sets Out''
* O Book II: ''The Ring Goes South''
* L Book III: ''The Treason of Isengard''
* K Book IV: ''The Ring Goes East''
* I Book V: ''The War of the Ring''
* E Book VI: ''The End of the Third Age''
* N [[The Lord of the Rings Appendices|Appendices]]

The name of the complete work is often abbreviated to ''''LotR'''', ''''LOTR'''', or simply ''''LR'''', and the three volumes as FR, FOTR, or FotR (The '''F'''ellowship '''o'''f '''t'''he '''R'''ing), TT or TTT ('''T'''he '''T'''wo '''T'''owers), and RK, ROTK, or RotK (The '''R'''eturn '''o'''f '''t'''he '''K'''ing).

Four of the titles, ''[[The Return of the Shadow]]'', ''[[The Treason of Isengard]]'', ''[[The War of the Ring]]'' and ''[[The End of the Third Age]]'', were used by [[Christopher Tolkien]] for ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''.

Some locations and characters were inspired by Tolkien's childhood in [[Sarehole]], then a [[Warwickshire]] village, now part of [[Birmingham]], and in Birmingham itself.

== Publication history ==
:''Main article: [[The Lord of the Rings editions]]''
The three parts were first published by [[Allen and Unwin]] in [[1954]]-[[1955]] several months apart. They were later reissued many times by multiple publishers, as one, three, six or seven volumes. Two current printings are ISBN 0-618-34399-7 (one-volume) and ISBN 0-618-34624-4 (three volume set).

In the early 1960s, Donald A. Wollheim, science fiction editor of the paperback publisher [[Ace Books]], realized that ''The Lord of the Rings'' was not protected in the United States under American copyright law because the US hardcover edition had been bound from pages printed in the UK for the British edition. Ace Books proceeded to publish an edition, unauthorized by Tolkien and without compensation to him. Tolkien made this plain to US fans who wrote to him. Grass-roots pressure became so great that Ace books withdrew their edition and made a nominal payment to Tolkien, well below what he might have been due in an appropriate publication. However, this poor beginning was overshadowed when an authorized edition followed from [[Ballantine Books]] to tremendous commercial success. By the mid-1960s the books, due to their wide exposure on the American public stage, had become a true cultural phenomenon. The Second Edition of the Lord of the Rings dates from this time — Tolkien undertook various textual revisions to produce a version of the book that would have a valid U.S. copyright.

The books have been translated, with various degrees of success, into dozens of other languages.
Tolkien, an expert in philology, examined many of these translations, and had comments on each that illuminate both the translation process and his work.

The enormous popular success of Tolkien's epic saga greatly expanded the demand for fantasy fiction. Largely thanks to ''The Lord of the Rings'', the genre flowered throughout the 1960s. Many well-written books of this genre were published (comparable works include the ''Earthsea'' books of [[Ursula K. Le Guin]], the ''Thomas Covenant'' novels of Stephen R. Donaldson, and in the case of the ''Gormenghast'' books by Mervyn Peake, and ''The Worm Ourobouros'' by E. R. Eddison, rediscovered). It also strongly influenced the role playing game industry that achieved popularity in the 1970s with ''Dungeons & Dragons'' which featured many creatures that could be found in Tolkien's books.

As in all artistic fields, a great many lesser derivatives of the more prominent works appeared. The term "Tolkienesque" is used in the genre to refer to the oft-used and abused storyline of ''The Lord of the Rings'': a group of adventurers embarking on a quest to save a magical fantasy world from the armies of an evil "[[Dark Lord|dark lord]]", and is a testament to how much the popularity of these books has increased, since many critics initially decried Lord of the Rings as being "[[Richard Wagner| Wagner]] for children" (a reference to the [[Ring Cycle]]) — a specially interesting commentary in light of a possible interpretation of The Lord of The Rings as a Christian response to Wagner, for example following <ref>http://atimes.com./atimes/others/spengler.html ATimes'</ref> Oswald Spengler.

In [[2002]] the first unabridged audio verision of ''The Lord of the Rings'' was published by Recorded Books with [[Rob Inglis]] narrating.

On [[19 April|April 19]], [[2009]] the first e-book of the trilogy was published by HarperCollins (ISBN 9780007322497, ISBN 9780007322503, ISBN 9780007322558, ASIN B0026REBFK). The e-book was made available at waterstones.com, harpercollinsebooks.co.uk and tolkien.co.uk. Another verision of the e-book was made available for the Amazon Kindle.

== The books ==

''The Lord of the Rings'' began as a personal exploration by Tolkien of his interests in philology, religion (particularly Roman Catholicism); fairy tales, and Norse and Celtic mythology.
Tolkien detailed his creation to an astounding extent; he created a complete mythology for his realm of Middle-earth, including genealogies of characters, languages, [[runes]], calendars and histories.
Some of this supplementary material is detailed in the appendices to ''The Lord of the Rings'', and the mythological history was woven into a large, biblically-styled volume entitled ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.

J. R. R. Tolkien once described ''The Lord of the Rings'' as "''a fundamentally religious and Catholic work''" he wrote to his friend, the English Jesuit Father [[Robert Murray]], "''unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision.''"(''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 142). There are many theological themes underlying the narrative, the battle of good versus evil, the triumph of humility over pride, the activity of grace, Death and Immortality, Resurrection, Salvation, Repentance, Self-Sacrifice, Free Will, Humility, Justice, Fellowship, Authority and Healing.
In it the great virtues of Mercy and Pity (shown by Bilbo and Frodo towards Gollum) win the day and the message from the Lord's Prayer "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" was very much on Tolkien's mind as Frodo struggled against the power of the One Ring (''Letters'', 181 and 191).

Religious motifs other than Christian can be discerned as strong influences in Tolkien's Middle Earth. The pantheon of the Valar and Maiar (greater and lesser gods/angels) responsible for the creation and maintenance of everything from skies ([[Manwë]]) and seas ([[Ulmo]]), to dreams ([[Irmo|Lórien]]) and dooms ([[Námo (Mandos)|Mandos]]) suggest a pre-Christian mythology in style, albeit that these Valar and Maiar are themselves creations of a monotheistic entity — Illuvatar or Eru, "The One".

Other pre-Christian mythological references can be seen in the representations of: a "Green Man" — Tom Bombadil, wise-men — the Istari (commonly referred to as the Wizards, perhaps more of angels), shapechangers — Beorn, undead spirits — Barrow Wights, Oathbreakers, sentient nonhumans — Dwarves, Elves, Hobbits, and, of course, Ents. Magic is utilised freely in Middle-earth, and may be found not only in the incantations of Wizards, but in the weapons and tools of warriors and craftspeople, in the perceptions and abilities of heroes, and in the natural world itself.

Tolkien did repeatedly insist that his works were not an allegory of any kind, and even though his thoughts on the matter are mentioned in the introduction of the book, there has been heavy speculation about the Ruling Ring being an allegory for the atom bomb. However, Tolkien had already completed most of the book, and planned the ending in entirety, before the first atom bombs were made public to the world during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. However there is a strong theme of despair in front of new mechanized warfare that Tolkien himself had experienced in the trenches of World War One. The development of a specially bred orc army, and the destruction of the environment to aid this have modern resonances. Nevertheless, the author's own opinion on the matter of allegories was that he disliked them, and it would be irresponsible to dismiss such direct statements on these matters lightly.

The plot of ''The Lord of the Rings'' builds from his earlier book ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and more obliquely from the history in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', which contains events to which the characters of ''The Lord of the Rings'' look back upon in the book.
The [[Hobbits]] become embroiled in great events that threaten their entire world, as [[Sauron]], an evil spirit, attempts to regain the lost [[The One Ring|One Ring]] which will restore him to full potency.

=== The storyline ===
See the articles on ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', and ''[[The Return of the King]]'' for plot summaries.

=== Criticism ===
The book was characterized as "juvenile balderdash" by American critic Edmund Wilson in his essay "[http://www.jrrvf.com/sda/critiques/The_Nation.html Oo, those awful Orcs]", and in 1961 Philip Toynbee wrote, somewhat prematurely, that it had "passed into a merciful oblivion" <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/1695926.stm</ref>. Although she had never read ''The Lord of the Rings'', Germaine Greer wrote "it has been my nightmare that Tolkien would turn out to be the most influential writer of the twentieth century. The bad dream has materialized."

[[W.H. Auden]] also criticized the book in a 1968 ''Critical Quarterly'' article, "Good and evil in ''The Lord of the Rings''," objecting to Tolkien's conception of sentient species that are intrinsically evil without possibility of redemption. (This is a criticism often directed at [[Dungeons and Dragons]]-like fantasy worlds as well as at fantasy literature in general, and a criticism that Tolkien himself increasingly struggled with during his last years.) On the other hand, in a 1956 ''New York Times'' book review, "At the end of the Quest, Victory," Auden also called the book "a masterpiece of its genre" that "succeeded where [[wikipedia:John Milton|Milton]] failed" in depicting an epic battle between good and evil, and wrote that it "never violated" the "reader's sense of the credible."

Furthermore, like almost every fantasy book, Lord of the Rings is also accused by Evangelicals for its alleged references to quasi-pagan elements and "occultism".

Science-fiction author David Brin has criticized the books for unquestioning devotion to a traditional elitist social structure, their positive depiction of the slaughter of the opposing forces, and their romantic backward-looking worldview <ref>http://www.davidbrin.com/tolkienarticle1.html</ref>. These criticisms often supply also similar accusations about [[racism]].

Another notable SF writer Michael Moorcock wrote a long and piercing critique of the book under the title Epic Pooh advancing the thesis that it was simply a child's tale written in the language of epic myth.

China Mieville, a modern fantasy writer, criticised Tolkien's works as "reactionary." Mieville is also a detractor of later fantasy which draws heavily upon Tolkien's work, based on the idea that such work is cliche.

===Alternative Titles===
J.R.R. Tolkien contemplated numerous alternative titles for ''The Lord of the Rings'' and its volumes before the final titles were chosen. An early title for the trilogy was "The Magic Ring" ([[John D. Rateliff]], ''[[The History of The Hobbit]]''). From a letter to [[Rayner Unwin]], Tolkien writes:
{{quote|Would it not do if the 'book-titles' were used: e.g. The Lord of the Rings: Vol. I The Ring Sets out (sic) and The Ring Goes South; Vol. II The Treason of Isengard, and The Ring goes East; Vol. III The War of the Ring, and The End of the Third Age? "If not, I can at the moment think of nothing better than: I The Shadow Grows II The Ring in the Shadow III The War of the Ring or The Return of the King.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 136]]}}

A note from this letter states a manuscript located at [[Marquette University]], Milwaukee, USA, has a different set of titles: Vol. I The First Journey and The Journey of the Nine Companions; Vol. II The Treason of Isengard and The Journey of the Ringbearers; Vol. III The War of the Ring and The End of the Third Age.

In [[Letter 139]] Tolkien writes again to Unwin with his new preferences: The Return of the Shadow, II The Shadow Lengthens, and III The Return of the King. On August 17th he writes his updated choices: I The Fellowship of the Ring, II The Two Towers (deliberately ambiguous), III The War of the Ring.

== Adaptations of ''The Lord of the Rings'' ==
===Film===
====Bakshi====
:''Main article: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''

This film, originally released by [[United Artists]], was directed by [[Ralph Bakshi]] and used an animation technique called rotoscoping in which footage of live actors was filmed and then traced over.

The film was part one of what was originally to be a two-part adaptation of Tolkien's story, Part I ending after the battle of Helm's Deep, but before Sam, Frodo and Gollum traverse the [[Dead Marshes]], and Part II picking up from where the first film left off. Made for a minimal budget of $8 million dollars, the film earned $30 million dollars at the box office.

United Artists viewed the film as a flop, and refused to fund a Part II (covering the rest of the story), leaving the door open for [[Rankin/Bass]] to do the work for him.

====Rankin/Bass====
:''Main article: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]''
The 1980 animated television version of ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'' picked up from where the book began, and not from where Bakshi's film left off. Additionally, the change in style and character design was quite noticeable.

Since this film was targeted to a younger audience, adult enthusiasts have complained that much of the depth and darkness of the book was discarded.

====Peter Jackson====
:''Main article: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''
[[Miramax]] developed a full-fledged live-action adaptation of ''The Lord of the Rings'', with [[Peter Jackson]] as director. Eventually, Miramax became uneasy with the sheer scope of the proposed project and wanted to combine the suggested two films into one. [[Peter Jackson]] struck a deal with Miramax that if he could not find a fresh studio to back the project, he would walk away and leave the rights and all the work so far completed with Miramax. However, in 1998, [[New Line Cinema]] assumed production responsibility, unexpectedly announcing that it would mount three, not just two films (while Miramax executives [[Bob Weinstein]] and [[Harvey Weinstein]] retained on-screen credits as executive film producers).

The three live action films (supplemented with extensive computer-generated imagery, for example in the major battle scenes, using the "[[Massive]]" software) were filmed simultaneously. Jackson filmed all the major scenes in his native New Zealand. ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' was released on December 19, 2001. ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' was released on December 18, 2002 and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' was released worldwide on December 17, 2003. All three films won the Hugo Award for Best (Long-form) Dramatic Presentation in their respective years.

Although some have criticized these films because they have altered the story somewhat and, arguably, have a noticeably different tone from Tolkien's original vision, others have hailed them as remarkable achievements. [[Peter Jackson]] has defended his changes by stating that he views the films as merely one man's interpretation.

[[Peter Jackson]]'s film adaptations garnered seventeen Oscars (four for ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', two for ''The Two Towers'', and eleven for ''The Return of the King''). ''The Return of the King'' won all of the eleven awards for which it was nominated, including Best Picture -- it was the first film of the fantasy genre to do so. With 30 total nominations, the trilogy became the most-nominated in the Academy's history, surpassing the ''Godfather'' series' 28 nominations.

''The Return of the King''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Oscar sweep is widely seen as a proxy award for the entire trilogy. ''The Return of the King''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s 11 Oscars at the 2004 Academy Awards tied it for most awards won for one film with ''Titanic'' six years earlier and the [[1959]] version of ''Ben-Hur''. It also broke the previous "sweep" record, beating ''Gigi'' and ''The Last Emperor''.

The visual-effects work has been groundbreaking, particularly the creation of the emotionally versatile digital character [[Gollum]]. The scale of the production alone — three films shot and edited back to back over a period of little more than three years — is unprecedented.

The films have also proven to be substantial box office successes. The premiere of ''The Return of the King'' took place in [[Wellington]], [[New Zealand]], on December 1, 2003 and was surrounded by fan celebrations and official promotions (the production of the films having contributed significantly to the New Zealand economy). The movie earned $34.5 million on its opening day, making it the seventh-largest opening day for a film released on a Wednesday <ref>http://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/days/?page=wed&p=.htm</ref>. ''The Return of the King'' was also the second movie in history (after ''Titanic'') to earn over 1 billion $US (worldwide).

Fanatics of the films have also flocked to the locations where the trilogy was filmed in New Zealand, with many tour companies being totally devoted to taking fans to and from the filming locations that Director Peter Jackson chose for the adaptation of Tolkien’s epic trilogy.

===Radio===

The [[BBC]] produced a [[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)|13-part radio adaptation]] of ''The Lord of the Rings'' in 1955. It is uncertain whether Tolkien ever heard either series. No recording of the 1956 series is known to exist. It is a very faithful adaptation, incorporating some passing references to ''The Lord of the Rings'' and ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.

A [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|1979 dramatization]] was broadcast in the USA and subsequently issued on tape and CD. No cast or credits appear on the audio packaging. Each of the actors was apparently recorded separately and then the various parts were edited together. Thus, unlike a BBC recording session where the actors are recorded together, none of the cast are actually interacting with each other and the performances suffer badly as a result.

In [[1981]] the BBC broadcast a [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|new, ambitious dramatization]] of ''The Lord of the Rings'' in 26 half-hour installments.

==Stage==

[[Ed Mirvish|Mirvish Productions]] has started rehearsals for a three-hour stage musical adaptation of ''The Lord of the Rings'' that will have a cast of over 65 actors and cost C$27 million (£11.5 million). The show will be written by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus with music by [[A. R. Rahman]] and [[Värttinä]], collaborating with [[Christopher Nightingale]] and will be directed by [[Matthew Warchus]]. It will open on March 23 2006 at Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre, with preview performances from February 2 until March 22. It is planned to premiere in London in autumn 2006 and New York City within two years.

The director explained his vision of the play’s format by saying, "We have not attempted to pull the novel towards the standard conventions of musical theatre, but rather to expand those conventions so that they will accommodate Tolkien's material. As a result, we will be presenting a hybrid of text, physical theatre, music and spectacle never previously seen on this scale. To read the novel is to experience the events of Middle-earth in the mind’s eye; to watch the films is to view Middle-earth as though through a giant window. Only in the theatre are we actually plunged into the events as they happen. The environment surrounds us. We participate. We are in Middle-earth."

== Satire and parody based on ''The Lord of the Rings'' ==
: ''See [[Humor]]''

==Awards==
* In 1957 it was awarded the International Fantasy Award
* In the 2003 "Big Read" survey conducted by the BBC, The Lord of the Rings was found to be the "Nation's Best-loved Book" <ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml</ref>.
* Australians voted The Lord of the Rings "My Favourite Book" in a 2004 survey conducted by the Australian ABC
* In a 1999 poll of Amazon.com customers, The Lord of the Rings was judged to be their favourite "book of the millennium". <ref>http://archive.salon.com/books/feature/2001/06/04/tolkien/</ref>
* In 2002 Tolkien was voted the ninety-second "greatest Briton" in a poll conducted by the BBC
* In 2004 he was voted thirty-fifth in the SABC3's Great South Africans, the only person to appear in both lists
* In a 2004 poll inspired by the UK’s "Big Read" survey, about 250,000 Germans found The Lord of the Rings to be their favourite work of literature. <ref>http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/04/1096871805007.html?from=storyrhs</ref>
* The Lord of the Rings came in 3rd in the Librarians' Poll <ref>http://tolkiensociety.org/news/librarians-poll.html</ref>

{{lotr}}

{{references}}

[[Category:Books by J.R.R. Tolkien|Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Der Herr der Ringe]]
[[fi:Taru Sormusten Herrasta]]

Beren

2011-07-30T05:11:27Z

Iorhael:

{{Disambig-more|Beren|[[Beren (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}
{{Edain infobox
| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beren
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]] Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| position=
| realm=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth={{FA|432}}
| birthlocation=[[Dorthonion]]
| rule={{FA|460}} - {{FA|464|n}} ([[Ladros]]) {{FA|466}} - {{FA|503|n}} ([[Tol Galen]])
| death={{FA|466}}
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]] Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71) [[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| age=34
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| children=[[Dior Eluchíl]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| eyes=Blue
| clothing=
| weapons=Spear and [[Angrist]]
| steed=[[Huan]] Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
}}'''Beren''' ([[First Age]] circa 443 – c. 505, aged approx. 62 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].

The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.

== History ==
[[Image:Beren Heraldic Device.png|left|70px]]Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land. The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]]. After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice". He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world. Eventually he was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}

===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]], showing Lúthien and Beren in their disguises as vampire and wolf.]]
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage, as Beren was a mortal. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren was determined. He set out on this impossible quest with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]], but was soon captured by [[Sauron]] and imprisoned in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Lúthien, along with [[Huan]] the great hound, eventually came to their rescue.

Using Lúthien's powers to place Morgoth's court into a deep sleep, they were able to enter Angband where Beren was able to cut a Silmaril from Morgoth's iron crown. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand, swallowing it along with the Silmaril, and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed". Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.

Unable to deal with the death of her beloved, Lúthien, overcome with grief, laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.

===Later History===

Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).

Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]], Thingol's heir. He was considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].

At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.

== Development ==
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology" <ref>''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', p. 165</ref>. He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).

In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).

Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Luththien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.

Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:

:JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN Beren 1892 – 1973

The name of Lúthien also appears on the stone:

:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971

== Genealogy ==

[[Bregor]]
______|_______
| |
[[Bregolas]] [[Barahir]] = [[Emeldir]]
_______|______ |
| | |
[[Baragund]] [[Belegund]] '''BEREN''' = [[Lúthien]]
| | |
| | |
[[Morwen]] = [[Húrin]] [[Rían]] = [[Huor]] [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] = [[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]]
______|_______ | __|____________
| | | | | | |
[[Túrin]] [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]] [[Nienor]] [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]] [[Eluréd]] [[Elurín]]
__________________|________________
| |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
________|________ ______|_______
| | | | |
[[King of Númenor|Kings of]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of]] | | |
[[King of Númenor|Númenor]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Andúnië]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Elendil]] | | |
_______|_______ | | |
| | | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Kings of]] [[Kings of Arnor|Kings of]] | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Gondor]] [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] = [[Arwen]] [[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]]
____________|_______
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
|
|
Kings of the
[[Reunited Kingdom]]

{{sequence
|prev=[[Barahir]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=5th [[Lord of Ladros]] <code>I</code> 460 – 464
}}
{{Outlaws}}
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[de:Beren Erchamion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]

{{references}}

Baggins family

2011-07-30T05:09:27Z

Iorhael:

{{cleanup}}
The '''Baggins Family''' were a remarkable and rich [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] family from [[The Shire]] which included two [[Ringbearer]]s: [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]].

==History==
The Baggins family lived in [[the Shire]], mostly in or near the town of [[Hobbiton]]. They were seen as respectable until [[Bilbo Baggins]] set out on the quest for [[Erebor]] with [[Gandalf]] the Grey and twelve [[Dwarves]]: when he returned he was seen as odd or queer, but also extremely rich.

Bilbo adopted his "nephew" [[Frodo Baggins]], who inherited the ''[[smial]]'' of [[Bag End]] after Bilbo left. Frodo himself was involved in the quest of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', which ended the [[War of the Ring]].

The Baggins clan traced their origin to the first recorded Baggins, one ''Balbo Baggins'', who was born in or near Hobbiton in [[Third Age 2767|1167]] of the [[Shire Reckoning]].

After Bilbo and Frodo left the only recorded Bagginses are the descendants of Bilbo's great-nephew ''[[Posco Baggins]]'', although many other descendants of Balbo Baggins are also recorded, under the ''[[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Bagginses]]'', as well as [[Peregrin Took]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] (through various interfamiliary marriages).
==Etymology==
The name Baggins is a translation in English of the actual [[Westron]] name ''[[Labingi]]'', which was believed to be related to the Westron word ''[[laban]]'', "bag". The name is associated with '''[[Bag End]]'''.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 753</ref>

The name Baggins is translated in most translations of ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', often keeping the "bag" or "sack" meaning:
*In the German translation the family name is Beutlin
*In the Dutch translation it is Balings
*In the French translation it is Sacquet
*In the Norwegian translation it is Lommelun
*In the Finnish translation it is Reppuli
*In the Spanish translation it is Bolsón
*In the Swedish translation it is Bagger
*In the Portuguese translation it is Bolseiro
*In the Frisian translation it is Balsma


==Inspirations==
{{quote|Intended to recall bag — cf. Bilbo’s conversation with Smaug in The H. [Chapter 12] — and meant to be associated (by hobbits) with Bag End...|[[Guide to the Names in The Lord of the Rings|''Nomenclature'']]}}

{{baggins}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Baggins|*]]
[[Category:Hobbit Families]]
[[de:Beutlin]]
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hobbits/sacquet]]
[[fi:Reppuli]]

Beren

2011-07-30T05:07:33Z

Iorhael: /* Development */

Beren

2011-07-30T05:06:12Z

Iorhael: /* Development */

{{Disambig-more|Beren|[[Beren (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}
{{Edain infobox
| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beren
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]] Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| position=
| realm=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth={{FA|432}}
| birthlocation=[[Dorthonion]]
| rule={{FA|460}} - {{FA|464|n}} ([[Ladros]]) {{FA|466}} - {{FA|503|n}} ([[Tol Galen]])
| death={{FA|466}}
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]] Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71) [[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| age=34
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| children=[[Dior Eluchíl]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| eyes=Blue
| clothing=
| weapons=Spear and [[Angrist]]
| steed=[[Huan]] Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
}}'''Beren''' ([[First Age]] circa 443 – c. 505, aged approx. 62 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].

The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.

== History ==
[[Image:Beren Heraldic Device.png|left|70px]]Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land. The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]]. After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice". He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world. Eventually he was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}

===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]], showing Lúthien and Beren in their disguises as vampire and wolf.]]
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage, as Beren was a mortal. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren was determined. He set out on this impossible quest with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]], but was soon captured by [[Sauron]] and imprisoned in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Lúthien, along with [[Huan]] the great hound, eventually came to their rescue.

Using Lúthien's powers to place Morgoth's court into a deep sleep, they were able to enter Angband where Beren was able to cut a Silmaril from Morgoth's iron crown. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand, swallowing it along with the Silmaril, and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed". Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.

Unable to deal with the death of her beloved, Lúthien, overcome with grief, laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.

===Later History===

Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).

Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]], Thingol's heir. He was considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].

At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.

== Development ==
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology" <ref>''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 165</ref>. He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).

In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).

Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Luththien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.

Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:

:JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN Beren 1892 – 1973

The name of Lúthien also appears on the stone:

:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971

== Genealogy ==

[[Bregor]]
______|_______
| |
[[Bregolas]] [[Barahir]] = [[Emeldir]]
_______|______ |
| | |
[[Baragund]] [[Belegund]] '''BEREN''' = [[Lúthien]]
| | |
| | |
[[Morwen]] = [[Húrin]] [[Rían]] = [[Huor]] [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] = [[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]]
______|_______ | __|____________
| | | | | | |
[[Túrin]] [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]] [[Nienor]] [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]] [[Eluréd]] [[Elurín]]
__________________|________________
| |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
________|________ ______|_______
| | | | |
[[King of Númenor|Kings of]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of]] | | |
[[King of Númenor|Númenor]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Andúnië]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Elendil]] | | |
_______|_______ | | |
| | | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Kings of]] [[Kings of Arnor|Kings of]] | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Gondor]] [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] = [[Arwen]] [[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]]
____________|_______
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
|
|
Kings of the
[[Reunited Kingdom]]

{{sequence
|prev=[[Barahir]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=5th [[Lord of Ladros]] <code>I</code> 460 – 464
}}
{{Outlaws}}
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[de:Beren Erchamion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]

Beren

2011-07-30T05:03:04Z

Iorhael: /* Quest for the Silmaril */

{{Disambig-more|Beren|[[Beren (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}
{{Edain infobox
| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beren
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]] Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| position=
| realm=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth={{FA|432}}
| birthlocation=[[Dorthonion]]
| rule={{FA|460}} - {{FA|464|n}} ([[Ladros]]) {{FA|466}} - {{FA|503|n}} ([[Tol Galen]])
| death={{FA|466}}
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]] Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71) [[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| age=34
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| children=[[Dior Eluchíl]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| eyes=Blue
| clothing=
| weapons=Spear and [[Angrist]]
| steed=[[Huan]] Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
}}'''Beren''' ([[First Age]] circa 443 – c. 505, aged approx. 62 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].

The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.

== History ==
[[Image:Beren Heraldic Device.png|left|70px]]Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land. The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]]. After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice". He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world. Eventually he was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}

===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]], showing Lúthien and Beren in their disguises as vampire and wolf.]]
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage, as Beren was a mortal. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren was determined. He set out on this impossible quest with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]], but was soon captured by [[Sauron]] and imprisoned in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Lúthien, along with [[Huan]] the great hound, eventually came to their rescue.

Using Lúthien's powers to place Morgoth's court into a deep sleep, they were able to enter Angband where Beren was able to cut a Silmaril from Morgoth's iron crown. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand, swallowing it along with the Silmaril, and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed". Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.

Unable to deal with the death of her beloved, Lúthien, overcome with grief, laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.

===Later History===

Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).

Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]], Thingol's heir. He was considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].

At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.

== Development ==
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 165). He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).

In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).

Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Luththien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.

Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:

:JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN Beren 1892 – 1973

The name of Lúthien also appears on the stone:

:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971

== Genealogy ==

[[Bregor]]
______|_______
| |
[[Bregolas]] [[Barahir]] = [[Emeldir]]
_______|______ |
| | |
[[Baragund]] [[Belegund]] '''BEREN''' = [[Lúthien]]
| | |
| | |
[[Morwen]] = [[Húrin]] [[Rían]] = [[Huor]] [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] = [[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]]
______|_______ | __|____________
| | | | | | |
[[Túrin]] [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]] [[Nienor]] [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]] [[Eluréd]] [[Elurín]]
__________________|________________
| |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
________|________ ______|_______
| | | | |
[[King of Númenor|Kings of]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of]] | | |
[[King of Númenor|Númenor]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Andúnië]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Elendil]] | | |
_______|_______ | | |
| | | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Kings of]] [[Kings of Arnor|Kings of]] | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Gondor]] [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] = [[Arwen]] [[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]]
____________|_______
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
|
|
Kings of the
[[Reunited Kingdom]]

{{sequence
|prev=[[Barahir]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=5th [[Lord of Ladros]] <code>I</code> 460 – 464
}}
{{Outlaws}}
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[de:Beren Erchamion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]

Beren

2011-07-30T05:02:29Z

Iorhael: /* History */

{{Disambig-more|Beren|[[Beren (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}
{{Edain infobox
| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beren
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]] Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| position=
| realm=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth={{FA|432}}
| birthlocation=[[Dorthonion]]
| rule={{FA|460}} - {{FA|464|n}} ([[Ladros]]) {{FA|466}} - {{FA|503|n}} ([[Tol Galen]])
| death={{FA|466}}
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]] Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71) [[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| age=34
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| children=[[Dior Eluchíl]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| eyes=Blue
| clothing=
| weapons=Spear and [[Angrist]]
| steed=[[Huan]] Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
}}'''Beren''' ([[First Age]] circa 443 – c. 505, aged approx. 62 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].

The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.

== History ==
[[Image:Beren Heraldic Device.png|left|70px]]Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land. The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]]. After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice". He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world. Eventually he was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}

===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]], showing Lúthien and Beren in their disguises as vampire and wolf.]]
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage, as Beren was a mortal. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren was determined. He set out on this impossible quest with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]], but was soon captured by [[Sauron]] and imprisoned in [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]]. Lúthien, along with [[Huan]] the great hound, eventually came to their rescue.

Using Lúthien's powers to place Morgoth's court into a deep sleep, they were able to enter Angband where Beren was able to cut a Silmaril from Morgoth's iron crown. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand, swallowing it along with the Silmaril, and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed". Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.

Hearing of his death, Lúthien, overcome with grief, laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.

===Later History===

Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).

Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]], Thingol's heir. He was considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].

At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.

== Development ==
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 165). He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).

In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).

Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Luththien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.

Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:

:JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN Beren 1892 – 1973

The name of Lúthien also appears on the stone:

:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971

== Genealogy ==

[[Bregor]]
______|_______
| |
[[Bregolas]] [[Barahir]] = [[Emeldir]]
_______|______ |
| | |
[[Baragund]] [[Belegund]] '''BEREN''' = [[Lúthien]]
| | |
| | |
[[Morwen]] = [[Húrin]] [[Rían]] = [[Huor]] [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] = [[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]]
______|_______ | __|____________
| | | | | | |
[[Túrin]] [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]] [[Nienor]] [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]] [[Eluréd]] [[Elurín]]
__________________|________________
| |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
________|________ ______|_______
| | | | |
[[King of Númenor|Kings of]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of]] | | |
[[King of Númenor|Númenor]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Andúnië]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Elendil]] | | |
_______|_______ | | |
| | | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Kings of]] [[Kings of Arnor|Kings of]] | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Gondor]] [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] = [[Arwen]] [[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]]
____________|_______
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
|
|
Kings of the
[[Reunited Kingdom]]

{{sequence
|prev=[[Barahir]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=5th [[Lord of Ladros]] <code>I</code> 460 – 464
}}
{{Outlaws}}
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[de:Beren Erchamion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]

Beren

2011-07-30T04:52:15Z

Iorhael: /* History */

{{Disambig-more|Beren|[[Beren (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}
{{Edain infobox
| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beren
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]] Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| position=
| realm=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth={{FA|432}}
| birthlocation=[[Dorthonion]]
| rule={{FA|460}} - {{FA|464|n}} ([[Ladros]]) {{FA|466}} - {{FA|503|n}} ([[Tol Galen]])
| death={{FA|466}}
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]] Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71) [[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| age=34
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| children=[[Dior Eluchíl]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| eyes=Blue
| clothing=
| weapons=Spear and [[Angrist]]
| steed=[[Huan]] Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
}}'''Beren''' ([[First Age]] circa 443 – c. 505, aged approx. 62 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].

The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.

== History ==
[[Image:Beren Heraldic Device.png|left|70px]]Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land. The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]]. After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice". He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world. Eventually he was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}

===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]], showing Lúthien and Beren in their disguises as vampire and wolf.]]
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren and Lúthien, with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]] and [[Huan]] the Great Hound, braved many perils to fulfill the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. At the last they entered Angband and stole a Silmaril. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand swallowed it and the Silmaril, and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed". Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded, and Huan and Finrod were killed.

Hearing of his death, Lúthien, overcome with grief, laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.

===Later History===

Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).

Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]], Thingol's heir. He was considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].

At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.

== Development ==
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 165). He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).

In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).

Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Luththien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.

Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:

:JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN Beren 1892 – 1973

The name of Lúthien also appears on the stone:

:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971

== Genealogy ==

[[Bregor]]
______|_______
| |
[[Bregolas]] [[Barahir]] = [[Emeldir]]
_______|______ |
| | |
[[Baragund]] [[Belegund]] '''BEREN''' = [[Lúthien]]
| | |
| | |
[[Morwen]] = [[Húrin]] [[Rían]] = [[Huor]] [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] = [[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]]
______|_______ | __|____________
| | | | | | |
[[Túrin]] [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]] [[Nienor]] [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]] [[Eluréd]] [[Elurín]]
__________________|________________
| |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
________|________ ______|_______
| | | | |
[[King of Númenor|Kings of]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of]] | | |
[[King of Númenor|Númenor]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Andúnië]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Elendil]] | | |
_______|_______ | | |
| | | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Kings of]] [[Kings of Arnor|Kings of]] | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Gondor]] [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] = [[Arwen]] [[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]]
____________|_______
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
|
|
Kings of the
[[Reunited Kingdom]]

{{sequence
|prev=[[Barahir]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=5th [[Lord of Ladros]] <code>I</code> 460 – 464
}}
{{Outlaws}}
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[de:Beren Erchamion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]

Beren

2011-07-30T04:47:32Z

Iorhael: /* History */

{{Disambig-more|Beren|[[Beren (disambiguation)]]}}
{{cleanup}}
{{Edain infobox
| image=[[Image:Tuuliky - Beren.jpg|250px]]
| name=Beren
| othernames=Son of [[Barahir]], [[Camlost]], ''Erchamion''
| titles=[[Lord of Ladros]] Lord of [[Tol Galen]]
| position=
| realm=[[Dorthonion]]; [[Ossiriand]]
| affiliation=[[Quest for the Silmaril]]
| language=[[Sindarin]]
| birth={{FA|432}}
| birthlocation=[[Dorthonion]]
| rule={{FA|460}} - {{FA|464|n}} ([[Ladros]]) {{FA|466}} - {{FA|503|n}} ([[Tol Galen]])
| death={{FA|466}}
| deathlocation=[[Hunting of the Wolf]] Returned to life, final death: {{FA|503}} (aged 71) [[Dor Firn-i-Guinar]]
| age=34
| house=[[House of Bëor]]
| parentage=[[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Lúthien]]
| children=[[Dior Eluchíl]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Dark
| eyes=Blue
| clothing=
| weapons=Spear and [[Angrist]]
| steed=[[Huan]] Unnamed horse (from [[Curufin]])
}}'''Beren''' ([[First Age]] circa 443 – c. 505, aged approx. 62 years at the time of his final death) was a [[Men|Man]] of [[Middle-earth]], a hero whose romance with the [[Elves|Elf]] [[Lúthien]] was one of the great stories of the [[Elder Days]].

The name of Beren's sword was '''[[Dagmor]]'''.

== History ==
[[Image:Beren Heraldic Device.png|left|70px]]Beren was the son of [[Barahir]] and [[Emeldir]]. He was a Man of the royal [[House of Bëor]] of [[Dorthonion]]. The [[Dagor Bragollach]] ("Battle of Sudden Flame") befell during his youth, bringing about the ruin of his land. The young Beren lived with his father and ten loyal followers in the highlands of Dorthonion, and the twelve of them performed many acts of bravery, to the great frustration of [[Morgoth]], the Dark Lord of [[Angband]]. After the betrayal and death of the Outlaws of Dorthonion due to the treachery of [[Gorlim the Unhappy]], Beren swore an oath to avenge his father, "but wept not, for his heart was ice". He recovered the [[Ring of Barahir]] from the [[Orcs]], and lived on as an outlaw, whose feats of daring were renown throughout the free world. Eventually was forced to abandon the land of his birth and the grave of his father by [[Sauron]] and [[Draugluin]]. He crossed into [[Doriath]], where he saw and fell in love with [[Lúthien]], princess of the [[Sindar]] and daughter of [[Thingol]] and [[Melian]] when he saw her dancing.
{{Pronounce|Beren Erchamion.mp3|Ardamir}}

===[[Quest for the Silmaril]]===
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_Transformed.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Transformed'' by [[Ted Nasmith]], showing Lúthien and Beren in their disguises as vampire and wolf.]]
Thingol refused to give Lúthien's hand in marriage. He charged Beren that he would allow the marriage to take place only if he brought back a [[Silmaril]] from the [[Iron Crown]] of Morgoth. The task was intended to be impossible, but Beren and Lúthien, with the aid of [[Finrod]] of [[Nargothrond]] and [[Huan]] the Great Hound (both of whom died protecting Beren), braved many perils (even besting Sauron, Morgoth's most powerful lieutenant) to fulfill the [[Quest for the Silmaril]]. At the last they entered Angband and stole a Silmaril. However, as they escaped from Angband, the great wolf [[Carcharoth]], whom Morgoth had personally bred, awoke. Beren held out the Silmaril, hoping that its radiance would avert the beast, but he was mistaken. Carcharoth bit off his hand swallowed it and the Silmaril (thus Beren was called '''''Erchamion''''', "One-handed"), and proceeded to run rampant through Doriath. Lúthien and the unconscious Beren were rescued by the Eagles of [[Manwë]]. Beren participated in the hunting of Carcharoth, where the beast was slain and the Silmaril recovered; the quest was accomplished, but in the process Beren was mortally wounded.

Lúthien's love for Beren was so strong that, hearing of his death, she laid down and died. Her soul went to the Halls of [[Mandos]], where she managed to move Mandos so that he granted her a wish. Both she and Beren were restored to life, but both of them would die the death of Men, and go beyond the walls of [[Arda]] to a place unknown.

===Later History===

Thus Beren and Lúthien lived again, and dwelt on [[Tol Galen]] in the middle of the [[Adurant|River Adurant]] in [[Ossiriand]]. There they stayed apart from other mortals; Beren was involved with the events of the [[First Age]] only one further time, when he waylaid a group of [[Dwarves]] who had destroyed Doriath and stolen the [[Nauglamír]] (and the Silmaril with it).

Lúthien bore Beren a son, named [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]], Thingol's heir, considered to be one of the fairest beings to ever live, for in him flowed the blood of Men, the blood of Elves, and the blood of the [[Ainur]]. Through his descendants, the blood of Beren and of Lúthien was preserved among the [[Eldar]] and the [[Edain]].

At last Beren and Lúthien died together on Tol Galen.

== Development ==
The story of Beren and Lúthien, though mentioned only briefly in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', was a central part of the [[legendarium]]. Tolkien once referred to it as "the kernel of the mythology" (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 165). He went on to say that it "arose from a small woodland glade filled with 'hemlocks'", which he visited while serving in the Humber Garrison in 1918 (during [[World War I]]).

In the earliest versions of the legendarium (see: ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]''), Beren was a ''[[Gnome]]'' (a [[Noldo]]), son of [[Egnor]] (which might have been an early name for [[Aegnor]]).

Tolkien seemed to be somehow connected to this character, and parallels can be drawn with his relationship with [[Edith Tolkien|Edith Bratt]]. Furthermore it is possible that ''Beren'' (meaning 'brave') is a reference to the original meaning of his Germanic surname (Toll kühn) of similar meaning. It is said that, like the story of Luththien dancing in the woods before Beren, that one day while Tolkien and his wife were on a picnic in the woods she danced for him, thus creating another parallel to Beren and Luthien.

Tolkien was buried in Wolvercote Cemetery (North Oxford) and this name appears on the stone:

:JOHN RONALD REUEL TOLKIEN Beren 1892 – 1973

The name of Lúthien also appears on the stone:

:EDITH MARY TOLKIEN Lúthien 1889 – 1971

== Genealogy ==

[[Bregor]]
______|_______
| |
[[Bregolas]] [[Barahir]] = [[Emeldir]]
_______|______ |
| | |
[[Baragund]] [[Belegund]] '''BEREN''' = [[Lúthien]]
| | |
| | |
[[Morwen]] = [[Húrin]] [[Rían]] = [[Huor]] [[Dior Eluchíl|Dior]] = [[Nimloth of Doriath|Nimloth]]
______|_______ | __|____________
| | | | | | |
[[Túrin]] [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]] [[Nienor]] [[Tuor]] = [[Idril]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]] [[Eluréd]] [[Elurín]]
__________________|________________
| |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
________|________ ______|_______
| | | | |
[[King of Númenor|Kings of]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Lords of]] | | |
[[King of Númenor|Númenor]] [[Lords of Andúnië|Andúnië]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Elendil]] | | |
_______|_______ | | |
| | | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Kings of]] [[Kings of Arnor|Kings of]] | | |
[[Kings of Gondor|Gondor]] [[Kings of Arnor|Arnor]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] | | |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] | | |
| | | |
| | | |
[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] = [[Arwen]] [[Elladan]] [[Elrohir]]
____________|_______
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
|
|
Kings of the
[[Reunited Kingdom]]

{{sequence
|prev=[[Barahir]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=5th [[Lord of Ladros]] <code>I</code> 460 – 464
}}
{{Outlaws}}
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Beren|Images of Beren]].
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Edain]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[Category:Quest for the Silmaril]]
[[de:Beren Erchamion]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:1a:peuple_de_beor:beren]]
[[fi:Beren]]

Írimë

2011-07-30T02:50:17Z

Iorhael: /* History */

{{sources}}
'''Irimë''' was a [[Noldo|Noldorin]] [[Elves|Elf]], daughter of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]] and [[Indis]], his second wife. She was the sister of [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]] and half-sister of [[Fëanor]].
==History==
Little is known about her, except that during the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Irimë went to [[Middle-earth]] with Fingolfin, while the rest of her siblings remained in [[Valinor]]. Irimë's fate is unknown, she may have been slain or returned to [[Aman]] after the [[Dagor Bragollach]].

==Etymology==
Irimë's [[Amilessë|mother-name]] was '''''Lalwendë''''' or in shortened form '''''Lalwen''''', and by this name she was generally known. In some versions Irimë is called '''''Irien''''' which may have been her [[father-name]].

== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==
In earlier versions of the legendarium, Finwë and Indis had three daughters: '''Findis''', '''Faniel''' and '''Finvain'''. It remains unclear if the third daughter survived in the final conception of Finwë's family tree.

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | | | | | | | | |FIN=[[Finwë]]|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | FEA | | FDS | | FIN | | IRM | | FIR | | |FIN=[[Fingolfin]]|FIR=[[Finarfin]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]|FDS=[[Findis]]|IRM='''IRIMË'''}}
{{familytree| | |,|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|^|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | FIN | | ELE |y| TUR | | ARE |y| EOL | | ARG |FIN=[[Fingon]]|ARE=[[Aredhel]]|TUR=[[Turgon]]|ELE=[[Elenwë]]|EOL=[[Eöl]]|ARG=[[Argon]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | MAE | | | | | | |MAE=[[Maeglin]]|IDR=[[Idril]]|TUO=[[Tuor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | EAR | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |EAR=[[Eärendil]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Irime}}
[[Category:House of Finwë]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Vanyar]]
[[de:Finvain]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/irime]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/lalwen]]
[[fi:Írien]]

Finwë

2011-07-30T02:46:54Z

Iorhael: /* Life in Valinor */

{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Sirielle Finwe face study.jpg|250px]]
| name=Finwë
| othernames=''Noldóran'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=[[High King of the Noldor]]
| position=
| realm=[[Tirion]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Common Eldarin]] and [[Quenya]]
| birth={{YT|1050}}
| birthlocation=[[Cuiviénen]]
| rule=After {{YT|1102}} - {{YT|1495|n}}
| death={{YT|1495}}
| deathlocation=[[Formenos]]
| age=445/4,293 [[Years of the Sun|years]]
| house=[[House of Finwë]]
| parentage=Firstborn
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Míriel Serindë]]; [[Indis]]
| children=[[Fëanor]], [[Irimë]], [[Fingolfin]], [[Finarfin]] and [[Findis]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=Black
| eyes=Bright blue-grey<ref name="Eyes">{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 357, note 17</ref>
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}{{Pronounce|Finwe Noldoran.mp3|Ardamir}}
<center>{{quote|But Melkor was also there, and he came to the house of Fëanor and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark. |''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]}}</center>
'''Finwë''' ([[Quenya|Q]], pron. [[Noldorin|N]] {{IPA|[ˈfinwe]}}, [[Vanyarin|V]] {{IPA|[ˈɸinwe]}}) was the first [[High King of the Noldor]] (as such he is sometimes surnamed '''Noldóran''') who led his [[Elves|Elven]] people on the journey from Middle-earth to [[Valinor]] in the blessed realm of [[Aman]]. He was a great friend of [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]], the King of [[Doriath]].

==History==
===Life in Middle-earth===

The first [[Elves]] awoke in [[Middle-earth]], near the [[Cuiviénen|Lake Cuiviénen]], sometime during the early [[Years of the Trees]]. Though it is not clearly stated in ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', Finwë was probably among the first [[Elves|Children of Ilúvatar]]. [[Oromë]], The Huntsman of the [[Valar]], while traveling in the [[Orocarni]] mountains, discovered the Elves and bonded friendship with their kin.

Later, as the Valar decided to call the first Children of [[Ilúvatar]] in Valinor, because they regarded this call with suspicion, he selected three elves to follow him into Aman and report back what they have seen, in the hopes that they could decimate the fears which were seeded into the hearts of the elves by [[Melkor]]'s own doing. The three elves were Finwë, [[Ingwë]] and [[Elwë Singollo|Elwë]], who would later become kings of the three fractions into which the elven race was split.

Enamoured by the wonders of Valinor, Finwë and his other two companions returned towards the Middle-earth and attempted to convince their race to follow them back into Aman. Those who agreed to follow Oromë received the name of [[Eldar]]. Among them were Finwë's people, the [[Noldor]]. They later became students of [[Aulë]] the Smith. Finwë's eldest son, [[Fëanor]], would become the greatest craftsman among the Elves of Valinor.

===Life in Valinor ===

Upon arriving in the blessed realm of Aman, Finwë was troubled only by the separation from his friend [[Elwë Singollo|Elwë]] who chose to remain in [[Beleriand]]. The Noldor settled on the [[Túna]] hill, raised for them by the Valar and, led by Finwë, they lived in the city of [[Tirion]], whom they shared with the [[Vanyar]]. It was during the building of Finwë's house that the masons found the earth-gems from which they crafted countless jewels to be given freely for the enrichment of Valinor. Later, Ingwë and his people left the city of Tirion and Finwë remained the only king to rule upon the Tuna hill.
[[Image:Finwe Heraldic Device.jpg|left|100px]]

Finwë's first wife was [[Míriel Serindë]], skilled in all things that required fineness. From their love a son was born, [[Curufinwë]], whom would later be known as Fëanor. As he was brought into the world, he depleted Míriel's strength and zest for life and she requested to be allowed to rest in the gardens of [[Irmo|Lórien]]. Finwë was deeply saddened by this event. He did not wish to leave the young child without a mother, nor did he want him to be their last. But as his wife explained that what would have nourished many children, was all invested in Fëanor, he had no other choice but to accept her request. And thus Míriel, with [[Manwë]]'s counsel, was placed asleep in Irmo's gardens. Her [[Fëa and hröa|fëa]] eventually departed from her body and she never returned to life.

This was a shocking event for all those present in Valinor, as never one of their own had died of free will. For some time, Finwë lived in sorrow and he often visited Míriel's body, but as his loneliness and lack of joy increased, he stopped seeing her altogether. His entire love now rested with his son, Fëanor, who grew up to be mighty and skilled in all things of hands and mind. He married [[Nerdanel]] and gave Finwë [[Sons of Fëanor|seven grandchildren]].

But Finwë was not content in living alone and he sought to marry for the second time. His wife was [[Indis|Indis the Fair]], a golden haired [[Vanya]], which he loved and whom brought him joy again. She gave him two sons, [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]], and two daughters, [[Findis]] and [[Irimë]]. And though he was now blissful again, the shadow of Míriel never left the House, especially since Fëanor opposed his father's second marriage. The sons of Finwë never lived together and never shared close bounds. And after the later events surrounding the [[Silmarils]] many blamed Finwë and his desire to have a second wife for the dreadful courses of all those in the House. Most of these accusations had no ground, as Finwë had always loved his eldest son above all others, and the events surrounding his death would prove it.

===Death===
After three ages of imprisonment, Melkor was released from the duress of Mandos and, as he gained the trust of the Valar again, he was allowed to roam freely in Valinor. The treacherous Melkor lusted for the Silmarils, those three great jewels made by the hands of Fëanor, at the might of his skill, and ever he sought a way to steal them. He launched such lies that all the Noldor began to strife, against themselves, against the other races and even against the Valar.

The House of Finwë was no exception. There was already grounds of argument between his sons, and these events only served to deepen them. Finwë called a council and tried to moderate them. For the moment, his action seemed to be crowned with success, as Fingolfin bowed before Finwë and silenced the thoughts and arguments he had in regards to his eldest brother. Soon after that the Valar called Fëanor to answer for his words against them. The stem of the evil was exposed and Melkor's actions revealed. However, Fëanor too was sentenced to twelve years outside Tirion, in the fortress of [[Formenos]]. Due to the great love he had for his eldest son, Finwë renounced his throne as the King of the Noldor and followed Fëanor at Formenos.

In his fixation to have the Silmarils for himself, Melkor went as far as to claim them at the gates of Formenos. He was fiercely rejected by Fëanor, while Finwë sent messengers to Manwë. It was during a time of festival, that Melkor returned. All the people of Valinor were engaged in the festivities, all except Finwë, who, out of devotion for Fëanor and bitterness for his sons' exile, chose to remain in Formenos, thus refused to obey Manwë's calling. After Melkor and [[Ungoliant]] stole the light of the [[Two Trees of Valinor]], they headed towards Formenos. Alone Finwë had the courage to stand before the horror of the Darkness. There, before the doors of Formenos, the former King of the Noldor had been killed and the first blood was spilled in the realm of Aman. Melkor forcefully entered the fortress and stole the Silmarils, sending the blessed realm into darkness and motioning the Noldor to depart from Valinor.

==Etymology==
Finwë's name is not clearly translated<ref>{{HM|PM}}, p. 340-341</ref>. ''[[Fin]]'' means "hair"<ref>{{S|Elements}}</ref> but also ''[[phin]]'' is translated as "nimbleness" or "skill"<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}</ref>. ''[[finwa]]'' means "dexterous, clever"<ref>{{PE|17}} p.119, 181</ref>. To either of these two, the suffix ''[[-wë]]'' is added used generally for male names. In any case, his actual name during the Great March should be *''Phinwego'' (cf. ''[[-wego]]'')

''[[Noldóran]]'' (pron. {{IPA|[nolˈdoːran]}}), as Finwë was also called, means "King of the Noldor". It is formed by the union of [[Noldor]] and ''[[aran]]'', a [[Sindarin]] noun which means "king".

== Other Versions of the Legendarium ==

In the first drafts of the genealogy, Finwë had four sons: the youngest was named ''[[Finrun]]'', but he was dropped after that, thus [[Finrod]] (later [[Finarfin]]) was Finwë's youngest son from then on.

In a later version Finwë had three [[Daughters of Finwë|daughters]] added by [[Indis]], [[Findis]] (as their first child) [[Faniel]] (as their third), and [[Finvain]] (as their youngest). In yet later versions, Faniel was apparently dropped, while Findis and Finvain were kept. Finvain (renamed [[Irimë]]) was moved to after Fingolfin, thus Finarfin was once again the youngest child of Finwë.

== Genealogy ==
Finwë had two wives. His first was [[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]], who passed away soon after bearing their only child, [[Fëanor]]. His second wife was [[Indis]], of the [[Vanyar]], who bore him two sons: [[Fingolfin]] and [[Finarfin]], and two daughters: [[Findis]] and [[Irimë]].

 
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | MIR |~|y|~| FIN |~|y|~| IND | | |FIN='''FINWË'''|IND=[[Indis]]|MIR=[[Míriel Serindë|Míriel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | FEA | | | | |)| FDS | | | FDS=[[Findis]]|FEA=[[Fëanor]]|NRD=[[Nerdanel]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |)| FNG | | | |FNG=[[Fingolfin]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |)| IRM | |IRM=[[Irimë]]|MAG=[[Maglor]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |`| FRF | | | | |FRF=[[Finarfin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}
 

{{references}}

* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Darkening of Valinor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Flight of the Noldor]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Index of Names]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
* ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', [[The Shibboleth of Feanor]]

{{sequence
|prev=none
|next=[[Fëanor]] (in [[Middle-earth]]) [[Finarfin]] (in [[Valinor]])
|list=1st [[High King of the Noldor]] c. YT 1102 – 1495
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Finwe}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:House of Finwë| ]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[de:Finwe]]
[[fi:Finwë]]

Legolas

2011-07-30T01:57:14Z

Iorhael: /* Portrayal in Adaptations */

{{sources}}
{{cleanup}} 
{{disambig-two|the elf of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|the elf in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]''|[[Legolas (Elf of Gondolin)]]}}
{{sindar infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Legolas2.jpg|250px]]
| name=Legolas
| othernames=Greenleaf
| titles=Prince of [[Mirkwood]]
| position=
| realm=[[Woodland Realm]]; [[Ithilien]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FoA|120}}
| deathlocation=Sailed [[Aman|West]] (not dead)
| age=
| house=
| parentage=[[Thranduil]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Green and brown garb
| weapons=Bow and long white knife
| steed=
}} '''Legolas''' was a [[Sindar|Sindarin]] Elf of the [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] realm of [[Mirkwood]], the only recorded son of King [[Thranduil]]. He became famous because of his membership in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in which he served as one of their most valuable assets because of his superior sight, hearing, lightness of foot, and unrivaled archery. Despite this, however, he played only a minor role in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', and the least is known about him, perhaps, of all the members in the company.

==History==
===Early History===
Legolas was alive during the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and it is most likely that he took place in it, though nothing is mentioned of it.

===Fellowship of the Ring===
His first real mention was at the [[Council of Elrond]], as a messenger from his father [[Thranduil]]. He was dressed in green and brown, and his eyes were keen. His message was specifically to [[Gandalf]] – namely, that [[Gollum]] had escaped. [[Aragorn]] then immediately wondered out loud how Thranduil’s people could permit this. Legolas was quick to state that it was not through lack of watchfulness; if anything, from over-kindness, and related the details to the council. He spoke little for the rest of the council, if at all, but later volunteered (or was chosen by [[Elrond]]) to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]] as the only elven member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His capabilities would be welcomed, and would be his primary claim to fame for the rest of his life.

For the early part of the quest they went in single file, with Legolas at the back. Later, however, we appear to find him at the head of the company as they entered [[Hollin]], for The Lord of the Rings states “[[Gimli]]… had come up with Legolas, and was gazing out before him…”. Though all in the Company could feel the wholesomeness of the country, only Legolas could hear the stones lament the lost presence of the [[Elves]], and his words were poignant.

As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge. He also attempted (unsuccessfully) to light a fire. The storm troubled him least of all the company, and it is written “he alone of the Company remained still light of heart”. After they were determined to retreat, [[Boromir]] and Aragorn tried to push a path through the snow to get out, while Legolas danced lightly on top, passing them easily. He soon spotted the way out for the rest of the company, and a bit of sarcasm edged his speech at Boromir’s words that they (the “strongest”) must seek a way out, when he said “There is the greatest wind-drift of all just beyond the turn, and there our Strong Men were almost buried”. The paragraphs in this section suggest the attributes of youth and unquenchable gaiety.

Perhaps a bit grumpy with the irrepressibility of the elf, Boromir during the vote as to whether or not they should pass through [[Moria]], asked “What do Legolas and the little folk say?” Legolas voted against the passage with Boromir, but was overruled, especially when [[Warg]] voices were heard. During their defense against these beasts, Legolas did more than perhaps all the rest of the company except Gandalf, shooting numerous wargs. Legolas collected his arrows unharmed (except for one) after the fight.

Legolas played only the most minor of parts in Moria. Though it is said that he had eyes that could see well in the dark, strangely, he seems not to possess this quality in the caves. For it is written that [[Frodo Baggins]] (due to his [[Morgul-knife]] wound) could see better than any of the company in the dark, except perhaps Gandalf. Legolas had to drag Gimli from the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] when the [[Dwarves|dwarf]] almost refused to go. Legolas was the first of the Company to recognize [[Durin's Bane]] as a [[Balrogs|Balrog]], or at least the first to express his dismay at the fact.

Legolas was most enthusiastic about coming to [[Lothlórien]], describing it to the rest of the Company, and mourning the fact that it was winter and they could not witness it in the pinnacle of its glory. As they rested by the [[Nimrodel (river)|Nimrodel]], Legolas told them tales of Lothlórien, and sang the [[Song of Nimrodel]] to them. Upon hearing the other Elves of Lórien, Legolas listened and responded in their own tongue. When [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded that they said he breathed so loud they could shoot him in the dark, horrifying Samwise until Legolas added that they need not fear them.

Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], with Frodo only (Sam following, as always). The Galadhrim had heard him singing and knew he came from [[Mirkwood]]. They would readily accept all of the fellowship, save Gimli, because of his race and the grievances between his and theirs. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". Legolas was forced by the others to go blindfolded into Lórien, especially at the urging of Gimli, who hated the thought of going such. Indeed, he declared he would submit himself to this restraint only if "Legolas here shares my blindness". In the end, Legolas had no choice but to submit.

Legolas would not translate the Elven lamentations for Gandalf, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however (with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] working its magic on the dwarf), he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship never to be broken. He was one of those of the Company that could handle boats, and so was assigned to one with the dwarf. He received a bow and quiver such as the Galadhrim used.

[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|250px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]].]]After ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and searched for a mark to shoot at. As a dread fell on the Company, Legolas invoked the name of [[Elbereth Gilthoniel]], and shot the descending [[Fell beast]] from the sky, a masterful shot in the dark.

===The Three Hunters===
When ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many [[orcs]] until his arrows ran out, then used his knife. Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], he sang a lament for Boromir, who had fallen, with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind which came from the Sea. Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.

Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty [[Éomer]], threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. He let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn Forest]]. Under its eaves, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire. He was reluctant to enter Fangorn, having no knowledge about it save for the stories of the [[Onodrim]], and that it was very old. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own opinion.

Upon entering Fangorn itself, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the [[Three Hunters]] met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s round encouragement Legolas did not shoot him, feeling moral objections to this. The old man declared "''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''" Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognized that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added "''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''"

===With the Rohirrim===
Legolas was a leader in the conversation with Gandalf, being the first to ask about Merry & Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered [[Galadriel]]’s messages to each of them, Legolas' being:

<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
''Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
''In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!
''If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
''Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.
</poem>

Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both the of [[Isengard]] and [[Edoras]] from afar. At the gates of [[Meduseld]], Legolas was the only one to lay down his weapons without hesitation. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden|Théoden King]], and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer's horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared "''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''"

[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' by [[John Howe]].]]As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that though he did not like the place, Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the [[Rohirrim]]. At the opening of the battle Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.

Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a visit to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of the Gimli, Aragorn, and the [[Hobbits]].

===The Return of the King===
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Drawn by [[Luca Michelucci]].]]When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.

Amidst the paths of the dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone (save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond|Elrond's]] sons) felt no fear of the [[Dead Men]], and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he dropped off there, while Gimli promptly said "''For my part I heeded them not''". Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken [[the One Ring]].

Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and several times that day afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of [[Men]] to the dubious Gimli.

===Battle of the Morannon and Aftermath===
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in the honor of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.

After attending the [[Coronation of Elessar]], Legolas remained (at the urging of Aragorn) in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time. During the parting of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], Legolas went with Gimli to Aglarond. After that, he rode off with Gimli to visit [[Fangorn Forest]].

===After the War of the Ring===
As noted in [[Appendix A]]: ''Of Durin's Folk'', Legolas returned to Minas Tirith with a company of Wood-elves, and they made [[Ithilien]] a green and fair land once more. After King Aragorn died, Legolas sailed West, taking Gimli with him.

==Character==
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through [[Caradhras]] and even the [[Paths of the Dead]] without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he treated the "strong men" on Caradhras, whom Boromir (excluding Legolas) had said could forge a way out through the snow. He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli’s words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]]. It can be assumed despite his suggested age of 500-700 that he had never before come near to the Sea, for his heart became suddenly torn when he heard the Gulls at [[Pelargir]], and could never remove their mewing from his mind. His naiveté is demonstrated again when Legolas comments that Aragorn has journeyed further than he has.

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree |ORO| | |ORO=[[Oropher]]}}
{{familytree | |!| |}}
{{familytree |THR| | |THR=[[Thranduil]]}}
{{familytree | |!| |}}
{{familytree |LEG| | |LEG='''LEGOLAS'''}}
{{familytree/end}}

== Etymology ==
The name '''Legolas''' is a [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means "Greenleaf". This shows that '''''Greenleaf''''' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]''), but a translation of his name. It consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', green; and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''[[lass|las(s)]]'', "leaf").<ref>{{L|211}}</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 84, 153</ref> The [[Qenya]] form (mentioned in the ''Book of Lost Tales'' in the context of another character of that name) is ''Laiqualassë''.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, §2 Entries in the Name-list to The Fall of Gondolin</ref> In later material by Tolkien, the [[Quenya]] cognate of Laegolas is said to be ''Laicolasse''.<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 56</ref><ref>[[Helge Fauskanger]], [http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm ''Quettaparma Quenyallo'']. Entry for '''laica'''. Retrieved 30 August 2010.</ref>

There might, however, be a certain meaning to his name: ''laeg'' is a very rare, archaic word for green, which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''Calenhad'', mutated ''Parth Galen'' and plural ''Pinnath Gelin'') and is otherwise almost only preserved in ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'' (Sindarin form of Quenya [[Laiquendi]]), the ''Green Elves'' of the First Age.

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Ralph Bakshi's Legolas.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''</center>
Image:Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''</center>
Image:Legolas viv lotr.JPG|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]''</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Frank Duncan]] was the voice of Legolas.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]]. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel's]] place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[John Vickery]] provided the voice of Legolas.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in this film, as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[David Collings]] provided the voice of Legolas.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Michael Reisz]] provided the voice of Legolas.

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].

:In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendix B|Appendices]].

:He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.

:Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. It is not clear whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.

:Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas' "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming a unprecedented fan favorite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Although the disproportionate popular reaction to Legolas met with mixed reactions from fans, many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely. [[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas:
{{quote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]}}

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Grant George]] provides the voice of Legolas.<ref>http://www.dynamicduovo.com/aboutgrant.html</ref>

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Crispin Freeman]] plays Legolas.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crispin_freeman_fansite/message/9438</ref>

'''2012-13: ''[[The Hobbit films]]'':'''
: Orlando Bloom will return as Legolas in Peter Jackson's adaptation of the Hobbit.

==See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Legolas|Images of Legolas]]
* [[Legolas/disputes]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/l/legolas.html Legolas Greenleaf] at the Encyclopedia of Arda

{{fellowship}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Silvan Elves]]
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]
[[fa:لگولاس]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/sindar/legolas]]
[[fi:Legolas]]

Peregrin Took

2011-07-30T01:53:04Z

Iorhael: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

{{Hobbit
| image=[[Image:Sarah Zagacki - Pippin.jpg|250px]]
| name=Peregrin Took
| othernames=Pippin, [[Ernil i Pheriannath]], Thain Peregrin I, [[Razanur Tûk]] ''([[Peregrin Took#Names and Titles|see more below]])''
| birth=Spring {{TA|2990}}
| death=After {{FoA|64}}
| parentage=[[Paladin Took II]] & [[Eglantine Banks]]
| gender=Male
| hair=Almost golden <ref name="SD">{{SD|Epilogue}}, p. 115</ref>
| location=[[Tookland]], [[Gondor]]
}}
<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''' ([[Third Age]] 2990 - at least [[Fourth Age]] 64; 1390 - 1484 in [[Shire Reckoning]], reaching at least 94-years-old<ref name="AppB">{{App|B}}</ref>) was one of the [[Hobbits]] in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. He was the youngest of the Company, 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.

==Heritage and Family==
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 [[Gerontius Took|The Old Took]]. Pippin was not destined to become Thain, but 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="AppC">{{App|C}}</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|Frodo]], and the first-cousin twice-removed of [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]]. He was not blood-related to [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], but Pippin's son [[Faramir Took I|Faramir]] married Sam's daughter [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]] in 1463.

==History==

===Fellowship of the Ring===
As one of the [[Conspirators]], he discovered the truth behind [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s mysterious behaviour and left [[The Shire]], with his kinsman [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and his friend [[Samwise Gamgee]], on a quest to destroy [[The One Ring]]. His 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]].

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]].

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 Mount Doom|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 [[West-gate of Moria]]; and, when inside Moria, Pippin's curiosity got the better of him as he dropped a stone down a well which lead to [[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 [[Elves|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]].

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The hobbits in [[Wellinghall]]]]Merry and Pippin struck up a friendship with Treebeard, telling him all about the events of the [[War of the Ring]], whilst Treebeard told the two hobbits about the loss of the [[Entwives]]. Treebeard decided to call an [[Entmoot]] at [[Derndingle]] to decide the Ents' next move. Whilst 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.

Merry and Pippin [[Ents#ThebMarchbofbthebEnts|marched with the Ents]] to Isengard where the Ents killed the remaining Orcs, 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 Wormtongue|Gríma]] threw the [[Orthanc-stone|palantír of Isengard]] at Gandalf which Pippin subsequently picked up. Overcome by curiosity, Pippin later stole the palantír from Gandalf's keeping; when he looked into it, he was seen by [[Sauron]] who mistakenly believed that Pippin and the Ring were with Saruman in Isengard. Gandalf decided that Pippin was no longer safe, so Gandalf and Pippin rode [[Shadowfax]] to [[Minas Tirith]].

===Guard of the Citadel===
Upon arriving in Minas Tirith, he went with Gandalf to the [[Citadel of Gondor|Citadel]] and recounted [[Boromir]]'s death - in return for Boromir's untimely death, Pippin decided to pledge his allegiance to the grieving [[Stewards of Gondor|Steward]] and so became a [[Guard of the Citadel]]. Pippin befriended [[Beregond (soldier of Gondor)|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.

[[Denethor II]] 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]] dialect 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 defense 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 II|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 [[troll]]. Pippin was crushed beneath the troll, but he was pulled out by [[Gimli]] who spotted his [[hobbits|hobbity]] foot.

===After the War of the Ring===
[[Image:Thain Peregrin I.jpg|thumb|Pippin Took as Thain Peregrin Took I]]
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>

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-draught]] (they were at least 4'5<nowiki>''</nowiki> tall - taller than [[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]]).<ref name="Concerning">{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref>

In [[Shire Reckoning|S.R.]] 1427 (at the age of 37), he married [[Diamond of Long Cleeve]], and they had their only known child together, [[Faramir Took I|Faramir]], three years later. In 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.

In S.R. 1436 King Elessar rode north and stayed in [[Annúminas]], and met Pippin, Merry and Sam at the [[Brandywine Bridge]]. In 1452 the King, as a gift, added the [[Westmarch]] to The Shire, and in 1455 Pippin appointed [[Fastred of Greenholm|Fastred]] - son-in-law of Sam - as the first [[Warden of Westmarch]].

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.<ref name="Records">{{FR|Records}}</ref>

In 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]] and [[Gondor]]. When they died a few years later their bodies were placed in [[Rath Dínen]]; they were later laid beside King [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] following his death in [[Fourth Age 120]] (S.R. 1541).

==Genealogy==
<div style="overflow-x: scroll; overflow-y: hidden; border: 1px solid #AAAAAA; padding: 3px; background: #EEEEEE;">
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | OLD |y| CHU | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |OLD=[[Gerontius Took|The Old Took]] ''1190 - 1320''|CHU=[[Adamanta Chubb|Adamanta Chubb]] ''unknown''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| HIL |y| ROS | | NCH | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ROS=[[Rosa Baggins]] ''1256 - unknown''|HIL=[[Hildigrim Took|Hildigrim]] ''1240 - 1341''|NCH=''numerous children''}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| | | ADA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |ADA=[[Adalgrim Took|Adalgrim]] ''1280 - 1382''}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| 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 |boxstyle=white-space:nowrap;background-color:#FFFFFF;| 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 |boxstyle=white-space: nowrap; background: #FFFFFF;| | | | | | | | | | | GOL |~| FAR | | | | | | | | |GOL=[[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]] ''1431 - unknown''|FAR=[[Faramir Took I|Faramir I]] ''1430 - unknown''}}
{{familytree/end}}
</div>

==Names and Titles==
* '''Peregrin''' - [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s translation of Pippin's Westron name, and is derived from Latin and was used for people who wandered. The English word "pilgrim" is derived from the same root.<ref name="Jim Allen">[[Jim Allan]], ''[[An Introduction to Elvish]]'', The Giving of Names</ref>
* '''Pippin''' - a nickname most often used by Tolkien and fans alike. A 'pet-form' related to the Westron abbreviation ''[[Razar]]''; pippin is a type of [[apples|apple]] related to the word "pip" - perhaps illustrating that Pippin was the youngest member of the Fellowship.
* '''Thain Peregrin I''' - Pippin's 'regal' name when he became the [[Thain of the Shire]].<ref>{{App|Took}}</ref>
* '''[[Razanur Tûk]]''' - Peregrin's true [[Westron]] name, and contains the elements ''[[raza]]'' "stranger", and ''[[razan]]'' "foreign", and is the name of a legendary traveller. <ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref>
* "''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 the stone down the well in [[Moria]].<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref>
* ''[[Ernil i Pheriannath]]'' - [[Sindarin]] for "Prince of the Halflings", a 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>
* [[Guard of the Citadel]] - the office Pippin held when he swore fealty to [[Denethor II|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>{{App|Later}}</ref>

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

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Basil Jones]] provided the voice of Pippin.

'''1978: ''[[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)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Mac McCaddon]] provided the voice of Pippin.
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Pippin was voiced by the American actor [[Sonny Melendrez]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
: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]].

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:[[Billy Boyd]] played Pippin. His characterization differed from the book, as he was more heavily relied upon for comic relief in the movies than in the book.

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

==See also==
* [[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]]
* [[:Category:Images of Peregrin Took|Images of Peregrin Took]]
* [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
* [[Took Family]]
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Took Family]]
| born={{TA|2990}}
| died=After {{FoA|64}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Paladin Took II]]
| list=32nd [[Thain]] of [[The Shire]]
| dates={{SR|1434}} - {{SR|1484|n}}
| next=[[Faramir Took I]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{fellowship}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Thains]]
[[Category:Took]]
[[de:Peregrin Tuk]]
[[fa:پره‌گرین توک]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:touque:peregrin_touque]]
[[fi:Peregrin Tuk]]

Meriadoc Brandybuck

2011-07-30T01:51:59Z

Iorhael: /* Portrayal in adaptations */

{{sources}}
{{hobbit
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|250px]]
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| othernames=Merry, the Magnificent, [[Kalimac Brandagamba]] (his true [[Westron]] name)
| birth= Early in the year {{SR|1382}}
| death=Between {{SR|1486}} and {{SR|1495|n}}
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] [[Esmeralda Took]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]]
| gender= Male
| height= Taller than average Hobbit
| hair= Brown
| eyes=
}}
{{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]]''}}

'''Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck''', called '''The Magnificent''', was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck]]. Merry (as he was often called), was the heir of the [[Brandybuck Family|Brandybucks]] to [[Brandy Hall]], and eventually became the Master there.

==History==
Meriadoc was a part of and apparently led the [[Conspirators]], a group of Frodo's friends (namely [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Fredegar Bolger]], and himself) who sought to protect him (and [[The One Ring|the Ring]]). Eventually, they revealed themselves to him, and demanded to be taken along when Frodo left [[Crickhollow]]. Merry had already arranged for provisions and ponies, so they were able to start right away.

During the following trip to [[Bree]], Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the [[Old Forest]] than any of the other Hobbits, and with them encountered [[Old Man Willow]], a [[Barrow-wights|Barrow-wight]], and [[Tom Bombadil]].

Upon reaching [[Bree]], Merry had an encounter with the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], and bravely followed them until he passed out from exposure to the [[Black Breath]]. During the trip through the wild with [[Aragorn]], then known as 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]].

At the gate of [[Khazad-dûm|Moria]], he was commended by [[Gandalf]] for being "''of all people''" on the right track with the riddle (though this was hardly his fault). His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well running ahead with Pippin. When they reached [[Lothlórien]], he was allowed to sleep in a [[talan]] with Frodo, Sam, Pippin and a few elven guards. He, as with the rest of the Comapny, went blindfolded into the Woods of Lorien in a show of support for Gimli, who had to be blindfolded due to being a dwarf.

After the Breaking of the Fellowship Merry and Pippin tried to distract the orcs from Frodo, but ended up being cornered. Boromir came to their rescue, but the number of the Uruk-hai were too many and eventually he was felled by their leader, Ugluk. Captured with Pippin by [[Uruk-hai]], they were separated from the rest of the Fellowship. Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive [[Grishnákh]] into thinking they had the One Ring, and he could have it. During the attack by [[Éomer]] and his [[Rohirrim|Outriders]] they escaped into [[Fangorn Forest]], meeting [[Treebeard]]. They thus became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of Fangorn Forest. They were present at the [[Entmoot]], and the resulting destruction of [[Isengard]].

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''".

Merry 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. In this manner he rode to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], having a secret understanding with [[Elfhelm]] and several others of the Rohirrim.

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 to protect her. He stabbed the Witch-king through the calf with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]] he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith. He fainted as Éowyn finished off the Witch-king with a thrust into the head.

Almost killed by the Black Breath, he was revived with Éowyn by Aragorn in the [[Houses of Healing]]. Because of his condition he was unable to go to the [[Battle of the Morannon]], but attended afterwards 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.

Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the uprising against [[Sharkey]] and his [[Ruffians]]. He was afterwards known as '''Meriadoc the Magnificent''', and lived to be [[Master of Buckland]]. He lived to a ripe old age, coming down to Rohan (presumably after the death of his wife [[Estella Brandybuck|Estella Bolger]]) at the request of King Éomer, having lived 102 years. After the King died, he went to Gondor with his likewise aging friend Pippin, where they both died several years later, and were laid in [[Rath Dínen]]. It was said that they were laid beside [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] upon his death.

==Character==

He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ringbearer]], 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.

He can easily be recognized 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'. He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with [[Fredegar Bolger|Fatty Bolger]] to [[Crickhollow]] to prepare his newly-bought home.

{{:Brandybuck Family}}

==Inspiration==
''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 house of [[Rohan]].<ref> [[Mark T. Hooker]], ''[[The Hobbitonian Anthology]]'', p. 57</ref> Tolkien himself comments on the ''Celtic cast'' of this and other [[Buckland]] and [[Bree]] names that end in –ac, -ic, -oc. <ref>{{HM|PM}}, "[[The Appendix on Languages]]"</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
: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 voice of Merry was provided by [[Simon Chandler]].

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

'''1980: ''[[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)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
: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''.

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
: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.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
: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]].
{{fellowship}}

{{references}}
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]

[[fa:مریادوک برندی‌باک]]

Legolas

2011-07-30T01:44:55Z

Iorhael: /* After the War of the Ring */

{{sources}}
{{cleanup}} 
{{disambig-two|the elf of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]|the elf in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]''|[[Legolas (Elf of Gondolin)]]}}
{{sindar infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Legolas2.jpg|250px]]
| name=Legolas
| othernames=Greenleaf
| titles=Prince of [[Mirkwood]]
| position=
| realm=[[Woodland Realm]]; [[Ithilien]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]]
| birth=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{FoA|120}}
| deathlocation=Sailed [[Aman|West]] (not dead)
| age=
| house=
| parentage=[[Thranduil]]
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=
| clothing=Green and brown garb
| weapons=Bow and long white knife
| steed=
}} '''Legolas''' was a [[Sindar|Sindarin]] Elf of the [[Silvan Elves|Silvan]] realm of [[Mirkwood]], the only recorded son of King [[Thranduil]]. He became famous because of his membership in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in which he served as one of their most valuable assets because of his superior sight, hearing, lightness of foot, and unrivaled archery. Despite this, however, he played only a minor role in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', and the least is known about him, perhaps, of all the members in the company.

==History==
===Early History===
Legolas was alive during the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and it is most likely that he took place in it, though nothing is mentioned of it.

===Fellowship of the Ring===
His first real mention was at the [[Council of Elrond]], as a messenger from his father [[Thranduil]]. He was dressed in green and brown, and his eyes were keen. His message was specifically to [[Gandalf]] – namely, that [[Gollum]] had escaped. [[Aragorn]] then immediately wondered out loud how Thranduil’s people could permit this. Legolas was quick to state that it was not through lack of watchfulness; if anything, from over-kindness, and related the details to the council. He spoke little for the rest of the council, if at all, but later volunteered (or was chosen by [[Elrond]]) to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]] as the only elven member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His capabilities would be welcomed, and would be his primary claim to fame for the rest of his life.

For the early part of the quest they went in single file, with Legolas at the back. Later, however, we appear to find him at the head of the company as they entered [[Hollin]], for The Lord of the Rings states “[[Gimli]]… had come up with Legolas, and was gazing out before him…”. Though all in the Company could feel the wholesomeness of the country, only Legolas could hear the stones lament the lost presence of the [[Elves]], and his words were poignant.

As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge. He also attempted (unsuccessfully) to light a fire. The storm troubled him least of all the company, and it is written “he alone of the Company remained still light of heart”. After they were determined to retreat, [[Boromir]] and Aragorn tried to push a path through the snow to get out, while Legolas danced lightly on top, passing them easily. He soon spotted the way out for the rest of the company, and a bit of sarcasm edged his speech at Boromir’s words that they (the “strongest”) must seek a way out, when he said “There is the greatest wind-drift of all just beyond the turn, and there our Strong Men were almost buried”. The paragraphs in this section suggest the attributes of youth and unquenchable gaiety.

Perhaps a bit grumpy with the irrepressibility of the elf, Boromir during the vote as to whether or not they should pass through [[Moria]], asked “What do Legolas and the little folk say?” Legolas voted against the passage with Boromir, but was overruled, especially when [[Warg]] voices were heard. During their defense against these beasts, Legolas did more than perhaps all the rest of the company except Gandalf, shooting numerous wargs. Legolas collected his arrows unharmed (except for one) after the fight.

Legolas played only the most minor of parts in Moria. Though it is said that he had eyes that could see well in the dark, strangely, he seems not to possess this quality in the caves. For it is written that [[Frodo Baggins]] (due to his [[Morgul-knife]] wound) could see better than any of the company in the dark, except perhaps Gandalf. Legolas had to drag Gimli from the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] when the [[Dwarves|dwarf]] almost refused to go. Legolas was the first of the Company to recognize [[Durin's Bane]] as a [[Balrogs|Balrog]], or at least the first to express his dismay at the fact.

Legolas was most enthusiastic about coming to [[Lothlórien]], describing it to the rest of the Company, and mourning the fact that it was winter and they could not witness it in the pinnacle of its glory. As they rested by the [[Nimrodel (river)|Nimrodel]], Legolas told them tales of Lothlórien, and sang the [[Song of Nimrodel]] to them. Upon hearing the other Elves of Lórien, Legolas listened and responded in their own tongue. When [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded that they said he breathed so loud they could shoot him in the dark, horrifying Samwise until Legolas added that they need not fear them.

Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], with Frodo only (Sam following, as always). The Galadhrim had heard him singing and knew he came from [[Mirkwood]]. They would readily accept all of the fellowship, save Gimli, because of his race and the grievances between his and theirs. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". Legolas was forced by the others to go blindfolded into Lórien, especially at the urging of Gimli, who hated the thought of going such. Indeed, he declared he would submit himself to this restraint only if "Legolas here shares my blindness". In the end, Legolas had no choice but to submit.

Legolas would not translate the Elven lamentations for Gandalf, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however (with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] working its magic on the dwarf), he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship never to be broken. He was one of those of the Company that could handle boats, and so was assigned to one with the dwarf. He received a bow and quiver such as the Galadhrim used.

[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|250px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]].]]After ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and searched for a mark to shoot at. As a dread fell on the Company, Legolas invoked the name of [[Elbereth Gilthoniel]], and shot the descending [[Fell beast]] from the sky, a masterful shot in the dark.

===The Three Hunters===
When ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many [[orcs]] until his arrows ran out, then used his knife. Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], he sang a lament for Boromir, who had fallen, with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind which came from the Sea. Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.

Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty [[Éomer]], threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. He let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn Forest]]. Under its eaves, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire. He was reluctant to enter Fangorn, having no knowledge about it save for the stories of the [[Onodrim]], and that it was very old. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own opinion.

Upon entering Fangorn itself, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the [[Three Hunters]] met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s round encouragement Legolas did not shoot him, feeling moral objections to this. The old man declared "''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''" Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognized that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added "''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''"

===With the Rohirrim===
Legolas was a leader in the conversation with Gandalf, being the first to ask about Merry & Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered [[Galadriel]]’s messages to each of them, Legolas' being:

<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left:20px;">
''Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
''In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!
''If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
''Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.
</poem>

Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both the of [[Isengard]] and [[Edoras]] from afar. At the gates of [[Meduseld]], Legolas was the only one to lay down his weapons without hesitation. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden|Théoden King]], and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer's horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared "''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''"

[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' by [[John Howe]].]]As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that though he did not like the place, Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the [[Rohirrim]]. At the opening of the battle Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.

Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a visit to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of the Gimli, Aragorn, and the [[Hobbits]].

===The Return of the King===
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Drawn by [[Luca Michelucci]].]]When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.

Amidst the paths of the dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone (save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond|Elrond's]] sons) felt no fear of the [[Dead Men]], and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he dropped off there, while Gimli promptly said "''For my part I heeded them not''". Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken [[the One Ring]].

Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and several times that day afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of [[Men]] to the dubious Gimli.

===Battle of the Morannon and Aftermath===
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in the honor of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.

After attending the [[Coronation of Elessar]], Legolas remained (at the urging of Aragorn) in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time. During the parting of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]], Legolas went with Gimli to Aglarond. After that, he rode off with Gimli to visit [[Fangorn Forest]].

===After the War of the Ring===
As noted in [[Appendix A]]: ''Of Durin's Folk'', Legolas returned to Minas Tirith with a company of Wood-elves, and they made [[Ithilien]] a green and fair land once more. After King Aragorn died, Legolas sailed West, taking Gimli with him.

==Character==
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through [[Caradhras]] and even the [[Paths of the Dead]] without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he treated the "strong men" on Caradhras, whom Boromir (excluding Legolas) had said could forge a way out through the snow. He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli’s words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]]. It can be assumed despite his suggested age of 500-700 that he had never before come near to the Sea, for his heart became suddenly torn when he heard the Gulls at [[Pelargir]], and could never remove their mewing from his mind. His naiveté is demonstrated again when Legolas comments that Aragorn has journeyed further than he has.

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree |ORO| | |ORO=[[Oropher]]}}
{{familytree | |!| |}}
{{familytree |THR| | |THR=[[Thranduil]]}}
{{familytree | |!| |}}
{{familytree |LEG| | |LEG='''LEGOLAS'''}}
{{familytree/end}}

== Etymology ==
The name '''Legolas''' is a [[Silvan Elvish|Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means "Greenleaf". This shows that '''''Greenleaf''''' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]''), but a translation of his name. It consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', green; and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''[[lass|las(s)]]'', "leaf").<ref>{{L|211}}</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 84, 153</ref> The [[Qenya]] form (mentioned in the ''Book of Lost Tales'' in the context of another character of that name) is ''Laiqualassë''.<ref>{{LT2|IIIn}}, §2 Entries in the Name-list to The Fall of Gondolin</ref> In later material by Tolkien, the [[Quenya]] cognate of Laegolas is said to be ''Laicolasse''.<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 56</ref><ref>[[Helge Fauskanger]], [http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/quen-eng.htm ''Quettaparma Quenyallo'']. Entry for '''laica'''. Retrieved 30 August 2010.</ref>

There might, however, be a certain meaning to his name: ''laeg'' is a very rare, archaic word for green, which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''Calenhad'', mutated ''Parth Galen'' and plural ''Pinnath Gelin'') and is otherwise almost only preserved in ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'' (Sindarin form of Quenya [[Laiquendi]]), the ''Green Elves'' of the First Age.

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Ralph Bakshi's Legolas.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''</center>
Image:Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]''</center>
Image:Legolas viv lotr.JPG|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]''</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Frank Duncan]] was the voice of Legolas.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]]. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel's]] place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[John Vickery]] provided the voice of Legolas.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in this film, as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[David Collings]] provided the voice of Legolas.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Michael Reisz]] provided the voice of Legolas.

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].

:In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendix B|Appendices]].

:He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.

:Legolas wears green and grey clothes and uses boots, in contrast to Tolkien's green and "brown" clothes and "light shoes". It is notable that in the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Special Extended DVD Edition|extended DVD edition]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', a scene in Lothlórien is included in which Legolas is wearing a different costume than his normal. This was in fact his original costume, which was later changed due to the filmmaker's dissatisfaction with it.

:Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. It is not clear whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.

:Due to technical mishaps involving Orlando Bloom's contact lenses, in the films Legolas' eye colour sometimes changes between brown, purple, and blue. This was justified by the notion that Elves' eyes change colour with their mood. This idea subsequently spread to fanfiction. However, it is pure [[fanon]], and is nowhere to be found in Tolkien's writings, and is often simply meant as a joke. In any case, his eye color was probably grey; see [[Elven Characteristics#Eye colour|here]] for more details. Another common explanation for Legolas' changing eye color is the obvious fact that light reflects off objects differently in different conditions and that, therefore, the Elf's eyes "seem" to change color in different lighting environments.

:Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas' "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming a unprecedented fan favorite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Although the disproportionate popular reaction to Legolas met with mixed reactions from fans, many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely. [[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas:
{{quote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]}}

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Grant George]] provides the voice of Legolas.<ref>http://www.dynamicduovo.com/aboutgrant.html</ref>

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Crispin Freeman]] plays Legolas.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crispin_freeman_fansite/message/9438</ref>

'''2012-13: ''[[The Hobbit films]]'':'''
: Orlando Bloom will return as Legolas in Peter Jackson's adaptation of the Hobbit.

==See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Legolas|Images of Legolas]]
* [[Legolas/disputes]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/l/legolas.html Legolas Greenleaf] at the Encyclopedia of Arda

{{fellowship}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Silvan Elves]]
[[Category:Silvan Elvish names]]
[[Category:Sindar]]
[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]
[[fa:لگولاس]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/teleri/sindar/legolas]]
[[fi:Legolas]]

Éowyn

2011-07-30T01:26:40Z

Iorhael: /* History */

{{rohirrim infobox
| image=[[Image:Ellaine - Eowyn.jpg|250px]]
| name=Éowyn
| othernames=White Lady of Rohan, Dernhelm, and Lady of the Shield-arm
| position=Lady of Rohan.
| noinline=
| birth={{TA|2995}}
| rule=
| death=Some time during the early [[Fourth Age]]
| gender=Female
| description=
| parentage=[[Éomund]] + [[Théodwyn]]
| siblings=[[Éomer]]
| spouse=[[Faramir]]
| children=[[Elboron]]
|}}
{{quote|Then, '''Éowyn of Rohan''', I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful. It may be that only a few days are left ere darkness falls upon our world, and when it comes I hope to face it steadily; but it would ease my heart, if while the Sun yet shines, I could see you still. For you and I have both passed under the wings of the Shadow, and the same hand drew us back.|[[Faramir]]<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref>}}

'''Éowyn''' ({{TA|2995}} – [[Fourth Age]] ?), the '''Lady of Rohan''', was also known as the [[Lady of the Shield-arm]], the [[White Lady of Rohan]]<ref group="note">Éowyn was known as "Lady of Rohan" in Rohan, but as "White Lady of Rohan" in Ithilien (due to her pale complexion).</ref>, and Lady of Ithilien. She was a member of the [[House of Eorl]] and the niece of King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]]. She was the daughter of Théoden's sister, [[Théodwyn]], and [[Éomund]] of Eastfold. Her brother was [[Éomer|Éomer Éadig]].<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref>

== History ==
Following the death of her parents in {{TA|3002}}, Éowyn and Éomer were brought into Théoden's house and there raised. Éowyn grew to be tall and slender, with a grace and pride that came from her mother.<ref name="Mark"/>

Prior to the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], Éowyn was left to care for [[Meduseld]] when Théoden and Éomer led the remaining [[Rohirrim]] to the west. King Théoden in fact named her ruler of [[Rohan]] in his and Éomer's absence when the Doorward [[Háma]] recommended that one of "The House of Eorl" should rule. (At Théoden first only thought of male members, and he and Éomer were the last males of the House, but Háma reminded them of Éowyn, who "is fearless" and that "all love her".)<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref>

Éowyn revealed her temperament when [[Aragorn]] was about to ride into the mountains to attempt to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Unable to dissuade him, she offered to accompany him, declaring herself "weary of skulking in the hills, and wish to face peril and battle." The only thing she feared was a cage. However, Aragorn reminded her of her charge to govern the people until the king's return and left without her.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>

Later, when the forces of Rohan were mustered to go to Gondor, Éowyn disguised herself as a man, and under the alias of '''Dernhelm''', traveled with the Riders of Rohan, carrying with her [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], who was also ordered to remain behind.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref>

During the [[battle of the Pelennor Fields]] she fought by King Théoden, and when he was injured during combat with the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], she and Merry scrambled to help him. Confronting the Witch-king, who boasted that "no living man may hinder me," she removed her helmet, exposing her long blond hair and declaring,

<blockquote>''"No living man am I! You look upon a woman."''</blockquote>

Just as MacDuff disconcerted [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Macbeth Macbeth] by revealing he was not "of woman born", Lady Éowyn found the loophole in the 1,000-year-old prophecy by [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel]], fulfilling that the Witch-king would not be slain by a man. However, the Witch-king actually recited the prophecy incorrectly: he said that "no living man may hinder me," though the prophecy actually said that "Not by the hand of Man ''will'' he fall."<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Glorfindel's prophesy, unlike his own version, implies that the Witch-king will eventually fall, and the Witch-king likely overestimated his own power and believed he would never be defeated.

Lady Éowyn slew the Witch-king after Merry stabbed him behind the knee. Strictly speaking, Merry is also "no man," being a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]. However, the stab behind the knee likely wouldn't have been fatal, even if it did break the bonds that "bent his unseen sinews to his will." The consensus seems to be that Merry's stab made the Witch-king vulnerable while Eowyn's slash actually resulted in death. She was granted the title "Lady of the Shield-arm" after the Battle in recognition of her triumph over the Witch-king.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref>

Lady Éowyn was severely injured in this fight, and because of the poisonous effect of the Nazgûl, she faced near-certain death; however, she was treated in time by Aragorn during his brief rest in [[Minas Tirith]]. Since she didn't yet recover completely, she couldn't join Aragorn's army on their way to [[Mordor]]. However, while recuperating in the [[Houses of Healing]], she met [[Faramir]], with whom she fell in love. After the demise of [[Sauron]], the happily wed couple settled in [[Ithilien]], of which Faramir was made the ruling Prince. Éowyn was not known as the Princess of Ithilien, rather as the Lady of Ithilien.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> They had at least one son (likely [[Elboron]]),<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref> and their grandson was [[Barahir (grandson of Faramir)|Barahir]], who wrote ''[[The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen]]'' in the Fourth Age.<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref> The date of Éowyn's death is nowhere recorded.

Éowyn's role in the stories challenges conventional stereotypes of the role of women. She succeeds where a man would have failed in slaying the [[Witch-king]] and throughout the books even when recovering from the wounds bought in that conflict rebels against being left behind while the men go off to win glory in war. Her role more than any other female within the mythology challenges accusations of sexism commonly leveled at [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] and in many ways (intentionally or not) displays attitudes ahead of his time in regards to social equality.

== Etymology ==
''Éowyn'' means "Horse-joy" in [[Old English]] (being a combination of her parents' names: [[Éomund]] and [[Théodwyn]]),<ref name="Intro">{{HM|IE}}, "The Giving of Names", p. 216</ref> the language [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] adapted to represent [[Rohirric]].<ref name="L144">{{L|144}}</ref>

== Pronunciation ==
The first syllable of Lady Éowyn's name sounds like "eh-ah," with the "ah" just barely pronounced. As in Scandinavian, the ''y'' in the second syllable is the same sound as the German letter ''ü'' or the French ''u''. The actors in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]] consistently pronounce her name as well as the names of [[Éomer]] and [[Théoden]] in a manner inconsistent with most reconstructions of Old English pronunciation.

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Eowyn from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''</center>
Image:Eowyn from Rankin-Bass' The Return of the King.jpg|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]''</center>
Image:Eowyn in Peter Jackson's The Two Towers.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1955-6: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Olive Gregg]] provides the voice of Éowyn.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Éowyn is briefly seen, but has no lines.

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|The Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Éowyn is portrayed by [[Karen Hurley]].

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Éowyn is voiced by actress [[Nellie Bellflower]]. She appears unintroduced, but Merry fills Pippin (and so the spectator) in on the details. She is not terribly wounded, and appears healthy besides Faramir at the coronation.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Elin Jenkins]] plays the part of Éowyn.

'''2002-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Éowyn is portrayed by [[Miranda Otto]]. Jackson's adaptation shows two different explanations for Éowyn's injuries after fighting the Witch-king. In the Theatrical Release, her wounds are less severe than in the book; she is conscious but hurt, as opposed to unconscious. In the extended scenes of the Extended Edition, she is near death: her brother finds her and grieves, and later we see her being healed in the Houses of Healing, where she shares a tender moment with Faramir.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Éowyn|Images of Éowyn]]
==Notes==
<references group="note"/>
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eowyn}}
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Feminine names]]

[[fa:ائووین]]

User talk:Iorhael

2011-07-30T00:38:41Z

Iorhael:

{{MediaWiki:NewUserMessage|Iorhael}}

==Hello!==

Hello Iorhael and welcome to TG! I noticed you merged Melkor (which indeed has been marked with the Template:Merge) with Morgoth. However, this is a quite "major" revision, and we would need a broad consent for such a merge. Please discuss such possibly controversial moves on the talk pages first. I would personally say that non-controversial merges are such when we have split an article between English names and Elvish (or other invented) names (there are editors who still want to keep Elvish names in separate articles). --[[User:Morgan|Morgan]] 00:31, 30 July 2011 (UTC)

I see! I've undone a few such changes that I have made. Thanks! --[[User:Iorhael|Iorhael]] 00:38, 30 July 2011 (UTC)

Olórin

2011-07-30T00:36:20Z

Iorhael: Undo revision 166799 by Iorhael (Talk)

{{merge|Gandalf}}
{{youmay|the title ''Olórin''|'''[[Gandalf]]'''}}
'''Olórin''' (pron. {{IPA|[oˈloːrin]}}), [[Gandalf]]'s original name in [[Valinor]]<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref>, was a [[Maia]]<ref>{{S|II}}: "Of the Maiar"</ref>.
==Etymology==
''Olórin'' is [[Quenya]] and its meaning is associated with the Quenya word [[olos|''olos'' or ''olor'']], meaning "dream" or "vision / of mind").<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 88</ref>

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Olórion''.<ref>{{WR|2|V}}</ref>
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Olorin}}
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[de:Gandalf#Namen und Titel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/olorin]]
[[fi:Olórin]]

Incánus

2011-07-30T00:36:18Z

Iorhael: Undo revision 166800 by Iorhael (Talk)

{{merge|Gandalf}}
'''Incánus''' was [[Gandalf]]'s name "in the south" (probably meaning no further south than [[Gondor]] or the [[Near Harad]]<ref name=UT13/>), gained during his long travels in [[Middle-earth]] in the mid-[[Third Age]].<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref>
==Etymology==
Although ''Incánus'' seems to be of unclear language and meaning, a note in the [[Thain's Book]] says it is a [[Quenya]] form simply adapted from a word in the tongue of the [[Haradrim]]: ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref name=UT13>{{UT|13}}</ref>
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] several times changed his mind about the meaning of ''Incánus''. Besides the etymology given above, his other variations were:
*Archaic [[Quenya]] word meaning "Mind-ruler", from ''in(id)''- ("mind") and ''cáno'' ("ruler, governor, chieftain")<ref name=UT13/>
*An adaptation from Quenya ''incānus(se)'', meaning "mind mastership"<ref name=PE17>{{PE|17}}, p. 88</ref>
*A possible [[Westron]] invention meaning Greymantle<ref name=UT13/>
In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', different names used were ''Forlong''>>''Fornold''>>''Incânus''.<ref>{{WR|2|V}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
''Incánus'' in Latin means "grey-haired". Although [[Christopher Tolkien]] has noted that the "coincidence in form" might be an "accident",<ref name=UT13/> his father wrote "Incánus Latin" in a later published manuscript,<ref name=PE17/> suggesting that the similarity was perhaps mere than a coincidence.
{{references}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Incanus}}
[[Category:Mannish words]]
[[de:/Incánus#Namen und Titel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/incanus]]
[[fi:Incánus]]

Tharkûn

2011-07-30T00:36:14Z

Iorhael: Undo revision 166801 by Iorhael (Talk)

{{merge|Gandalf}}
'''Tharkûn''' ({{IPA|[tʰarkuːn]}}) was the name given to [[Gandalf]] by the [[Dwarves]].<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> ''Tharkûn'' is [[Khuzdul]], meaning either "Grey-man".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 88</ref> or "Staff-man"<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
==Etymology==
The word possibly derives from the unattested word ''thark'' "staf" and an nominal ending ''[[-ûn]]''.<Ref>Mellonath Daeron, "[http://www.forodrim.org/daeron/md_khuzdul.html An analysis of Dwarvish]" (accessed [[11 October|11]] [[October]] [[2010]])</ref>

==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In a draft manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', occurs the spelling ''Sharkûn''.<ref>{{WR|2|V}}</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:Khuzdul words]]
[[Category:Maiar]]

Mithrandir

2011-07-30T00:36:01Z

Iorhael: Undo revision 166802 by Iorhael (Talk)

{{merge|Gandalf}}
{{main|Gandalf}}
{{quote|'Mithrandir, Mithrandir' sang the [[Elves]], 'O Pilgrim Grey!' For so they loved to call him.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], [[The Mirror of Galadriel]]}}
'''Mithrandir''' is the [[Sindarin]] name given to the [[wizards|wizard]] [[Gandalf]]. The name was most common among the Elves, [[Gondorians]], and [[Dúnedain]].

==Meaning==
''Mithrandir'' translates to "Grey Pilgrim" or "Grey Wanderer" (''[[mith]]'' "grey" + ''[[randir]]'' "pilgrim, wandering man".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 320</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 60</ref>
{{references}}
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Mithrandir#Namen und Titel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/maiar/istari/mithrandir]]
[[fi:Mithrandir]]

Mithrandir

2011-07-30T00:29:46Z

Iorhael: Redirected page to Gandalf

#REDIRECT [[Gandalf]]

Tharkûn

2011-07-30T00:29:21Z

Iorhael: Redirected page to Gandalf

#REDIRECT [[Gandalf]]

Incánus

2011-07-30T00:29:16Z

Iorhael: Redirected page to Gandalf

#REDIRECT [[Gandalf]]

Olórin

2011-07-30T00:29:11Z

Iorhael: Redirected page to Gandalf

#REDIRECT [[Gandalf]]

Gandalf

2011-07-30T00:29:08Z

Iorhael: /* Names */

{{Sources}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{Istari infobox
| image=[[Image:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gandalf
| othernames=The Grey, The White, [[Olórin]], [[Mithrandir]], [[Incánus]], [[Tharkûn]], The White Rider, Gandalf Greyhame, [[Stormcrow]], [[Gandalf#Wand-elf|Wand-elf]], [[Láthspell]]
| coming=[[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]]<ref name="Istari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
| duty=[[Istari]]
| death=Died/Reborn [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]], sailed back to [[Aman]] [[Third Age 3021|T.A. 3021]]
| gender=Male
| robes=Grey, later White
| hair=Grey
| appearance=Bent old man (approx 5'6")<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, page 49</ref> with long beard and eyebrows<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>|}}{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|"[[Many Meetings]]"<ref name="Meetings"/>}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in [[Third Age 3019|3019]], chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. Gandalf was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of [[wizards]]. After his fall in Moria, Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. Gandalf was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Coming to Middle-earth===

Olórin was a [[Maiar|Maia]] who dwelt in the [[Lórien in Valinor|gardens]] of [[Irmo]] in Valinor.<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref> As a pupil of [[Nienna]], Olórin was said to be the wisest of the Maiar; he learned pity and patience from his teacher. When the Valar chose five emissaries, the [[Istari]], from among the Maiar to go to [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]], [[Manwë]] selected Olórin.<ref name="Istari"/> The other four were Saruman, [[Radagast]], [[Pallando]], and [[Alatar]]. These messengers were to assist the free peoples in opposing [[Sauron]], who still existed as a 'dark spirit of malice' despite his body's destruction in the downfall of [[Númenor]]. Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth. Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë, and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year T.A. 1000.<ref name="Istari"/> He arrived after the others at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]].

At Mithlond he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from Valinor, sent earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three Elven Rings]] of power. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin, with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labors. Then Círdan said “''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''”<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

Olórin then began his sojourn in Middle-earth. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him [[Mithrandir]], the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him Gandalf, which became his most common name. He was also known as ''[[Incánus]]'' (in the south), and '[[Tharkûn]]'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari"/>

[[Image:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]Gandalf, like the other Wizards, took the shape of an old man. He was robed in gray and went about as a wanderer and counselor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not go east and did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf apparently restricted his activities to the North-west of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron.

===Early Vigilance===

Around [[Third Age 1100|1100]]<ref name="ThirdAge"/>, the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of Arnor. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in [[Third Age 2063|2063]] to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him and Gandalf could not discover his identity<ref name="Rings"/>. Afterwards, the evil there seemed to desist, and the era of the [[Watchful Peace]] began.

This peace lasted for almost four hundred years, but the Necromancer again returned to Dol Guldur in [[Third Age 2460|2460]]<ref name="ThirdAge"/>. In response, the Wise formed the [[White Council]] three years later. Though [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, it was in the end Saruman who took this place-- because of his vast knowledge, but also because Gandalf refused this position, wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence<ref name="Rings"/>.

[[Image:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]In [[Third Age 2850|2850]], Gandalf again entered Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy<ref name="ThirdAge"/>. There he found out many things. First and foremost, the Necromancer was no Nazgûl – it was Sauron himself. Also, Gandalf found [[Thráin II|Thráin]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Erebor]], in the dungeons. The last of the [[Seven Rings]] of the Dwarves had been taken from him; Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost One Ring.

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council<ref name="Rings"/>. After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait; that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea. The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the age was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many “strange chances," and that, “''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak''”. Gandalf did not yet realize that Saruman now wanted the ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of river Anduin.

===The Quest for Erebor===

In [[Third Age 2941|2941]]<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Gandalf happened across the dwarf lord [[Thorin Oakenshield]] while staying the night in [[Bree]]<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>. Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through the Shire on his way to the [[Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf wanted to discuss the [[Dragons|dragon]] [[Smaug]] with Thorin.

Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a 'burglar' of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered an adventuresome Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] he had met some years before. By this time, however, Bilbo was far from 'adventuresome.'<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin. Gandalf then accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. During the journey Gandalf obtained a sword known as [[Glamdring]] from a [[troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it for the rest of his life<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref>.

Gandalf helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]], saving them several times from orcs and other calamities. It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a 'magic ring.'<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> Bilbo initially claimed he 'won' it from the creature '[[Gollum]]' while the company was under the Misty Mountains<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref>. The ring conferred invisibility on Bilbo when he wore it, and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time. Gandalf, for his part, found himself amazed by the hobbit; until then the wise had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family.

Gandalf left the quest prior to its completion, yet the quest was successful: Smaug was killed<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> and the Orcs and [[Wargs]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] were defeated by an alliance of the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], the men of Dale, and the [[Nandor]] Elves of Mirkwood in the [[Battle of Five Armies]]<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien<ref name="Erebor"/>.

===The War of the Ring===
====The Return of the Shadow====

Gandalf had left Thorin and Company before reaching the edge of [[Mirkwood]] to attend a White Council meeting in the South. The Council was meeting under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur. Even Saruman was willing by this time, for now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay Sauron's search for the Ring. The Council put forth its strength and drove Sauron from Mirkwood.

Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after he was driven out of Mirkwood, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in 2951 and rebuilt the [[Barad-dûr]]. Sauron then began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar still in Middle-earth. Sauron ordered armies of [[Easterlings]] from Khand and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] to reinforce his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; they were further reinforced by armies of men from South Harad. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying in Mordor; Sauron's minions also were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring. Despite the terror they induced, in 3018 Sauron sent the Nazgûl north to search for his ring as well.

[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Arrival of Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Arrival of Gandalf'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]

During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and Baggins’s nephew, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]. He noted Bilbo’s unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious 'magic ring' that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own-- Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from Gollum. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was now very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions; he convinced Bilbo to pass the ring on to Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the 'magic ring' was indeed a ring of power.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden heir of Arnor, in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and soon became friends with him. From that point on Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end-- the defeat of Sauron.
Keen now to find out more about Gollum, he went to Aragorn, and with his help captured Gollum. With Gollum’s tale, and the records in [[Minas Tirith]], he pieced together the missing history of the One Ring in [[Third Age 3017|3017]]. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to the Barad-dûr. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned not only of the 'magic ring,' but also the names 'Shire' and 'Baggins.' Gandalf now returned in haste to the Shire, certain that Frodo's ring was not simply a ring of power: it was the One Ruling Ring of Sauron.

====The Treachery of Saruman====

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Gandalf escapes upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]After Gandalf’s fears were confirmed, he returned to the Shire and advised Frodo to leave as soon as possible, promising to return before a farewell party for Bilbo in autumn of that year ([[Third Age 3018|3018]]), and to escort him to Rivendell. Gandalf also told Frodo about the creature Gollum, to which Frodo exclaimed that he should have been killed. Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for them to decide who should live and who should die. He then set out to seek the advice of Saruman, supposedly still the head of the order.

Hearing disturbing news from [[Radagast]], he gave [[Barliman Butterbur]] a letter for Frodo (which was never delivered) urging him to act without hesitation. Soon thereafter he arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring. He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape. Gandalf knew he must return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and now Saruman's treacherous desire for the ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift. This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf, and was seeking the refuge of [[Rivendell]]. Upon arrival Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree, but fortunately found there that Frodo had recently left the town with 'Strider,' the local name for Aragorn: a hope which far exceeded his expectations. Gandalf then made for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area. There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame. He then went directly to Rivendell, where he welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival several days later, Frodo being sorely wounded but still in possession of the ring.

====The Fellowship of the Ring====

Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision regarding the ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples happened to be in Rivendell already for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the Fellowship of the Ring as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realization by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard. When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm he then decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarf city of [[Khazad-dûm]] was now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loathe enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as 'Durin's Bane.'

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - At the Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''At the Bridge'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonize Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then Gandalf was well aware of their location, and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.

Unfortunately [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realized what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]], a servant of the first dark lord. In a spectacular display of bravery Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge both stood upon, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out and grasped Gandalf by the ankle, pulling him down. Clinging to the edge of the passageway, Gandalf shouted 'Fly, you fools' and vanished into the abyss.

[[Image:John Howe - Zirak-zigil.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Zirak-zigil'' by [[John Howe]]]]Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of Arda. Gandalf finally pursued the beast up the [[Endless Stair]] to the peak of [[Celebdil]], where he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they dueled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

====Gandalf the White====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever at this time. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin/Gandalf was sent back to mortal lands by [[Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to 'reveal' more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength. This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succor those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his 'unveiled' strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.

As he lay naked on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo and Sam had left the Fellowship and were attempting the quest of Mount Doom alone. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. Gandalf by now was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]] (along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin) moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council. Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defense as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

====The Siege of Minas Tirith====
[[Image:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]] As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[palantír]], Gandalf took the hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward’s younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him; later Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counter attack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor now lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death; he abandoned his leadership of the city. Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defense of the city. When the gigantic ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move-- seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the Riders of Rohan, the Witch-king departed.

But Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to commit suicide in the high tower, burning himself and his son Faramir on a pyre like the heathen Kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this madness and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf also learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: Denethor clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned. Clearly Denethor had been using the stone's special properties for some time-- extending his vision far beyond those of mannish eyes, but also wrestling in thought with Sauron. And even though Sauron could not completely overwhelm Denethor's mind, his courage was daunted by knowledge of the vast might of Mordor. Thus the shadow entered into the capital of Gondor.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and the hobbit Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Lord Aragorn arrived with a large valour of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the elder days, had defeated Sauron's first move.

====The Last Battle====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the west and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, Imrahil, and Éomer (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the west would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the Morannon, thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan surely would result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril]]-coat and Arnor-blade 'Sting' and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom and even as the Battle of Morannon began Frodo stood at the Crack of Doom. But the power and lure of the ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realized his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his ring.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the ringbearer, seized the ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountian erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling, the Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered like frightened insects; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted on [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for a third time, and set out to see if Frodo and Samwise had survived the tumults of [[Mount Doom]]. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions. The great quest was over.

===End of the Order===
In Minas Tirith Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf (at Aragorn’s request) set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''" Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle with the Shire, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].

[[Image:Danny Staten - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Grey Havens'' by [[Danny Staten]]]]What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September|September 29]], [[Third Age 3021|3021]], he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the latter two of which he had forewarned of the passage), then mounted the Grey Ship beside Frodo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea, and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]: Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the free people in Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. In a large way, it was his victory.

==Personality==
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing]]
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref>
His deep wisdom clearly derived from the patience he learned in Valinor, just as his care for all creatures of good will must have come from his strong sense of pity for the weak. Both his patience and sense of pity were revealed again and again, extending even to the servants of his enemies.

Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise. He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behavior, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he went often to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature, as often described in ''[[The Hobbit]]''. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

==Appearance==
[[Image:John Howe - Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
<blockquote>
''...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.''<ref name="Party"/></blockquote>

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
<blockquote>
''...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.''<ref name="MB"/></blockquote>

Although some of the Wise know his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance causes many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return his "signature colour" changes from grey to white, for he has been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book he claims that in some ways he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright seemed to have foreseen this, for he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves to Gandalf rather than Saruman.

== Powers and Abilities ==
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities. He could blow glowing smoke rings that moved around a room at his direction, and [[Bilbo Baggins]] remembered him for his fantastic fireworks displays. More usefully, he created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[goblin]]s of the [[Misty Mountains]], aiding the dwarves in their escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out. He was also able come and go from the presence of [[Thorin and Company]] without anyone noticing.

He again displayed his proficiency with pyrotechnics at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]. He was also able to start fires under blizzard conditions, create light of varying intensity for the journey through [[Moria]], magically secure doors, and break the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect. He also fought the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]] and killed his opponent, although he did not survive the battle himself.

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, showing his authority to throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.

===Special Equipment===

Like all wizards, Gandalf carried a staff. Whether it was required to exercise certain powers was never explained. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as when it emanated light. Exactly how much it aided him in the use of magic is unknown, but [[Grima Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]], clearly under the impression that without it Gandalf's power would be limited. In this perhaps he had been instructed in some way by Saruman.

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]]. It is clear that Gandalf wore this ring from that time to the end of the Third Age but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton"/> He continued to wield this weapon throughout The Lord of the Rings, in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf often was seen with a pipe, the use of which clearly brought him immense enjoyment.

== Names==
Gandalf for 2000 years wandered in many lands and acquired the following names by the peoples he met:
* '''''Olórin''''', his name in [[Valinor]]. It is [[Quenya]], and its meaning is associated with the Quenya word [[olos|''olos'' or ''olor'']], meaning "dream" or "vision / of mind").<ref>{{UT|Istari}}</ref><ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 88</ref>
* '''''Mithrandir''''' ({{IPA|[miˈθrandir]}}), his [[Sindarin]] name, used in [[Gondor]] and meaning "Grey Pilgrim"<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 60</ref>
* '''''Incánus''''', his name in the South. Although ''Incánus'' seems to be of unclear language and meaning, a note in the [[Thain's Book]] says it is a [[Quenya]] form simply adapted from a word in the tongue of the [[Haradrim]]: ''Inkā-nūsh'' (or possibly ''Inkā-nūs''), meaning "North-spy".<ref name=UT13>{{UT|13}}</ref>
* '''''Tharkûn''''', his name to the Dwarves. The word possibly derives from the unattested word ''thark'' "staf" and an nominal ending ''[[-ûn]]''.<Ref>Mellonath Daeron, "[http://www.forodrim.org/daeron/md_khuzdul.html An analysis of Dwarvish]" (accessed [[11 October|11]] [[October]] [[2010]])</ref>
* '''The White Rider''', his name while riding the great horse [[Shadowfax]].
* '''Gandalf Greyhame''', given to him by [[Gríma Wormtongue]].
* '''Stormcrow''', a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble.
* '''Láthspell''', a name given to him by [[Gríma Wormtongue]], meaning "ill news".

==Etymology==
Within the legendarium, "Gandalf" translates an unknown name of the meaning "Elf-of-the-wand (or cane/staff)", or more literary "Wand-elf", in old northern Mannish. Most denizens of Middle-earth incorrectly assumed Gandalf was a [[Men|Man]], although he was really a Maia spirit (approximately equivalent to an angel). However, a less common misconception that occurred during the beginning of his career in Middle-earth was that for someone to be [[immortal]] and use as much magic as he did, he must have been an Elf. Although it soon became apparent to all that he could not be an Elf, as he was old and Elves do not generally age, the nickname stuck with him. He later gave it as his name to others he met who did not know its original meaning.

==Other Versions of the [[Legendarium]]==

In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named "Gandalf". The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin Oakenshield]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

== Inspiration ==
[[Image:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|200px|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[Image:Der_Berggeist_(Origin_of_Gandalf)_by_J._Madelener.gif|left|thumb|200px|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]].]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that Old Norse was a ''translation'' of the language of [[Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labeled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmerman]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in [[Mythlore|''Mythlore'']] [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

== Portrayals in Adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|title=Pictures of adaptations of Gandalf
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=2
|File:Gandalf from Rankin-Bass' The Hobbit.jpg|''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]
|File:Gandalf from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''
|File:Peter Jackson's Gandalf.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
|File:Gandalf viv lotr.JPG|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit]]''
|File:Gandalf in LOTRO.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Hobbit Ian Mckellan Gandalf2.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit films]]
}}

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 175]] (dated [[30 November|November 30]], [[1955]])</ref>

'''1968: ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', page 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1979: ''[[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death would prove only temporarily.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. McKellen was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal, but did not win.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'':'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several scenes, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor II|Denethor]].

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)]]'':'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who gives various quests and narrates cutscenes.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. At first, he is "the Gray", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reching level 5. He plays no part in the scenarios.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf.

'''2012-13: ''[[The Hobbit films]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] will reprise his role as Gandalf the Grey.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Gandalf|Images of Gandalf]]

{{References}}

* {{HM|TT}}
* {{HM|RK}}
* {{L|156}}
* {{L|246}}

{{sequence
|prev=none
|next=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
|list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] [[25 December|December 25]] [[Third Age 3018|3018]] - [[15 January|January 15]] [[Third Age 3019|3019]]
}}
{{ainur}}
{{fellowship}}
{{Thorin and Company}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Norse names]]

[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fa:گندالف]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

Morgoth

2011-07-30T00:23:46Z

Iorhael:

{{sources}}{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:Angel Falto - Morgoth.jpg|250px]]
| name=Morgoth
| othernames=See [[Morgoth#Names|names]]
| created=Before the [[Music of the Ainur]]
| years=c. [[Years of the Lamps 1|Y.L. 1]]-[[Years of the Lamps 1500|Y.L. 1500]], c. [[Years of the Lamps 3400|Y.L. 3400]]-[[Years of the Trees 1100|Y.T. 1100]], c. [[Years of the Trees 1500|Y.T. 1500]]-[[First Age 590|F.A. 590]]
| age=
| destroyed=Thrust into the [[Void]] [[First Age 590|F.A. 590]]
| realm=[[Utumno]], [[Angband]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Ainur]]
| appearance=As [[Dark Lord]], assumed tall, dark, terrible form
| accomplishments=Disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur|Music]], [[Arda Marred|corrupted]] [[Arda]], Controlled all of [[Middle-earth]] for a time, created [[Orcs]], destroyed the [[Two Trees]], stole the [[Silmarils]], took over [[Beleriand]], destroyed the [[Two Lamps]]
|}}'''Morgoth''' ([[Sindarin|S]], pron. {{IPA|[ˈmorɡoθ]}}), also known as '''Melkor''', was the greatest of the [[Ainur]]. He fell from glory when he disrupted the [[Music of the Ainur]] and defied the will of [[Eru Ilúvatar]]. Morgoth corrupted many of the Ainur to his allegiance, fought the [[Valar]], and corrupted [[Arda]]. His theft of the [[Silmarils]] and [[Wars of Beleriand|wars]] against [[Elves]] and [[Men]] encompassed much of the history of the [[First Age]]. Eventually, Morgoth was bound in chains by the Valar and thrown into the [[Void]], leaving the permanent damage his evils had done, and his servant [[Sauron]], to trouble the world. One day, according to [[Final Battle|prophecy]], Morgoth will rise again in great wrath, but he will be destroyed in the [[Dagor Dagorath]] by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]].{{Pronounce|Sindarin - Morgoth.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

==History==
The first and most powerful of the [[Ainur]] that [[Ilúvatar]] created was a spirit known as Melkor. Because he wandered through the [[Void]] in an attempt to find and use the [[Flame Imperishable]], the source of [[Ilúvatar]]'s creative activity, Melkor developed ideas unlike those of the other Ainur. His feelings grew rebellious against his creator, for he wished to create sentient beings to inhabit the Void and was dissatisfied by the fact that Ilúvatar had not done so. However, Melkor could not find the Flame, for it was not in the Void, but with Ilúvatar.

===The Music of the Ainur===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Melkor Weaves Opposing Music.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Melkor weaves Opposing Music'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
When the Ainur [[Music of the Ainur|made music]], Melkor weaved his strange thoughts into his song. His song clashed against the Theme of Ilúvatar, disturbing the Ainur around him and causing some of them to attune their music to his. For a while the Theme of Ilúvatar and the discords of Melkor warred against one another. But Eru smiled, and sent forth a new theme. Most of the Ainur joined with it, but Melkor rebelliously opposed it even more violently. At last many of the Ainur stopped singing in dismay, and Melkor’s discords gained dominance. Eru sent out a third Theme against Melkor, sweeter and more beautiful than the others, and unquenchable. But though Melkor could not defeat it, still he opposed it. At last Eru halted the music completely with a single chord.

Eru then publicly rebuked Melkor, saying that all music found its source in himself, and thus Melkor could not create his own song or truly alter the Themes of Ilúvatar. Thus, though Melkor opposed Eru to his last breath, he only furthered the cause of Ilúvatar in new and wondrous ways. Melkor was shamed and angered by this judgment, but hid his feelings. When Eru showed the Ainur the product of their music, [[Eä]], Melkor was one of those who begged to enter [[Arda]], pretending to be willing to cultivate it and guide it for Ilúvatar’s glory. He actually wished to dominate Arda and its creatures, especially the [[Children of Ilúvatar]]. Nonetheless, he was allowed to enter Eä and come to Arda with the other [[Valar]]. Once there, Melkor declared to his colleagues that he was the master of Arda henceforth. [[Manwë]], his brother, did not understand his evil, but fearing that Melkor might try and disrupt their labors in Arda, called forth many more Ainur to protect them. Melkor departed to the remote regions of Eä, leaving the world in peace for a while.

===Wars of the Valar===
But Melkor took form, great and terrible, and attacked the Valar’s work in preparing the Earth. There was war, the [[First War with Melkor]], and though he disrupted their work and destroyed much, a great spirit named [[Tulkas]] came to Arda from other regions of Eä to combat him. After Tulkas drove Melkor away, the Valar managed to complete Arda, and the world was established.

The Valar dwelt in a land called [[Almaren]], and raised up [[two lamps]] to light the young earth: [[Illuin]] and [[Ormal]]. Melkor, meanwhile, had attracted the attention and even in a few cases admiration from the [[Maiar]], the lesser spirits of [[Arda]]. Melkor had many spies among them, and from them learned all that the Valar did, and bided his time. As the Valar sat down to a feast at the completion of their labors, Melkor gathered together those loyal to him, and looking down on the beautiful Arda was filled with hatred. Tulkas was wedded to [[Nessa]] at that feast, and she danced before the Valar. Tulkas fell asleep, and that is when Melkor struck.

Melkor with his host passed over the [[Walls of Night]] and returned to Arda once more. Without the watchfulness of Tulkas, the Valar were unaware of his coming, and he began to delve in the depths of the earth, making a fortress called [[Utumno]] northwards beneath the mountains in the dimness of Illuin. The [[Spring of Arda]] became blighted as the cold evil flowed out of the fortress. Death and illness took the green things of Arda, and animals fought and killed one another, while flies brooded in massive numbers. The Valar knew then that Melkor was at work, and sought his hiding place.

But Melkor struck the first blow. He destroyed the Two Lamps, and caused the world to be filled with flowing fire and surging water. The symmetry of Arda was broken. And in the darkness and confusion Melkor escaped, returning to Utumno. Though together the Valar were stronger than Melkor, they could not punish him at that time, for they needed their strength to keep the world from collapsing into ruin. The Spring of Arda had ended in turmoil.

===Dominance of Middle-earth===
With Almaren destroyed, the Valar departed to a new continent across the [[Belegaer|sea]], [[Aman]], and built [[Valinor]]. They also established new sources of light, the [[Two Trees]], to light the world. Melkor, meanwhile, wandered across the face of [[Middle-earth]], in various guises, but armed with cold and fire. Some of the Valar were unwilling to forsake Middle-earth, however; [[Ulmo]] and [[Yavanna]], particularly. Also [[Oromë]] would ride in Middle-earth, killing the terrors of Melkor, who began to fear that the Valar might rise up against him in wrath.

Melkor brooded in the north and built his strength, gathering his demons about him, breeding great monsters, attended by his Maiar-servants later known as [[Balrogs]]. He also created another fortress and armory called [[Angband]], in the northwest of Middle Earth, to resist any Valarin attacks. He placed his greatest servant, [[Sauron]], in control of that stronghold. Melkor, by wandering about, also learned of the awakening of the first of the [[Children of Ilúvatar]], the [[Elves]]. He instilled fear in them, and slew or captured many of them. Some of those he captured, it is believed, may have been transformed into [[Orcs]] by torture and breeding.

===Time in Valinor===
The Valar were not long, however, in discovering the Elves. Fearing that they would be destroyed or corrupted by Melkor, Manwë decided that Ilúvatar wished them to recover Middle-earth at all costs. They laid [[Siege of Utumno|siege to Utumno]], and eventually destroyed it after a great battle during which the face of Middle-earth was transformed. Melkor was [[Captivity of Melkor|captured]] and chained with the chain [[Angainor]], but Sauron escaped. Melkor was imprisoned in the halls of [[Mandos]], and remained there for three ages, plotting revenge.

At the end of his time, Melkor was presented to his brother Manwë. Melkor, swallowing his pride with thoughts of vengeance, prostrated himself before the throne of Manwë, begging for pardon. Manwë granted him thus, though [[Ulmo]] and [[Tulkas]] were displeased with this judgement. Yet the Valar would not let him leave their sight, and he stayed in [[Valmar]]. Before long, he began to exert his corrupting influence on the Elves, especially the [[Noldor]]. For the [[Vanyar]] did not trust him, and the [[Teleri]] he thought too weak for his designs, but the Noldor were curious, and eager to learn what he could teach them.

===Revenge against the Valar===
[[Image:John Howe - Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Melkor and Ungoliant before the Two Trees'' by [[John Howe]]]]
In time Melkor found his greatest adversary and yet greatest tool in the form of [[Fëanor]], the eldest son of [[Finwë]], [[High King of the Noldor]]. Fëanor was the creator of the [[Silmarils]], which Melkor lusted after. As Melkor subtly spread lies and half-truths about the Valar and the Coming of [[Men]] in the form of rumors, Fëanor was greatly influenced, though he hated Melkor himself and had no idea that he was their source. His new ideas of wide lands and realms to rule touched the heart of Fëanor, and the hearts of many other Noldor. They began to murmur against the Valar, and the peace of Valinor was disturbed. Fëanor soon stirred up trouble, and while on trial before the Valar it was revealed that Melkor was at the bottom of the murmurings and troubles. Tulkas left straightaway to deal with him, but found Melkor gone. He had escaped.

Melkor was not seen for a while, but then appeared at [[Formenos]] to Fëanor, tempting him with words of friendship, and an offer of vengeance against the Valar whom Fëanor perceived had wronged him. Fëanor wavered, but Melkor pressed his advantage too much. He touched a chord about the Silmarils, and Fëanor, seeing his designs and lust for the jewels, cursed and rejected him. Melkor departed in anger, and went south past the mountain of [[Hyarmentir]], to the shadowed valley of [[Avathar]] where there dwelt [[Ungoliant]], a mysterious dark spirit in spider-form once his servant, but who had disowned him after his failure. After some time he convinced her to dismiss her fears with the offer of rich rewards, and she wove a cloak of shadow about them both.

Then Melkor and Ungoliant attacked while there was festival in [[Valmar]]. Melkor drained the [[Two Trees]] with his lance, and Ungoliant drank the blood. Then she drank dry the [[Wells of Varda]], and the two fled north to [[Formenos]], leaving the land once more in darkness and confusion. At Formenos Melkor slew [[Finwë]] and ravished the treasury of Fëanor, including the [[Silmarils]]. Then he passed over the icy [[Helcaraxë]], entering once more into [[Middle-earth]]. He was soon back in [[Angband]]. He had struck swiftly and surely. But Fëanor cursed him, naming him [[Morgoth]], and by that name he was known ever after to the Eldar.

===Return to Beleriand===
Once in safety, Ungoliant turned on her partner, demanding the jewels of Fëanor. The spider had grown in size and strength, and Morgoth feared her suddenly. He reluctantly parted with each of the beautiful gems, and Ungoliant devoured them. But Morgoth refused to give up the Silmarils, though she tortured him. His screams went out to [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] and the [[balrogs]], and they rescued him from her clutches, driving Ungoliant away with their whips. So Morgoth returned to Angband.

===Wars of Beleriand===
Morgoth rebuilt the fortress there, and learned of the Elves who had remained in Middle-earth. [[Thingol|Elu Thingol]] and the [[Sindar]] dwelt in the woodland kingdom of [[Doriath]], while [[Círdan]] and the [[Teleri]] lived at the [[Falas]] and [[Denethor of the Nandor|Denethor]] and the [[Nandor]] camped in [[Ossiriand]]. Morgoth made war on Thingol, surrounding Doriath and cutting Thingol off from Círdan. But Thingol was able to contact Denethor for help, and the Nandor joined with the Sindar to fight the [[Orcs]] between [[Aros]] and [[Gelion]]. Caught between the two armies, the Orcs of Morgoth were utterly defeated in the [[First Battle]]. Fleeing north they were intercepted and further demolished by the [[Naugrim]]. The Orcs attacking Círdan were more successful – pushing the Teleri to the very edge of the sea.

====Dagor-nuin-Giliath====
Morgoth was confronted by further challenges when Fëanor landed in Middle-earth. They set up at [[Mithrim]], but Morgoth [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath|attacked them]] quickly, hoping to dislodge them before they settled in too much and became a threat. But the Elves were just come out of [[Aman]], and they had the light of that country in their eyes. The Orcs dreaded them, and were swept before them like chaff before wind. Fëanor pursued them even nigh to the [[Thangorodrim]] and the gates of [[Angband]], but Morgoth sent out Gothmog and his balrogs. Fëanor was killed, but the balrogs were driven back. The Falas were freed, and though Morgoth had practically lost [[Beleriand]] outside of the [[Ered Engrin]], he was comforted in the fact that Fëanor was dead.

====Dagor Aglareb====
Yet [[Fingolfin]] came next, with his sons and the sons of [[Finarfin]]. They marched even to the gates of Angband, and yet could not go farther. As the Elves began to build (or rebuild) their kingdoms in Middle-earth, Morgoth waited sixty years before he struck again. It was the [[Dagor Aglareb]], the “Glorious Battle”, called such because it was a great victory for the Elves. Fingolfin and [[Maedhros]], eldest son of Fëanor, combined their strength and repelled Morgoth. They then set up the [[Siege of Angband]], which was designed to keep Morgoth holed up in his fortress.

====Dagor Bragollach and Fingolfin====
[[Image:John Howe - Morgoth vs. Fingolfin.png|thumb|right|200px|''Morgoth vs. Fingolfin'' by [[John Howe]]]]Though Morgoth was not as helpless as he appeared, he remained dormant and hidden until [[First Age 455|455]]. Then he surged forth suddenly, taking the slackened besiegers by surprise. Flames covered the formerly green [[Ard-galen]] (causing the battle to be known as the [[Dagor Bragollach]]), and several Noldor-lords fell in the succeeding combat. Much of Beleriand was overrun and [[Dorthonion]] was taken, as were northern [[Sirion]] and [[Maglor's Gap]]. In a single stroke Morgoth had broken the Siege of Angband, but the victory was not as complete as he would have preferred. [[Himring]] and [[Hithlum]] had held against him. King [[Fingolfin]] was dismayed and enraged by the defeat, and went to Angband. There he challenged Morgoth to single combat. Morgoth dared not refuse, for fear of showing himself a coward in front of his servants. With [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]], the Hammer of the Underworld, he fought Fingolfin long. The Elf-lord gave him seven wounds, but at last was struck down. As Morgoth placed his foot on Fingolfin to crush him, Fingolfin struck one last time, and Morgoth’s blood filled the pools made by his hammer. Morgoth could not desecrate the body, for [[Thorondor]] flew into his face and escaped with the body.

====The Quest for the Silmaril====
For some time after that the world lay in watchful discomfort. The southern part of [[Beleriand]] was, for the most part, free from Morgoth’s direct wrath. There arose two in [[Doriath]], [[Beren]] of [[House of Bëor|Bëor’s House]] and [[Lúthien|Lúthien Tinúviel]], Thingol’s daughter. These two lovers embarked on the [[Quest for the Silmaril]], in the process removing [[Sauron]] from [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]] and entering Angband in disguise. Morgoth lusted after Lúthien when she stood exposed in his presence, but she danced for him and lured him to sleep with her magic robes. One of the Silmarils was stolen from his crown, and Morgoth bore only two until the [[War of Wrath]].

====Nirnaeth Arnoediad====
Some time after, in [[First Age 471|471]], [[Maedhros]] made a great [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]] with the [[Naugrim]], [[Edain]], and other [[Noldor]]. They marched to challenge Morgoth, clearing Beleriand of his scattered forces. But Morgoth through his spies anticipated their actions, and met them with his allies the [[Easterlings]] in a huge battle in which he prevailed, and many princes and rulers of Men, Elves, and Dwarves fell. Thus the battle was named ''[[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]'', “Battle of Unnumbered Tears”. Morgoth’s victory was almost complete, as he razed [[Hithlum]], the [[Falas]], the [[March of Maedhros]], as well as [[Nargothrond]] in [[First Age 495|495]]. But [[Turgon]], King of [[Gondolin]], escaped by the valiant actions of the [[House of Hador]], the last of the [[Edain]] in the north. The survivors had all gone down to the [[Isle of Balar]] and the [[Mouths of the Sirion]].

===The Curse of Morgoth===
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Morgoth Punishes Húrin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Morgoth Punishes [[Húrin]]'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Morgoth took [[Húrin]], who had been captured during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and set him in the high places of Thangorodrim, to watch his family, whom Morgoth cursed. Upon the death of [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]] and [[Nienor]], Húrin’s children, Morgoth released Húrin to further his cause.

===The Fall of Gondolin===
Some time later, by the aid of [[Maeglin]], a traitor-elf, Morgoth discovered and laid siege to [[Gondolin]]. [[Turgon]] King, the last male heir of Fingolfin’s house, was killed during the siege. Morgoth’s victory in the north was now complete, though he had lost [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]] his captain and marshall of his armies. and many other high-ranking officers in the battle. Also, a small remnant including [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]] escaped the destruction of the city, bearing their son [[Eärendil]].

===The War of Wrath===
This was to be Morgoth’s doom, for some years later, Eärendil sailed to [[Valinor]] seeking the pardon of the [[Valar]]. This he earned, and the Valar advanced across [[Belegaer]] with a mighty host. Morgoth loosed all his demons and defenses against them, but could not stop their might. His dragons fell to the [[Eagles]], and [[Ancalagon]] was brought down by Eärendil himself from his ship, [[Vingilot]]. Morgoth was seized in his fortress Angband, the Silmarils were removed from his crown, and he was bound once more. This time, however, he was ejected from Arda and cast into the [[Void]]. But though he had been vanquished, Arda was forever marred, and there was one still at large to carry on his evil legacy: his greatest servant, the fallen Maia [[Sauron]].

==The Future==
Morgoth remains in the Void, unable to return to Arda as long as the Valar maintain their power over it. Nevertheless, according to the [[Second Prophecy of Mandos]], Morgoth will come back and attack Arda. He will fight a great battle, called the [[Dagor Dagorath]], against the Valar and their allies, but will ultimately be slain by [[Túrin|Túrin Turambar]], the Man he cursed. By finally defeating Morgoth, Túrin will avenge not only himself, but all members of the race of Men, since Morgoth seduced them long ago.

==Legacy==
Morgoth's will was suffused into the matter of Arda, so in a sense he is never truly gone. Arda was [[Arda Marred|marred]] by him so deeply that only Eru could fully repair the damage. Those who wished to follow in Morgoth's footsteps, such as Sauron, found that by using his residual influence, they could easily corrupt races they wished to dominate.

==Characteristics==
[[Image:James Stirzaker - Melkor and the Silmarils.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Melkor and the Silmarils'' by [[James Stirzaker]]]]Morgoth had taken a form great and terrible, and was eventually unable to leave it. Traditionally he was covered head to foot in armor, though this is not specifically stated by [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]. He received many scars and wounds over the ages: his hands were burned forever when he touched the Silmarils, Fingolfin wounded him seven times during their battle as well as a wound the foot that caused him ever after to limp, Thorondor scarred his face with his talons.

Morgoth wielded [[Grond (Hammer of the Underworld)|Grond]] in battle, a weapon he presumably forged himself in [[Angband]] (unless Sauron or Gothmog had held it safe after the [[Siege of Utumno]]). He also had great mental and physical power, at least in the earlier days, greater than any of the other [[Valar]].

==Names==
* ''Morgoth'' (''[[Bauglir]]'') – [[Quenya|Q.]] “The Dark Enemy” (“The Constrainer”), given him by [[Fëanor]]
* ''Melkor'' – [[Quenya|Q.]] “He who arises in might”
* ''Dark King (of Angband)'' – given him by [[Men]]
* ''[[Dark Lord]]''
* [[Sindarin]] '''''Belegûr''''' ("he who arises in might") or '''''Belegurth''''' ("Great Death"; containing the element ''[[gurth]]'' "death")<ref>{{PM|Shibboleth}}, p. 358 (note 21)</ref><ref>{{S|Index}}</ref>
* ''Lord of the Dark''
* ''Dark Hunter'' – Given him by the fearful early [[Elves]] before they met [[Oromë]]
* ''[[mbelekôro]]'' – [[C.E.]] Unknown meaning
* ''Great Enemy''
* ''Black Foe''
* ''Master of the fates of Arda'' - used by him when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''[[Elder King]]'' - used when speaking to [[Húrin]]
* ''Melko, Belcha, Melegor, Meleko'' – Earlier names Tolkien used but abandoned

==Minions==
* [[Sauron]] – Greatest of his servants, later to become [[Lord of the Rings]], perished with [[the One Ring]]
* [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]], [[Lord of Balrogs]] – killed by [[Ecthelion of the Fountain]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]
* [[Glaurung]] – [[Father of Dragons]], killed by [[Túrin]]
* [[Draugluin]] - First of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Carcharoth]] - Greatest of the Werewolves of Angband
* [[Thuringwethil]] - Vampire Herald of Sauron
* [[Ancalagon]] – Greatest of the [[Winged Dragons]], slain by [[Eärendil]]
* [[Othrod]] – (noncanon) [[Orcs|Orc]]-general during the Fall of Gondolin, killed by [[Tuor]]
* [[Lungorthin]] - (noncanon) A Balrog, Master of the Guard of Angband

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Morgoth|Images of Morgoth]]
{{references}}
{{ainur}}
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Valar]]
[[de:Morgoth]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/ainur/valar/morgoth]]
[[fi:Morgoth]]

Melkor

2011-07-30T00:22:33Z

Iorhael: Redirected page to Morgoth

#REDIRECT [[Morgoth]]

Ents

2011-07-28T15:05:49Z

Iorhael: /* Portrayal in Adaptions */

{{cleanup}}
{{sources}}

{{race
|image=[[Image:John Howe - Ents.jpg|250px]]
|name=Ents
|dominions=[[Fangorn Forest]], [[Eriador]], [[East Beleriand]]
|languages=[[Entish]], [[Elvish]], [[Westron]]
|height=10-25 ft.
|length=
|skincolor=Earthy colors
|haircolor=
|distinctions=Tree-like appearance
|lifespan=Immortal
|members= [[Treebeard]], [[Beechbone]],
|}}
'''Ents''' were created at the request of [[Yavanna]] to guard the trees, and thus were called "Shepherds of the Trees".

As with ''[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]'', '''Ent''' is a term that in modern times is almost exclusively connected with [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], and the usage of the term seldom evokes in people its earlier meanings.

==History==
===Creation===
Ents were a very old race that appeared in [[Middle-earth]] when the [[Elves]] did. They were created by [[Ilúvatar|Eru Ilúvatar]] at the behest of Yavanna, after she learned that [[Aulë]]'s children, the [[Dwarves]], were wont to fell trees. Ents were envisioned as Shepherds of the Trees and their duty was to protect the forests from [[Orcs]], Dwarves and other perils. The Elves had tales of teaching the trees to talk, and they also taught the Ents to talk. Although the Ents were sentient beings at the time, they did not know how to speak until the Elves taught them. [[Treebeard]] said the Elves "curing the Ents of their dumbness" was a great gift that could not be forgotten.

Ents were tree-like creatures, having become like the trees that they shepherded. They varied in traits, from everything to height and size, colouring, and the number of fingers and toes. An individual Ent more or less resembled the specific species of tree that they typically guarded. For example, [[Quickbeam]] guarded rowan trees and thus looked very much like a rowan. In the [[Third Age]] of Middle-earth, the [[Fangorn Forest|Forest of Fangorn]] was apparently the only place Ents still inhabited, although the Ent-like [[Huorns]] may still have survived elsewhere, as in the Old Forest.

=== Rise and Decline ===
[[Image:Luka Luka - Farewell to Fangorn.jpg|left|thumb|[[Entwives]] in ''Farewell to Fangorn'' by [[Luka Luka]].]]
Almost nothing is known of the early history of the Ents — they apparently lived in and protected the large forests of Middle-earth in previous ages. At the end of the [[First Age]] they were sumoned by [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]] to attack a band of dwarves. Treebeard told of a time when nearly all of [[Eriador]] was one huge forest and part of his domain, but these immense forests were cut by the [[Númenóreans]] of the Second Age, or destroyed in the calamitous War of the Elves and Sauron of the 17th century of the Second Age. Treebeard's statement is also supported by remarks [[Elrond]] Half-elven made at the Council of Elrond. Elrond said that "Time was once when a squirrel could carry a nut from tree to tree from Rivendell to the Great Sea...", further indicating that all of Eriador was once a single vast primeval forest, of which Fangorn Forest was just "the Eastern End of it" according to Treebeard.

There used to be ''[[Entwives]]'' (literally "Ent-women"), but they started to move farther away from the Ents because they liked to plant and control things, so they moved away to the region that would later become the [[Brown Lands]] across the Great River [[Anduin]]. This area was destroyed by [[Sauron]], and the Entwives disappeared. The Ents looked for them, but have never found them. It is sung by the Ents that one day they will find each other. In ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', Sam Gamgee says his cousin Hal saw treelike giant in the north of the Shire. When Pippin and Merry tell Treebeard about the Shire, Treebread says the entwives would like that land.

Treebeard boasted to Merry and Pippin about the strength of the Ents. He said that they were much more powerful than [[Trolls]], which [[Morgoth]] supposedly made as imitations of the Ents. He compares this with how [[Orcs]] were Morgoth's imitation of [[Elves]].

=== The March of the Ents ===
{{quote|The Ents are going to war!|[[Treebeard]]}}
During the [[War of the Ring]] the Ents—usually a very patient, deliberate people—did become angry at [[Saruman]], whose armies were cutting down large numbers of their trees. They convened an ''Entmoot'', a meeting of the Ents of [[Fangorn Forest]] at Derndingle.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Tree Shepherds.jpg|right|thumb|''The Tree Shepherds'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
After lengthy deliberation (though from the perspective of the Ents, this was very quick action), they marched on Saruman's fortress at [[Isengard]]: the last march of the Ents. They were led by Treebeard, the oldest Ent, and accompanied by the [[Hobbits]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] and [[Peregrin Took]]. They destroyed Isengard in an all-out assault and trapped Saruman in the tower of [[Orthanc]]. Tolkien later noted that the destruction of Isengard by the Ents was based off of personal disappointment in MacBeth, when "Birnham Wood is come to castle Dunsinane". Tolkien was less than thrilled that it amounted to men walking on stage with leaves in their hats; he decided that when he did the scene for himself, he would do it correctly.

==Etymology and Names==

''Ent'' is supposed to represent the language of the [[Vales of Anduin]].<ref name="Nomen"/>

The [[Sindarin]] name for Ents, as a race, is ''[[Onodrim]]'', and as individuals ''[[Onod]]'' (pl. ''Enyd'').<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, pp. 756-7</ref> The [[Quenya]] name of the Ents is possibly ''[[Onyalie]]'' with the individual being *''Onya''<ref>[http://www.pa2rick.com/langlab/anaxartaron.html Analysis] of the phrase ''[[Anaxartaron Onyalie]]'' by [[Patrick H. Wynne]].</ref>

The word ''Ent'' is derived from [[Old English]] ''ent'', meaning "giant" (from ''eoten'', [[Norse]] ''jotun''), although the Ents were unrelated to the [[giants]] or the [[Wikipedia:Jötunn|jotuns]].<ref name="Nomen"/><ref>{{HM|SG}}, "Appendix C: Old English Poem of Attila", p. 376 (note 17)</ref> It has been noted that ''ent'' "probably means some kind of giant", but that the exact usage or meaning of the word in Old English is unknown.<ref>[[Michael D.C. Drout]], "[http://oenewsletter.org/OEN/archive.php/essays/drout37_3/ An Anglo-Saxonist Gets his Fifteen Minutes: or, what happens when the media briefly pay attention]" at [http://www.oenewsletter.org/OEN/index.php ''Old English Newsletter'' Online] (accessed 10 March 2011)</ref>

==Portrayal in Adaptions==
[[Image:Treebeard.jpeg|thumb|[[Treebeard]] from [[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]].]]
'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Ents in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]] were portrayed as, perhaps, more tree-ish than in the books. For example, the books describe them as having smooth skin; the movie has them with skin like thick and rough bark. In the movie adaption, the Ents at the Entmoot decide that this is "not our war", despite strong protest from Merry. The scene is also shorter, cutting out [[Bregalad]] completely; Treebeard is the only Ent who is named and speaks on screen.

:Treebeard is about to take them north to the border, when Pippin insists that they go South instead, because "''the closer we are to danger, the farther we are from harm''". This "does not make sense" to Treebeard, but he does as they ask, and sees the ruin and destruction that Saruman has wrought on southern Fangorn. Treebeard then calls the Ents to battle with his booming Ent-call, and they appear out of the forest as if they had been standing there waiting for it. That they do not know the borders of their own forest is another possible logical gap. But others have accepted Jackson's technique as valid, because of the seemingly minor actions of Merry and Pippin throughout The Two Towers.

==External links==
* [http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/news/tm_objectid=15530734&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=tolkien-statue-plan-splits-community-name_page.html Plan to construct a 25' Ent in Birmingham]

{{ents}}
{{references}}
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Ents]]

War of the Ring

2011-07-28T14:59:38Z

Iorhael: /* Free Peoples */

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=Unknown
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[Image:Third Age.gif|250px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Esgaroth]], [[Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Haven of Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Aragorn]]{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Denethor II|Denethor]] †{{clear}}
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Théoden]] †{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Éomer]]{{clear}}
[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|45px|left]] [[Imrahil]]{{clear}}
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon|died}}{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Saruman.png|45px|left]] [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
|}}
{{quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]] the [[Dark Lord]] of Mordor who wished to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]], and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the Wise. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main immediate object was the overthrow of [[Gondor]], his near neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of Mount Doom]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against Sauron, however Sauron succeeded in destroying the Kingdom of [[Arnor]], ending the line of the [[Kings of Gondor]], and weakening the kingdom.
[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|Smaug attacking Esgaroth]]
Years before the War, while Sauron was known as the "[[Necromancer]]" and abode in [[Dol Guldur]], [[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]] with information obtained by Bilbo Baggins, Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

During the Quest for Erebor, the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. The [[White Council]] met for a last time in {{TA|2953}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading [[Isildur's Scroll]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

Around the time the War begun, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|Battle in Osgiliath]]
Sauron decided to test [[Denethor II]]'s strength and made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. It was also an opportunity of Sauron to make the appearance of the Nazgûl seem to be only part of his war policy against Gondor, in order to conceal from the Wise their true mission to hunt for the One Ring.<ref name="hunt"/> [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.

After the assault and under the leadership of the Witch-king, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring .

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.

The following months, Boromir would seek counsel in [[Rivendell]] while Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.
[[File:Kerem Beyit - Searching for the ring.jpg|thumb|Searching for the Ring]]
The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Black Riders]] arrived to [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him.<ref name="hunt"/>

There, they questioned [[Wormtongue]], who, terrified, answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day.<ref name="hunt"/>

Saruman, caught now between both sides as a known traitor to both, implemented a strategy of attacking Rohan, endeavoring 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. During the fall of that year, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[Image:Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring - The Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and the Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's Part in the War===
[[File:1st Battle of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
Months later, Saruman entered the War, his main aim being to get rid of [[Théodred]] and [[Éomer]] and have full control of [[Théoden]]. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[Wolfriders]] and [[Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Théodred at any cost. [[Elfhelm]] arrived only to avenge Théodred's killer and take the dying Prince away from the battle.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|Boromir attempts to protect the hobbits from Saruman's Uruk-hai]]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside Fangorn Forest, unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decide to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle at Helm's Deep.JPG|thumb|right|Battle at the Helm's Deep]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|The Wrath of the Ents]]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. Saruman was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] while Aragorn set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron Strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|The Nazgûl set off]]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]].

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Dead Men]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also begun campaigns to conquer [[Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion.

On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan are utterly defeated by Ents.

In Gondor, [[Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]] and [[13 March|two days later]] he retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; but [[14 March|the next day]] he was wounded seriously while [[Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Minas Tirith]] began.

===The climax of the War===
On [[15 March|March 15]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lorien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref>{{HM|AB}}</ref> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.
[[File:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|left|thumb|The Black Ships]]
Aragorn, after enlisting the help of [[Army of the Dead]], and other Rangers of the North, Gimli, Legolas, [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor, attacked the Corsair fleet at Umbar, an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' erupted until the Witch-king broke the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] with [[Grond]], when the Rohirrim reached [[Rammas Echor]] and joined the battle.

[[File:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|Haradrim fight the Rohirrim in the Battle of the Pelennor]]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process King Theoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Theoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|left|The battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who begun to fail.

===The end of Sauron===
The [[18 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith to confront Sauron. During that course, Lórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March|March 22]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:Rotk2196.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Troll]]s, Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the ring and was standing on the [[Crack of Doom]]. Realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl away from the battle to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, the One Ring was destroyed before they arrived. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated until Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[Barad-dûr]], the [[Black Gate]], and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and were easily decimated by the army of the West and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm drive the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File:Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur]]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===The Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. When he was scoffed, he declared himself the emissary, as he was not released from Elessar's service yet. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contigent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|The Battle of Bywater]]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly seventy Men were killed and twelve were taken prisoner, while nineteen Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma Wormtongue|Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

== Aftermath ==
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - Aragorn finds the White Sapling, signifying a new era]]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Theoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
[[File:Brothers Hildebrandt - Return of the King.jpg|thumb|left|[[Brothers Hildebrandt]] - The Return of the King]]
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].

Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[the Narrows]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|''The Fleet of Harad'' by Darrell Sweet]]
===Sauron and his Allies===

*[[Mordor]]
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*[[Orthanc]]
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*[[Harad]]
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*[[Rhûn]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]

===Free Peoples===

*[[Gondor]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[Dead Men]]
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
*[[Rohan]]
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Éowyn]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Mirkwood]]
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*[[Lothlórien]]
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*[[The Shire]] and [[Bree-land]]
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
***[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
*[[Fangorn Forest]]
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Gandalf]]
*[[Erebor]] and the Lands of the North
**The [[Lonely Mountain]]
***[[Gimli]]
***[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
***[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**The [[Kingdom of Dale]]
***[[Brand]] †
***[[Bard II]]
** Possibly the [[Iron Hills]]

==Non-combatants==

*[[Elvendom]]
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Radagast]]

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

War of the Ring

2011-07-28T14:56:02Z

Iorhael: /* The end of Sauron */

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=Unknown
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[Image:Third Age.gif|250px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Esgaroth]], [[Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Haven of Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Aragorn]]{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Denethor II|Denethor]] †{{clear}}
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Théoden]] †{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Éomer]]{{clear}}
[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|45px|left]] [[Imrahil]]{{clear}}
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon|died}}{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Saruman.png|45px|left]] [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
|}}
{{quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]] the [[Dark Lord]] of Mordor who wished to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]], and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the Wise. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main immediate object was the overthrow of [[Gondor]], his near neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of Mount Doom]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against Sauron, however Sauron succeeded in destroying the Kingdom of [[Arnor]], ending the line of the [[Kings of Gondor]], and weakening the kingdom.
[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|Smaug attacking Esgaroth]]
Years before the War, while Sauron was known as the "[[Necromancer]]" and abode in [[Dol Guldur]], [[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]] with information obtained by Bilbo Baggins, Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

During the Quest for Erebor, the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. The [[White Council]] met for a last time in {{TA|2953}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading [[Isildur's Scroll]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

Around the time the War begun, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|Battle in Osgiliath]]
Sauron decided to test [[Denethor II]]'s strength and made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. It was also an opportunity of Sauron to make the appearance of the Nazgûl seem to be only part of his war policy against Gondor, in order to conceal from the Wise their true mission to hunt for the One Ring.<ref name="hunt"/> [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.

After the assault and under the leadership of the Witch-king, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring .

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.

The following months, Boromir would seek counsel in [[Rivendell]] while Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.
[[File:Kerem Beyit - Searching for the ring.jpg|thumb|Searching for the Ring]]
The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Black Riders]] arrived to [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him.<ref name="hunt"/>

There, they questioned [[Wormtongue]], who, terrified, answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day.<ref name="hunt"/>

Saruman, caught now between both sides as a known traitor to both, implemented a strategy of attacking Rohan, endeavoring 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. During the fall of that year, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[Image:Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring - The Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and the Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's Part in the War===
[[File:1st Battle of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
Months later, Saruman entered the War, his main aim being to get rid of [[Théodred]] and [[Éomer]] and have full control of [[Théoden]]. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[Wolfriders]] and [[Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Théodred at any cost. [[Elfhelm]] arrived only to avenge Théodred's killer and take the dying Prince away from the battle.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|Boromir attempts to protect the hobbits from Saruman's Uruk-hai]]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside Fangorn Forest, unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decide to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle at Helm's Deep.JPG|thumb|right|Battle at the Helm's Deep]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|The Wrath of the Ents]]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. Saruman was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] while Aragorn set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron Strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|The Nazgûl set off]]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]].

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Dead Men]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also begun campaigns to conquer [[Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion.

On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan are utterly defeated by Ents.

In Gondor, [[Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]] and [[13 March|two days later]] he retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; but [[14 March|the next day]] he was wounded seriously while [[Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Minas Tirith]] began.

===The climax of the War===
On [[15 March|March 15]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lorien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref>{{HM|AB}}</ref> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.
[[File:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|left|thumb|The Black Ships]]
Aragorn, after enlisting the help of [[Army of the Dead]], and other Rangers of the North, Gimli, Legolas, [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor, attacked the Corsair fleet at Umbar, an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' erupted until the Witch-king broke the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] with [[Grond]], when the Rohirrim reached [[Rammas Echor]] and joined the battle.

[[File:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|Haradrim fight the Rohirrim in the Battle of the Pelennor]]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process King Theoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Theoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|left|The battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who begun to fail.

===The end of Sauron===
The [[18 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith to confront Sauron. During that course, Lórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March|March 22]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:Rotk2196.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Troll]]s, Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo failed his mission: he claimed the One Ring for himself, and Sauron was suddenly aware that Frodo had the ring and was standing on the [[Crack of Doom]]. Realizing that his enemies meant to destroy his ring, Sauron immediately sent the Nazgûl away from the battle to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. However, the One Ring was destroyed before they arrived. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated until Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[Barad-dûr]], the [[Black Gate]], and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and were easily decimated by the army of the West and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm drive the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File:Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur]]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===The Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. When he was scoffed, he declared himself the emissary, as he was not released from Elessar's service yet. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contigent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|The Battle of Bywater]]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly seventy Men were killed and twelve were taken prisoner, while nineteen Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma Wormtongue|Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

== Aftermath ==
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - Aragorn finds the White Sapling, signifying a new era]]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Theoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
[[File:Brothers Hildebrandt - Return of the King.jpg|thumb|left|[[Brothers Hildebrandt]] - The Return of the King]]
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].

Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[the Narrows]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|''The Fleet of Harad'' by Darrell Sweet]]
===Sauron and his Allies===

*[[Mordor]]
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*[[Orthanc]]
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*[[Harad]]
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*[[Rhûn]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]

===Free Peoples===

*[[Gondor]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[Dead Men]]
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
*[[Rohan]]
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Mirkwood]]
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*[[Lothlórien]]
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*[[The Shire]] and [[Bree-land]]
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
***[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
*[[Fangorn Forest]]
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Gandalf]]
*[[Erebor]] and the Lands of the North
**The [[Lonely Mountain]]
***[[Gimli]]
***[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
***[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**The [[Kingdom of Dale]]
***[[Brand]] †
***[[Bard II]]
** Possibly the [[Iron Hills]]

==Non-combatants==

*[[Elvendom]]
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Radagast]]

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

War of the Ring

2011-07-28T14:48:14Z

Iorhael: /* The end of Sauron */

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=Unknown
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[Image:Third Age.gif|250px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Esgaroth]], [[Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Haven of Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Aragorn]]{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Denethor II|Denethor]] †{{clear}}
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Théoden]] †{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Éomer]]{{clear}}
[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|45px|left]] [[Imrahil]]{{clear}}
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon|died}}{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Saruman.png|45px|left]] [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
|}}
{{quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]] the [[Dark Lord]] of Mordor who wished to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]], and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the Wise. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main immediate object was the overthrow of [[Gondor]], his near neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of Mount Doom]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against Sauron, however Sauron succeeded in destroying the Kingdom of [[Arnor]], ending the line of the [[Kings of Gondor]], and weakening the kingdom.
[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|Smaug attacking Esgaroth]]
Years before the War, while Sauron was known as the "[[Necromancer]]" and abode in [[Dol Guldur]], [[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]] with information obtained by Bilbo Baggins, Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

During the Quest for Erebor, the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. The [[White Council]] met for a last time in {{TA|2953}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading [[Isildur's Scroll]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

Around the time the War begun, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|Battle in Osgiliath]]
Sauron decided to test [[Denethor II]]'s strength and made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. It was also an opportunity of Sauron to make the appearance of the Nazgûl seem to be only part of his war policy against Gondor, in order to conceal from the Wise their true mission to hunt for the One Ring.<ref name="hunt"/> [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.

After the assault and under the leadership of the Witch-king, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring .

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.

The following months, Boromir would seek counsel in [[Rivendell]] while Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.
[[File:Kerem Beyit - Searching for the ring.jpg|thumb|Searching for the Ring]]
The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Black Riders]] arrived to [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him.<ref name="hunt"/>

There, they questioned [[Wormtongue]], who, terrified, answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day.<ref name="hunt"/>

Saruman, caught now between both sides as a known traitor to both, implemented a strategy of attacking Rohan, endeavoring 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. During the fall of that year, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[Image:Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring - The Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and the Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's Part in the War===
[[File:1st Battle of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
Months later, Saruman entered the War, his main aim being to get rid of [[Théodred]] and [[Éomer]] and have full control of [[Théoden]]. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[Wolfriders]] and [[Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Théodred at any cost. [[Elfhelm]] arrived only to avenge Théodred's killer and take the dying Prince away from the battle.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|Boromir attempts to protect the hobbits from Saruman's Uruk-hai]]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside Fangorn Forest, unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decide to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle at Helm's Deep.JPG|thumb|right|Battle at the Helm's Deep]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|The Wrath of the Ents]]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. Saruman was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] while Aragorn set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron Strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|The Nazgûl set off]]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]].

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Dead Men]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also begun campaigns to conquer [[Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion.

On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan are utterly defeated by Ents.

In Gondor, [[Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]] and [[13 March|two days later]] he retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; but [[14 March|the next day]] he was wounded seriously while [[Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Minas Tirith]] began.

===The climax of the War===
On [[15 March|March 15]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lorien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref>{{HM|AB}}</ref> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.
[[File:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|left|thumb|The Black Ships]]
Aragorn, after enlisting the help of [[Army of the Dead]], and other Rangers of the North, Gimli, Legolas, [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor, attacked the Corsair fleet at Umbar, an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' erupted until the Witch-king broke the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] with [[Grond]], when the Rohirrim reached [[Rammas Echor]] and joined the battle.

[[File:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|Haradrim fight the Rohirrim in the Battle of the Pelennor]]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process King Theoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Theoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|left|The battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who begun to fail.

===The end of Sauron===
The [[18 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith to confront Sauron. During that course, Lórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March|March 22]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert their attention away from the [[Ring-bearer]], who was nearing the end of his mission.

[[File:Rotk2196.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Troll]]s, Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo put on the One Ring and Sauron realized that Frodo was inside [[Mount Doom]]. The Nazgûl immediately left the battle to intercept Frodo. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated until Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[Barad-dûr]], the [[Black Gate]], and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and were easily decimated by the army of the West and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm drive the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File:Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur]]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===The Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. When he was scoffed, he declared himself the emissary, as he was not released from Elessar's service yet. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contigent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|The Battle of Bywater]]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly seventy Men were killed and twelve were taken prisoner, while nineteen Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma Wormtongue|Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

== Aftermath ==
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - Aragorn finds the White Sapling, signifying a new era]]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Theoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
[[File:Brothers Hildebrandt - Return of the King.jpg|thumb|left|[[Brothers Hildebrandt]] - The Return of the King]]
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].

Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[the Narrows]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|''The Fleet of Harad'' by Darrell Sweet]]
===Sauron and his Allies===

*[[Mordor]]
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*[[Orthanc]]
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*[[Harad]]
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*[[Rhûn]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]

===Free Peoples===

*[[Gondor]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[Dead Men]]
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
*[[Rohan]]
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Mirkwood]]
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*[[Lothlórien]]
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*[[The Shire]] and [[Bree-land]]
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
***[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
*[[Fangorn Forest]]
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Gandalf]]
*[[Erebor]] and the Lands of the North
**The [[Lonely Mountain]]
***[[Gimli]]
***[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
***[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**The [[Kingdom of Dale]]
***[[Brand]] †
***[[Bard II]]
** Possibly the [[Iron Hills]]

==Non-combatants==

*[[Elvendom]]
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Radagast]]

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

War of the Ring

2011-07-28T14:45:25Z

Iorhael: /* The climax of the War */

{{disambig-more|War of the Ring|[[War of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}{{sources}}
{{expansion}}
{{wotr}}
{{War
| previous= [[Corsair Wars]]
| next=Unknown
| name=War of the Ring
| image=[[Image:Third Age.gif|250px]]
| begin={{TA|3018}} (earlier fighting in Gondor)
| end={{TA|3019}}
|place=Northwestern [[Middle-earth]]
|result=Free Peoples' victory; destruction of [[the One Ring]], [[Sauron]] and [[Mordor]]; start of the [[Fourth Age]]; [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] reunited under restoration of the [[King of Gondor]]
| battles=[[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]], [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]], [[Battle of Isengard]], [[Battle of the Hornburg]], [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath]], [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], [[Battle of the Morannon]], [[Battle Under Trees]], [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], [[Battle of Dale]], [[Battle of Bywater]]
|side1='''Free Peoples of Middle-earth:''' [[Gondor]], [[Rohan]], [[Dale]], [[Esgaroth]], [[Erebor]], [[The Shire]], [[Lothlórien]], [[Woodland Realm]]
|side2='''Under [[Sauron]]:''' [[Mordor]], [[Rhûn]], [[Harad]], [[Haven of Umbar]], and [[Khand]] '''Under [[Saruman]]:''' [[Isengard]] and [[Dunland]]
|commanders1=
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Aragorn]]{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Gondor.png|45px|left]] [[Denethor II|Denethor]] †{{clear}}
* [[Gandalf]] † (but resurrected)
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Théoden]] †{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Rohan.png|45px|left]] [[Éomer]]{{clear}}
[[Image:ME-DolAmroth.png|45px|left]] [[Imrahil]]{{clear}}
* [[Dáin Ironfoot]] †
* [[Brand]] †
* [[Thranduil]]
* [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]]
|commanders2=
{{Sauron blazon|died}}{{clear}}
[[Image:WAR-ICONS Saruman.png|45px|left]] [[Saruman]] †{{clear}}
* [[Witch-king|The Witch-king of Angmar]] †
|}}
{{quote|So we come to it in the end, [...] the great battle of our time, in which many things shall pass away.|[[Théoden]]<ref>{{RK|Muster}}</ref>}}

The '''War of the Ring''' was the great conflict at the end of the [[Third Age]], named for [[the One Ring]] and the importance this had in the final outcome. The war was fought between [[Sauron]] the [[Dark Lord]] of Mordor who wished to conquer [[Middle-earth]] as he nearly did in the [[Second Age]], and the [[Free peoples]], being a loose alliance of [[Elves]] and [[Men]] led by the Wise. [[Saruman]] was a third power based in [[Orthanc]].

Sauron at all times held the military advantage in the War, due to his overwhelming forces; not only [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]], but [[Men of Harad]] and the [[East]]. His main immediate object was the overthrow of [[Gondor]], his near neighbour and the strongest of his enemies. He had such forces at his command, though, that he was able to fight the war on many fronts, simultaneously attacking [[Dale]], [[Erebor]] and the [[Elves of Mirkwood|Wood-elves]] in the far north, and [[Lothlórien]] from his secondary stronghold at [[Dol Guldur]]. There can be no doubt that, had the Wise not achieved possession of the Ring, Sauron would ultimately have been victorious.

The policy of the Wise was based around the [[Quest of Mount Doom]]: a company of nine under the leadership of [[Gandalf]] travelled from [[Rivendell]] with the One Ring, with the hope of taking it to [[Orodruin]] in [[Mordor]] and there destroying it. Because the Ring held much of Sauron's native power, they realised that in unmaking it, they would also defeat its creator.

Saruman had claimed alliance with both the Wise and the Dark Lord, but was ultimately fighting for his own ends. In alliance with the [[Dunlendings]], and having [[Orcs]] at his own command, his objective was the defeat of [[Rohan]]. Until late in the War, he held the advantage, defeating Rohan twice at the [[Battles of the Fords of Isen]].

==History==
=== Prelude ===
Sauron had been defeated in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but because of Isildur's refusal to destroy [[the One Ring]], he was not entirely vanquished. He survived in spirit form, and the foundations of Barad-dûr were also not destroyed. Sauron's spirit wandered the wastelands of Middle-earth for over 1000 years, but eventually he rebuilt his power and became a threat once again. Around {{TA|1000}}, the [[Valar]] sent [[Maiar]] [[Wizards|emissaries]] to [[Middle-earth]] to help the [[Free peoples]] against Sauron, however Sauron succeeded in destroying the Kingdom of [[Arnor]], ending the line of the [[Kings of Gondor]], and weakening the kingdom.
[[File:John Howe - Alert the Folk.jpg|thumb|Smaug attacking Esgaroth]]
Years before the War, while Sauron was known as the "[[Necromancer]]" and abode in [[Dol Guldur]], [[Gandalf]] was concerned about the weak state of the North. [[Smaug]] the [[Dragons|Dragon]] had destroyed both the [[Kingdom under the Mountain]] and the town of [[Dale]]. About [[Erebor]] was desolation which Sauron might use to regain the northern passes in the mountains and the old lands of [[Angmar]]. Gandalf, seeing no hope in [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s plans of battle and war against Smaug, persuaded him that he should go secretly to Erebor to reclaim its treasure, and to take with him [[Bilbo Baggins]] of [[The Shire|the Shire]].<ref>{{UT|Quest}}</ref>. Smaug was killed by [[Bard]] with information obtained by Bilbo Baggins, Erebor was retaken, and most importantly, the kingdoms of Erebor and Dale were re-established. In a small incident along the way, [[the One Ring]] was lost by [[Gollum]] and wound up in Bilbo's hands.<ref>{{H|Riddles}}</ref>

During the Quest for Erebor, the [[White Council]] attacked Dol Guldur and the Necromancer withdrew. However, Sauron returned to his old abode in [[Mordor]] to reconstruct [[Barad-dûr]] and ten years after the fall of Smaug he sent three [[Nazgûl]] to reoccupy Dol Guldur. The [[White Council]] met for a last time in {{TA|2953}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

A year before the war, while Gollum was looking for his ring, he was taken to Mordor and interrogated by Sauron, who learned that the One Ring was in the possession of a "[[Baggins]]" in a place called "[[the Shire]]". However Sauron was led into thinking that the Shire was on the banks of the Gladden River.<ref name="hunt">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref>

A messenger from Mordor visited King [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II]] and asked information on Bilbo and the Ring. Meanwhile, Gandalf reading [[Isildur's Scroll]] in [[Minas Tirith]], also realized that Bilbo's Ring was the One Ring.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>

Around the time the War begun, it is said that the [[Ithryn Luin]] had gained influence in the [[East]] and, thanks to their efforts, Sauron could not manage to gather as much people in his side.<ref>{{PM|Last}}</ref>

===First conflicts===
[[File:Donato Giancola - Faramir at Osgiliath.jpg|thumb|left|Battle in Osgiliath]]
Sauron decided to test [[Denethor II]]'s strength and made an [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath|attack]] on [[Osgiliath]] on [[20 June|June 20]] of {{TA|3018}} which was the beginning of the War. It was also an opportunity of Sauron to make the appearance of the Nazgûl seem to be only part of his war policy against Gondor, in order to conceal from the Wise their true mission to hunt for the One Ring.<ref name="hunt"/> [[Boromir]] and [[Faramir]] managed to defend and destroy the Bridge in order to deny the enemy access to the western side of the river.

After the assault and under the leadership of the Witch-king, Sauron sent the Nine unclothed and invisible to search for the Ring .

About the same time the [[Elves]] of [[Mirkwood]] were attacked and during the fray, the captive [[Gollum]] escaped and would not be found nor by the Elves nor by Sauron's servants.

The following months, Boromir would seek counsel in [[Rivendell]] while Faramir led several [[Rangers of Ithilien|Ranger]] attacks deep into Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate.
[[File:Kerem Beyit - Searching for the ring.jpg|thumb|Searching for the Ring]]
The Ringwraith [[Khamûl]] was unable to find the "[[the Shire|Shire]]" in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The [[Witch-king]] searched north and west for Gollum or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the prophecy in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the [[Wise]] did not yet have possession of the Ring yet, as he feared. [[Black Riders]] arrived to [[Isengard]] around [[18 September|September 18]], but Gandalf had escaped. Traitor Saruman fortified himself in Isengard and convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring was, and so the Nine passed into [[Rohan]] in search of him.<ref name="hunt"/>

There, they questioned [[Wormtongue]], who, terrified, answered that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The riders were divided into four pairs, and the Witch-King went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="hunt"/>

In [[22 September|September 22]] they came to [[Sarn Ford]]. Although the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] were guarding the crossing, their chieftain [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] was away and the Riders captured the ford, killing many of the Rangers. The Witch-king sent Khamûl and three Riders into the Shire while he went east with the others and then returned to watch the [[Greenway]].<ref name="AB">{{App|B3}}</ref> A Rider came to Hobbiton at nightfall, but failed to capture [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] who departed that same day.<ref name="hunt"/>

Saruman, caught now between both sides as a known traitor to both, implemented a strategy of attacking Rohan, endeavoring 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. During the fall of that year, some [[Ruffians]] were sent to the Shire to gain control of the region, collecting the crops and suppressing any dissent.
[[Image:Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring - The Council of Elrond.jpg|thumb|left|The Council of Elrond, a pivotal phase of the War.]]
In October, Frodo came to [[Rivendell]] and during his arrival, the Black Riders were temporarily neutralized and the Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. Some days later, the [[Council of Elrond]] was called, where it was decided that the only way to be free of Sauron and the Ring was to cast the Ring into the [[Crack of Doom]] in [[Mount Doom]]. Frodo surprised everyone, including himself, by declaring that he would take the Ring<ref name="council"/>. The [[Fellowship_of_the_Ring|team]] who would travel to Mordor departed Rivendell in December.<ref name="AB"/>

===Saruman's Part in the War===
[[File:1st Battle of Isen.jpg|thumb|The aftermath at Isen]]
Months later, Saruman entered the War, his main aim being to get rid of [[Théodred]] and [[Éomer]] and have full control of [[Théoden]]. On [[25 February|February 25]], {{TA|3019}}, he sent his forces to attack [[Rohan]]'s army (commanded by [[Théodred]] and [[Grimbold]]) at the [[Isen]]. [[Dunlendings]], [[Wolfriders]] and [[Uruks]] clashed against the [[Rohirrim]] in the '''[[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' with orders to slay Théodred at any cost. [[Elfhelm]] arrived only to avenge Théodred's killer and take the dying Prince away from the battle.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|Isen}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Stewart - The horn of Boromir.jpg|thumb|left|Boromir attempts to protect the hobbits from Saruman's Uruk-hai]]
The [[26 February|next day]] while the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Company of the Ring]] was in the [[Emyn Muil]] thinking whether to take the Ring to Minas Tirith or go directly to Mordor, Orcs from Isengard attempted to capture the Ring-bearer; but instead they took Merry and Pippin as prisoners.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> Éomer hearing of the descent of the Orcband set out from [[Eastfold]] against Théoden's orders and overtook them outside Fangorn Forest, unknowingly setting the hobbits free.<ref name="AB"/><ref>{{TT|Riders}}</ref>

Having heard the news about Théodred's death, [[Erkenbrand]], who became the commander of Rohan's western armies, gathered the forces of Grimbold and Elfhelm to assault Isen once more in the '''[[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen]]''' ([[2 March|March 2]]). Though they had a force of about 2000 men and had constructed a shield wall to hold off the enemy, Saruman's forces overcame them and scattered the retreating Rohirrim across Rohan.<ref name="Isen"/><ref name="Deep">{{TT|Deep}}</ref>

Saruman's victory would not last; he did not know that on the very same day, Gandalf had healed Théoden from [[Wormtongue]]'s influence. In the meantime, the [[Ents]] after ending their long [[Entmoot]], decide to go to [[Isengard]] and battle Saruman.<ref name="AB"/>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Battle at Helm's Deep.JPG|thumb|right|Battle at the Helm's Deep]]
The next day ([[3 March|March 3]]) seeking to take the fight away from his people, Théoden brought around a thousand horsemen to the [[Fords of Isen]] along with any others in [[Edoras]]. Among this force were [[Éomer]], [[Aragorn]], [[Gimli]] and [[Legolas]]. On their way they found [[Ceorl]] who reported a defeat to the Fords; Théoden then redirected his troops to [[Helm's Deep]], which was commanded by [[Gamling]] in his lord Erkenbrand's absence. Against overwhelming odds, they fought the '''[[Battle of the Hornburg]]''' for two days against [[Uruk-hai]] and [[Dunlendings]], until the [[Deeping Wall]] was breached and all seemed lost. The surviving horsemen rode out to meet the hordes of Isengard.<ref name="Deep"/>
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Wrath of the Ents.jpg|thumb|left|The Wrath of the Ents]]
At that moment, [[Gandalf]] returned, bringing with him Erkenbrand and many other soldiers from [[Westfold]]. They attacked the army from the rear, driving the attackers back into a forest of [[Huorns]]. Saruman was attacked by a march of [[Ents]] in the '''[[Battle of Isengard]]''' who drowned all the valley.<ref name="Flotsam">{{TT|Flotsam}}</ref>

After the defeat of Saruman, Pippin looked in the [[Orthanc-stone]] and saw the [[Eye of Sauron]]; Gandalf believed that seeing the Hobbit, Sauron would imagine that the [[Ring-bearer]] was caught by Saruman's Orcs and that they could make good use of the delay caused by this confusion.<ref name="Pal">{{TT|Palantir}}</ref> The protagonists of the War separated, anticipating Sauron's attack on Minas Tirith. Gandalf set out for Minas Tirith taking Pippin since he would not be safe. Théoden set out from the Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] while Aragorn set out with the [[Grey Company]] to [[Dunharrow]] and took the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Théoden would come to Dunharrow.

===Sauron Strikes===
On [[10 March|March 10]] fumes from Mordor veiled the [[Sun]] in an attempt by Sauron to disparage or misguide his enemies. The veil blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan who observed that day as [[The Dawnless Day]].
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|The Nazgûl set off]]
Along with the Darkness, a host from [[Minas Morgul]] set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the [[Morannon]] took [[Cair Andros]] and passed into [[Anórien]].

The Rohirrim mustered their Riders and rode from Harrowdale, while Aragorn led the [[Dead Men]] and the Grey Company, across the river [[Ringló]].

While preparing against Gondor, Sauron also begun campaigns to conquer [[Wilderland]], activating his armies stationed in [[Dol Guldur]] and eastern allies. This would bring the eastern half of Middle-earth entirely into his dominion.

On [[11 March|March 11]] Orcs from Dol Guldur attacked [[Lórien]] and Eastern Rohan. [[12 March|The next day]] the invaders of Rohan are utterly defeated by Ents.

In Gondor, [[Denethor II]] sent Faramir to Osgiliath to [[Faramir's defense of Osgiliath|intercept the Morgul-host]] and [[13 March|two days later]] he retreated to the [[Causeway Forts]]; but [[14 March|the next day]] he was wounded seriously while [[Pelennor]] was overrun. The [[Siege of Minas Tirith]] began.

===The climax of the War===
On [[15 March|March 15]] three simultaneous battles occurred.

In [[Rhovanion]], an army was sent to destroy the realm of [[Thranduil]] and a second assault against Lorien was made. After a long battle under the trees, and great ruin of fire<ref>{{HM|AB}}</ref> the Orcs were defeated on both fronts on the same day.
[[File:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|left|thumb|The Black Ships]]
Aragorn, after enlisting the help of [[Army of the Dead]], and other Rangers of the North, Gimli, Legolas, [[Elladan]], [[Elrohir]] and many reinforcements from southern fiefdoms of Gondor, attacked the Corsair fleet at Umbar, an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|assault]] he had also carried out decades earlier.

In Gondor, after the enemy passed Osgiliath, [[Pelennor]] outside Minas Tirith was overrun, despite the armies that gathered from southern Gondor already in the days before the battle. The '''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''' erupted until the Witch-king broke the [[Great Gate of Minas Tirith]] with [[Grond]], when the Rohirrim reached [[Rammas Echor]] and joined the battle.

[[File:Anke Eissmann - The Black Serpent founders.jpg|thumb|Haradrim fight the Rohirrim in the Battle of the Pelennor]]
The combined army of Orcs, [[Haradrim]], [[Men of Rhûn]] and [[Men of Khand]], outnumbered them at least 10 to 1, but lost almost a third of their own forces. In the process King Theoden was killed, and the Witch-King was destroyed by Theoden's niece, Lady [[Éowyn]] of Rohan. When all seemed lost, a fleet of enemy ships with black sails arrived at the landings to the south of the Pelennor in the Rammas, but it was actually manned by Aragorn. As his army drove north a great part of Mordor's forces were pinned between Aragorn and Eomer's cavalry, and were "caught between the hammer and the anvil".

[[File:Jan Pospisil - Dale units vs. Rhun.jpg|thumb|left|The battle of Dale]]
Meanwhile in the North, [[Easterlings]] crossed the [[Carnen]], and King [[Brand]] was driven back to [[Dale]]. He gathered there with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], and engaged in the '''[[Battle of Dale]]''' against the Orcs at the feet of the [[Lonely Mountain]] for three days until ([[17 March|March 17]]) he fell alongside King [[Dáin Ironfoot]]. Many Dwarves and Men took refuge in [[Erebor]] and were besieged by the Easterlings. However news from the defeat at the Pelennor reached the Easterlings who begun to fail.

===The end of Sauron===
The [[18 March|next day]] it was understood that the army vanquished in the Battle of the Pelennor was only a fraction of Sauron's forces, and eventually Minas Tirith would not manage to withstand forever. The [[Host of the West]] marched from Minas Tirith to confront Sauron. During that course, Lórien was attacked for a third and last time by Orcs ([[22 March|March 22]]). After much destruction, the Elves repulsed them once again.

The Host of the West would meet Sauron's forces outside the gates of Mordor [[25 March|seven days later]], hoping to divert them in favor to the [[Ring-bearer]].

[[File:Rotk2196.jpg|thumb|left|Fell beasts fly over the Battle of the Morannon]]
During the course of the '''[[Battle of the Morannon]]''' against [[Troll]]s, Orcs and Men, the eight remaining Nazgûl attacked the army of the West. The [[Eagles]] of the [[Misty Mountains]], led by [[Gwaihir]] arrived and attacked the Ringwraiths. When all hope seemed lost, Frodo put on the One Ring and Sauron realized that Frodo was inside [[Mount Doom]]. The Nazgûl immediately left the battle to intercept Frodo. The hosts of Mordor, suddenly without direction, hesitated until Sauron's power was overthrown.

The Nazgûl were all destroyed as they flew over Mount Doom just as it underwent a gigantic eruption. [[Barad-dûr]], the [[Black Gate]], and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] collapsed to ruin. The Orcs and other creatures of Sauron were completely directionless with the Dark Lord's demise and were easily decimated by the army of the West and the Easterlings eventually threw down their weapons and surrendered. <Ref name="Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>

[[27 March|Two days later]], [[Bard II]] and [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] Stonehelm drive the enemy from Dale.<ref name="AB"/>

[[File:Galadriel dol guldur bfmeII.JPG|thumb|right|The fall of Dol Guldur]]
On [[28 March|March 28]] with [[Celeborn]] at their head, Elves crossed the Anduin in many boats and stormed Dol Guldur. Galadriel came after them in the '''[[Fall of Dol Guldur]]''', throwing down the walls of the fortress and laying bare its pits, so that the forest was cleansed. Thranduil cleared all the orcs and foul beings from North Mirkwood.<ref name="AB"/>

===The Scouring of the Shire===
The War did not end with the defeat of Sauron, for Saruman fled northward after the capture of Orthanc, and established himself in the Shire, bending the Hobbits to his will by threat of violence and the persuasive power of his voice. The return of Frodo Baggins and his companions from the coronation of King Elessar and the reunification of Gondor and Arnor, led to their arrest by the [[Shire-hobbits]] but they talked their way out.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}</ref>

A small group of [[Ruffians]] was encountered, and Pippin declared the return of the King to them, and the message that emissaries were on their way. When he was scoffed, he declared himself the emissary, as he was not released from Elessar's service yet. The group was routed, but managed to get a message to a bigger contigent in [[Waymeet]].<ref name="Scouring">{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> 20 Men marched from [[Hobbiton]] towards [[Bywater]], and 200 Bucklanders and [[Cottons]] answered the call of Captain Merry's horn.
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Storming the Bank.jpg|left|thumb|The Battle of Bywater]]
The Men walked up [[Bywater Road]], to the point where [[Tolman Cotton Senior|Farmer Cotton]] was standing and found themselves heavily outnumbered. Their leader fell by arrows as he tried to strike at Merry. The rest surrendered. Pippin had set up a rebellion in [[Tookland]], and returned with one hundred Tooks when the larger group of Men from Waymeet arrived the following day and walked straight into a defensive pocket set up by Merry. Merry and Pippin charged from the eastern bank, and Merry killed the leader.<ref name="Scouring"/> Nearly seventy Men were killed and twelve were taken prisoner, while nineteen Hobbits died and about 30 were wounded.

After their victory the Hobbits marched on to [[Bag End]], where they found [[Sharkey]]. It was not [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] as had been thought, but rather [[Saruman]] who revealed that his servant [[Gríma Wormtongue|Gríma]] killed Lotho. Gríma cut Saruman's throat in a rage for years of oppression and abuse, but was himself shot by Hobbit archers. As the spirit of Saruman rose from its bodily form, it was blown away by a wind from the West; [[Manwë]] did not want him back.<ref name="Scouring"/>

This battle is considered to mark the end of the War.

== Aftermath ==
{{quote|You were born at the end of a great age, [[Elanor Gamgee|Elanorellë]]|[[Samwise Gamgee]], ''[[Sauron Defeated]]'', [[The Epilogue]]}}
{{main|Fourth Age}}
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The White Sapling.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - Aragorn finds the White Sapling, signifying a new era]]
The consequences of the War were "apocalyptical" for the [[Westlands]] of [[Middle-earth]]. The ''status quo'' of many entities were restored, or even radically changed after centuries. Not only the millennia of Sauron's dominion were permanently brought to an end, but the relationships of peoples and races were redefined. It is also notable that during the War many personalities died (Denethor, Theoden, Brand, Dain), and brought their descendants into the aftermath.

The major effect of the war however was that with the destruction of the One Ring, the [[Three Rings]] that had maintained the realms of the Elves in Middle-earth lost their power, and the Elves began to leave for the [[Undying Lands]]; significant Elves who marked the history of the Westlands for millennia, like Galadriel and Elrond departed, setting stage for the [[Dominion of Men]].
===Political===
[[File:Brothers Hildebrandt - Return of the King.jpg|thumb|left|[[Brothers Hildebrandt]] - The Return of the King]]
The downfall of Sauron brought the restoration of the long-awaited line of [[Kings of Gondor]], the restoration of [[Arnor]] and simultaneously the [[Reunited Kingdom|reunification]] of the two kingdoms; after of centuries of nomadic wandering the [[Rangers of the North]] had again a kingdom and the Gondorians had a king. This King was Aragorn II a descendant both of [[Isildur]] and [[Anarion]]; furthermore, his marriage with [[Arwen]] reunited the lines of [[Elrond]] and [[Elros]] since the [[First Age]].

Other political repercussions were the strengthening of the relationships between the Kingdom and [[Rohan]], new relationships with the [[Ents]] (who now occupied [[Treegarth]], former [[Isengard]]), the [[Woses]] and the [[Hobbits]], now known as free peoples. On the [[Elven New Year]], Celeborn and Thranduil renamed Mirkwood as [[Eryn Lasgalen]] and Celeborn took the southern part below [[the Narrows]], naming it East Lórien. The wide forest inbetween was given to the [[Beornings]] and the [[Woodmen]].

===Calendrical impact===
All the above events made historians to mark the years following the War as the end of the [[Third Age]].

Another calendric change was the [[New Reckoning]] which replaced the [[Stewards' Reckoning]], and the introduction of ''[[Cormarë]]'', a holiday on [[25 March|March 25]] that commemorated the fall of Sauron.<ref>{{App|D2}}</ref>

==Combatants==
[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Fleet of Harad.jpg|thumb|''The Fleet of Harad'' by Darrell Sweet]]
===Sauron and his Allies===

*[[Mordor]]
**[[Sauron]] †
**[[Mouth of Sauron]]
**[[Nazgûl]] †
*[[Orthanc]]
**[[Saruman]] †
**[[Gríma Wormtongue]] †
*[[Harad]]
**[[Black Serpent]] †
*[[Rhûn]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]

===Free Peoples===

*[[Gondor]]
**[[Dol Amroth]]
***[[Imrahil]]
**[[Lebennin]]
**[[Lossarnach]]
***[[Forlong]] the Fat †
**[[Ringló Vale]]
***[[Dervorin]] †
**[[Morthond]]
***[[Duinhir]]
***[[Duilin (son of Duinhir)|Duilin]] †
***[[Derufin]] †
**[[Anfalas]]
***[[Golasgil]]
**[[Lamedon]]
***[[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]]
**Shipmen of [[Ethir Anduin]]
**[[Pinnath Gelin]]
***[[Hirluin]] the Fair †
**[[White Mountains]]
***[[Dead Men]]
**[[Minas Tirith]]
***[[Denethor II]] †
***[[Boromir]] †
***[[Faramir]]
***[[Húrin (Warden of the Keys)|Húrin the Tall]]
*[[Rohan]]
**[[Théoden]] †
**[[Théodred]] †
**[[Éomer]]
**[[Erkenbrand]]
**[[Elfhelm]]
**[[Grimbold]] †
*[[Mirkwood]]
**[[Thranduil]]
**[[Legolas]]
*[[Lothlórien]]
**[[Celeborn]]
**[[Galadriel]]
*[[The Shire]] and [[Bree-land]]
**[[Hobbiton]]
***[[Frodo Baggins]]
***[[Samwise Gamgee]]
**[[Tookland]]
***[[Peregrin Took]]
**[[Buckland]] and [[Bree]]
***[[Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
***[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
*[[Fangorn Forest]]
**[[Treebeard]]
**[[Quickbeam]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Gandalf]]
*[[Erebor]] and the Lands of the North
**The [[Lonely Mountain]]
***[[Gimli]]
***[[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] †
***[[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]]
**The [[Kingdom of Dale]]
***[[Brand]] †
***[[Bard II]]
** Possibly the [[Iron Hills]]

==Non-combatants==

*[[Elvendom]]
**[[Rivendell]]
***[[Elrond]]
***[[Glorfindel]]
**[[Grey Havens]]
***[[Círdan]]
***[[Galdor of the Havens]]
*[[Istari]]
**[[Radagast]]

{{references}}
[[Category:Conflicts of the Third Age]]
[[Category:Wars]]
[[fr:encyclo/evenements/3a/guerres/guerre_de_l_anneau]]

Rivendell

2011-07-28T02:55:44Z

Iorhael: /* The One Ring */

{{cleanup}}{{sources}}
{{location
| image=[[Image:J.R.R. Tolkien - Rivendell.jpg|250px]]
| name=Rivendell
| othernames=[[Imladris]], the [[Last Homely House]]
| etymology=Riven (cloven) + dell
| type=Valley/City
| location=West of [[Misty Mountains|Hithaeglir]]
| inhabitants=[[Elves]]
| realms=[[Elrond]]'s dominion
| description=Hidden valley with permanent elven settlement
| events=[[First Siege of Imladris|First]] and [[Second Siege of Imladris|Second]] Siege of Imladris, [[Quest of Erebor]], [[Council of Elrond]]
| references=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Hobbit]]'', ''[[Unfinished Tales]]''
}}

'''Rivendell''' was an [[Elves|Elven]] dwelling in the [[Misty Mountains]] on the eastern edge of [[Eriador]]. It was also called "'''The Last Homely House East of the Sea'''", a reference to [[Valinor]], which is west of the sea. It was established by [[Elrond]] in the [[Second Age]] as a refuge from [[Sauron]] after the fall of [[Eregion]]. Besides Elrond himself, notable Elves who lived there include [[Arwen]] and [[Glorfindel]].

==Location==
Rivendell is located at the edge of a narrow gorge of the [[Bruinen|Bruinen River]], but well hidden in the moorlands and foothills of the [[Misty Mountains]].

==History==
===Establishment===
Elrond established Imladris in {{SA|1697}} during the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]].<ref>{{App|SA}}</ref> In Elrond's following at that time were both Elves from [[Lindon]] whom he had led in [[Sack of Eregion|battle to defend Eregion]] and those Elves who had fled [[Eregion]] when it was destroyed. 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 was liberated after [[Gil-galad]]'s forces, strengthened by the armament sent by [[Tar-Minastir]], routed Sauron's armies and drove him out of Eriador. A Council was held at that time, establishing Elrond as Gil-galad's vice-regent in Eriador and that Imladris should be maintained as an Elvish stronghold.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref>

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 before crossing the Misty Mountains.<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. The heirs of Isildur were also harbored there due to their kinship with Elrond, as descendants of his brother [[Elros]].<ref name="SV"/> Rivendell maintained this special relationship with the North Kingdom throughout the Third Age, and Elrond and his people remained steadfast allies to the heirs of Isildur.

Situated on the western slopes of the Misty Mountains, Rivendell was on the eastern edge of [[Arnor]], close to the province of [[Rhudaur]] which became independent during the disintegration of the North Kingdom in {{TA|861}}. Danger came to Eriador around {{TA|1300}} when the witch-kingdom of [[Angmar]] was established in the north-east beyond the [[Ettenmoors]]. It was during the late 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 Elvenfolk of Rivendell joined those of Lindon in subduing the power of the [[Witch-king]] for many years.<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref>

After the end of the North-kingdom in {{TA|1975}} [[Aranarth]], the first [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]], had is son fostered in Rivendell, as were all subsequent sons of the chieftains. The heirlooms and treasures of the house of Isildur were also kept in Rivendell, including the shards of Narsil, were also kept there after Arvedui's death.<ref name="North"/> Among these were also some of the few remaining documents containing the history of Númenor.<ref>{{UT|3}}</ref>

There was traffic across the Misty Mountains in the Third Age between Imladris and [[Lothlórien|Lórien]], for Elrond's wife was [[Celebrían]], daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn.

===The One Ring===
In the [[Quest of Erebor]], [[Bilbo Baggins]] stopped off at Rivendell with the Dwarves on the way to the [[Lonely Mountain]] and also on the way back to [[the Shire]] with [[Gandalf]].

Years later, [[Frodo Baggins]] and his [[Travellers|companions]] journeyed to Rivendell, where they met with Bilbo, who had retired there after his 111th birthday, spending his time on his memoir, ''[[There and Back Again]]''. Several other Elves, [[Dwarves]] and [[Men]] had also arrived at Rivendell on separate errands; 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.

==Etymology==
The name Rivendell is English meaning "torn valley". It is the translation of [[Westron]] ''[[Karningul]]''.

The [[Sindarin]] name of Rivendell is ''[[Imladris]]'' of the same meaning. [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] gives the literal meaning "Deep Valley of the Cleft".

==Inspiration==
A possible inspiration could have been [[wikipedia:Lauterbrunnen|Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland]], which Tolkien visited in [[1911]]:

{{quote|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 traveled 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).|Tolkien<ref>{{l|306}}</ref>}}

==Portrayal in Adaptations ==
'''2002: ''[[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)]]'', "Rivendell"</ref>

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Rivendell is one of the major cities in the game, located between Trollshaws and the Misty Mountains. Elves are able to quick travel to the city if they have earned the trait, have it equiped and have one travel ration. Rivendell is also one of the places that players can choose as Elven character's homeland.

==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Rivendell|Images of Rivendell]]
==External links==
*[http://scv.bu.edu/~aarondf/Rivimages/realriv.html Rivendell in Switzerland]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Elven Realms]]
[[Category:Sieges]]
{{references}}
[[Category:Cities, Towns and Villages]]
[[de:Bruchtal]]
[[fi:Rivendell]]

The Fellowship of the Ring

2011-07-28T02:41:33Z

Iorhael: /* Chapters */

{{disambig-more|Fellowship of the Ring|[[The Fellowship of the Ring (disambiguation)]]}}

[[Image:The Fellowship of the Ring 1st edition.jpg|thumb|The cover of the 1st edition of ''The Fellowship of the Ring''.]]
'''''The Fellowship of the Ring, being the first part of The Lord of the Rings''''' is the first of three volumes ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. It is followed by ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]''. ''The Fellowship of the Ring'' was originally released on [[29 July|July 29]], [[1954]] in the United Kingdom.

==Synopsis==
The volume is divided into two books, Book I and II.
===Book I===
The first book sets the stage for the adventure and follows [[Frodo Baggins]] as he flees from his home in [[the Shire]] to escape the minions of the Dark Lord [[Sauron]]. Sauron seeks [[the One Ring]] that will allow him to control the Bearers of the nineteen Lower Rings and control the three major races of Middle-earth: the Elves, the Men and the Dwarves. The One Ring has been inherited by Frodo who finds himself unwittingly in the midst of a struggle for world domination.
[[Image:The Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien).jpg|thumb|Tolkien's preliminary design for the dust-jacket of ''The Fellowship of the Ring''.]]
The beginning of the first chapter in the book begins quite lightly, following on from ''[[The Hobbit]]'' which is more of a childrens story than ''Lord of the Rings''. It begins with [[Bilbo Baggins]] celebrating his 111th (or eleventy first, as it is called) birthday, on the same day that Frodo celebrates his 33rd birthday. (His 'coming of age') At the birthday party, Bilbo disappears after his speech, to the suprise of all. Frodo later learns about the ring which he had used to make himself invisible, and also to some of its darker powers.

Heeding the advice of the wizard [[Gandalf]], Frodo leaves his home, taking the Ring with him. He hopes to reach [[Rivendell]], where he will be safe from Sauron, and where those wiser than he can decide what to do about the Ring.

In his journey he is accompanied by three [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] friends, [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. From the start they are pursued by Black Riders, the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraith]]s who serve Sauron. Narrowly escaping these and other dangers and meeting other interesting characters en route (e.g, [[Tom Bombadil]]) they eventually come to [[Bree]], where they meet [[Aragorn|Strider]], another friend of Gandalf who leads them the rest of the way to Rivendell, through further hardships. Frodo is stabbed upon the mountain of [[Weathertop]] by the chief of the Nazgul, with a 'morgul blade' - as part of the knife stays inside him, he gets sicker on the rest of the journey. They also pass the trolls which had been turned to stone, as is told in the ''[[The Hobbit]]''.

====Chapters====
{{fotrchapters}}
*'''I - [[A Long-expected Party]]''' - details Bilbo and Frodo's birthday party, chapter ends with Bilbo leaving [[the Shire]]
*'''II - [[The Shadow of the Past]]''' - Gandalf tells Frodo the true nature of the ring, and how it must be taken to Mordor and destroyed. Sam who has been listening at the window, is told to accompany Frodo.
*'''III - [[Three is Company]]''' - Frodo sells [[Bag End]], and officially is going to move to a house at Crickhollow in the area beyond [[Bucklebury]] in [[Buckland]], while he actually plans to disappear without causing too much of a fuss. Frodo, Sam and Pippin set out through the South Farthing of the Shire towards Buckland, and encounter a black rider. They also meet [[Gildor Inglorion|Gildor]] the elf, with other elves.
*'''IV - [[A Short Cut to Mushrooms]]''' - They meet [[Farmer Maggot]] from taking a short cut, and he gives them some of his prized mushrooms. Merry joins them at the end.
*'''V - [[A Conspiracy Unmasked]]''' - Takes place at Frodo's new house at Crickhollow. The title refers to Frodo about to tell Merry and Pippin about his quest, who he had previously believed not to know about it, and they tell him that they had known much of it all along. They also meet [[Fredegar Bolger|Fatty Bolger]]. Frodo decides to leave the next day through the old forest, as it is an unexpected direction, rather than travelling on the roads.
*'''VI - [[The Old Forest]]''' - Although trying to avoid it, the hobbits get lost and travel to the River Withywindle, the "queerest part of the whole wood". Merry and Pippin are trapped inside [[Old Man Willow]], and are freed only when [[Tom Bombadil]] arrives.
*'''VII - [[In the House of Tom Bombadil]]''' - Tom knows much about the hobbits, and even tries on the Ring, yet it does not have any effect on him - it does not make him invisible. Frodo tries on the ring then to see if it 'works', and Tom Bombadil is also able to see Frodo while he has the ring on.
*'''VIII - [[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]''' - Travelling through the [[Barrow-downs]], the hobbits are imprisoned by Barrow-wights, where they are rescued again by Tom Bombadil. The hobbits are given daggers from the treasure in one of the downs.
*'''IX - [[At the Sign of the Prancing Pony]]''' - The hobbits reach the [[Prancing Pony]] inn at Bree, where Frodo uses a false name, Underhill. Later, after singing a song on a table, he trips and accidentally puts the ring on his finger, disappearing, which causes a commotion.
*'''X - [[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]''' - Strider who had at first seemed menacing, turns out to be friendly. The innkeeper, Butterbur, gives Frodo a letter from Gandalf, which tells him that Strider is a friend of Gandalf's whose real name is Aragorn.
*'''XI - [[A Knife in the Dark]]''' - The hobbits with Strider set out from Bree on foot after their horses had bolted when Black Riders arrived at the inn at night, who had also attacked the beds which they were supposed to be staying in, though Strider had them stay in another room. They buy a pony from Bill Ferny. They pass through the Midgewater Marshes, and reach Weathertop. There they are attacked by five black riders, Frodo puts on the ring to escape them, and is stabbed in the arm by one of them.
*'''XII - [[Flight to the Ford]]''' - They pass the stone trolls, turned to stone in ''The Hobbit''. Eventually, they meet the elf [[Glorfindel]] from Rivendell, who takes Frodo with him back to Rivendell on his white horse. The riders are washed away in a flood over the Ford.

===Book II===

Book II chronicles Frodo's stay at Rivendell, where a plan is hatched to destroy the Ring in [[Mordor]]. At first Frodo meets his uncle [[Bilbo Baggins]] who he had not seen since he left Hobbiton much earlier. Frodo sets forth from Rivendell with eight companions: two Men, [[Aragorn]] and [[Boromir]], son of the Steward of the land of [[Gondor]]; an Elven prince, [[Legolas]]; Frodo's old friend and powerful wizard, Gandalf; [[Gimli]] the Dwarf; and Frodo's original three hobbit companions. These Nine Walkers were chosen to represent all the free races of Middle-earth and as a balance to the Nine Riders. They were also accompanied by [[Bill the Pony]], whom Strider and the Hobbits acquired in Bree as a pack horse. Their attempt to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] is foiled by heavy snow, so they are forced to take a path under the mountains via [[Moria]], an ancient [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] kingdom, now full of [[Orcs]] and other evil creatures, where Gandalf falls into the abyss after battling a [[Balrogs|Balrog]].

The remaining eight members of the Fellowship then spend some time in the elf-haven of [[Lothlórien]], where they receive [[Gifts of Galadriel|gifts]] from the elf queen [[Galadriel]] that in many cases prove useful later in the quest. They leave Lórien by river, but Frodo begins to realize the Ring is having a malevolent effect on some members of the party, especially Boromir, who tries to take the ring from Frodo. In the process, Frodo puts on the ring to escape him. Later Boromir is attacked by orcs while trying to defend Merry and Pippin. This book ends when Frodo and Sam depart secretly for [[Mordor]] and the Fellowship of the Ring dissolves.

====Chapters====

*'''I - [[Many Meetings]]''' - After awakening from a sleep for four days, Frodo meets Gandalf and Bilbo again, as well as [[Glóin]] the dwarf from ''The Hobbit'', Elrond and others.
*'''II - [[The Council of Elrond]]''' - A council attended by many people; Gandalf tells the story of his escape from Saruman; they decide that the ring must be destroyed and Frodo offers to take it to Mordor.
*'''III - [[The Ring goes South]]''' - The nine members of the fellowship travel south through [[Hollin]]; they try to take the road over the mountain Caradhras but are forced to turn back.
*'''IV - [[A Journey in the Dark]]''' - They travel to the gates of Moria, where they have to deal with a sea creature in the lake in front of it. Gandalf eventually opens the doors using a magic word. They reach the tomb of [[Balin]].
*'''V - [[The Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]''' - Attacked by orcs and trolls, the Fellowship tries to make their way to the bridge of Khazad-dum, but Gandalf falls during a confrontation with a [[Balrog]] on the bridge.
*'''VI - [[Lothlorien (chapter)|Lothlorien]]''' - The company meets the elves of Lorien. The elves reluctantly agree to let Gimli the dwarf pass. Aragorn takes Frodo to the hill of [[Cerin Amroth]].
*'''VII - [[The Mirror of Galadriel]]''' - The company meets [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. Frodo is shown the mirror of Galadriel.
*'''VIII - [[Farewell to Lórien]]''' - The elves give them cloaks, elf bread and other gifts; they leave Lorien on boats down the Great River.
*'''IX - [[The Great River]]''' - they notice Gollum following them down the river on a log; they reach the falls of Rauros, where they must choose between travelling on the east or west bank of the river to pass the falls.
*'''X - [[The Breaking of the Fellowship]]''' - They arrive at the lawn of Parth Galen; they still face the choice of whether to go east or west; Boromir tries to take the Ring from Frodo, who puts it on to escape him; Other members of the company split up trying to find Frodo. Frodo and Sam go across the river and head east.

==External links==
* [http://monomyth.org/index.php?module=article&view=8 MonoMyth.org - Mythological Structure of The Fellowship of the Ring]
* [http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/fellowship/shortsumm.html Detailed summary and analysis of The Fellowship of the Ring]
* [http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/fellowship/index.html Detailed summary and analysis of characters, themes, and symbols of The Fellowship of the Ring]

{{lotr}}
[[Category:Books by J.R.R. Tolkien|Two Towers, The]]
[[CATEGORY:Publications by title|Two Towers, The]]
[[de:Die Gefährten]]
[[fa:سفرنامه فرودو بگینز]]
[[fi:Sormuksen ritarit]]

Orcs

2011-07-28T01:43:25Z

Iorhael: /* Second Age */

{{rewrite}}
{{race
| image=[[Image:John Howe - In Mordor.jpg|250px]]
| name= Orcs
| dominions=[[Mordor]], [[Angband]], [[Misty Mountains]], [[Mount Gundabad]], [[Angmar]], [[Utumno]]
| languages= [[Black Speech]]; numerous [[Orkish]] languages of their own
| height= probably just above 5'{{fact}}
| length=
| skincolor= Sallow, Green, Brown, Grey
| haircolor=
| feathers=
| distinctions= Short, sallow
| lifespan=
| members= [[Gothmog, Lieutenant of Morgul|Gothmog]], [[Othrod]], [[Azog]], [[Gorbag]]
|}}
'''Orcs''' were the footsoldiers of evil overlords - [[Morgoth]], [[Sauron]] and the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]].

==History==
===Origins and early Years===

The Orcs were bred by [[Morgoth|Melkor]] in mockery of the [[Elves]], sometime during the [[The Darkness#The Great Darkness|Great Darkness]].<ref>{{S|3}}</ref><ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref>

[[Image:Warren Mahy-Orc Archer.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Orc by [[Warren Mahy]]]]

It is unclear when exactly Orcs were created, but it certainly happened before the [[War for Sake of the Elves]] in his stronghold of Utumno. If the Orcs where at this time a capable fighting force against the host of Valinor is not known. But at least some of them survived this war, probably hidden in the deep vaults of [[Angband]] and multiplied, waiting for their master.

When Melkor (now known as [[Morgoth]]) returned to Middle-earth he created new hordes of Orcs and invaded [[Beleriand]], where the [[First Battle of Beleriand]] took place. Orcs fought also in [[Dagor-nuin-Giliath]].

===First Age===
Orcs appear in the [[First Age]] as the core force of [[Morgoth]]. Hundreds of thousands of Orcs were bred in [[Angband]] to participate in the [[Battles of Beleriand]], which lasted 587 years.

Orcs first appear in the [[First Age]] in the [[Battle of the Lammoth]], where they were defeated by [[Fingolfin]] and his [[Noldor]]. Orcs participated in battles such as the [[Dagor Aglareb]], [[Dagor Bragollach]], [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], [[Fall of the Falas]], and finally in the [[War of Wrath]], were they were almost extinguished. Those that survived the defeat fled eastwards and hid probably in the Mountains of [[Angmar]] and the [[Ered Mithrin]].

===Second Age===
At around the year thousand Sauron reappeared, took the land of [[Mordor]] as his realm and started the construction of [[Barad-dûr]]. It is likely that most of his servants where Orcs at this time that he had gathered under his command. Still for a long time Sauron's foul servants did not play an important role, for the Dark Lord had chosen a more subtle way to overthrow the free people by creating the [[Rings of Power]].

During the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], in [[Second Age 1700|S.A.1700]] Orcs formed the main power of Sauron's host. Despite the immeasurable number of Orcs, Sauron was defeated by the united hosts of Elves and [[Númenóreans]]. Still Sauron was powerful east of the [[Misty Mountains]] and the inlands and the Orcs that inhabited the mountains multiplied.

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] started a war against the [[Dwarves]], resulting in the [[First Sack of Gundabad]] and its occupation by the Orcs. Finally, Orcs were the core force of [[Sauron]] during the [[War of the Last Alliance]], and fought in great battles such as the [[Battle of Dagorlad]] and the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]].

===Third Age===
During the [[Third Age]], Orcs were the standard troops of the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]] (both in [[Mordor]] and in [[Dol Guldur]]).

In [[Angmar]], Orcs fought in the [[Angmar War]]. Years later, they invaded [[Eriador]] under the leadership of the [[Necromancer]].

The [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]], one of the few (more or less) independent Orcish societies, and their leader [[Azog]] started out the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], and after their defeat they retreated in their caves. They appeared again in [[Third Age 2941|T.A. 2941]], when the [[Battle of Five Armies]] took place.

The [[Orcs of Mordor]] fought in major battles during the [[War of the Ring]], such as the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], but the entire [[Mordor]] force was destroyed in the [[Battle of the Morannon]].

The Orcs in [[Dol Guldur]] remained in [[Mirkwood]] until the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]], one of the last battles of the War of the Ring.

===Fourth Age and beyond===
Although the entire force of [[Sauron]] was destroyed after the [[War of the Ring]], it is assumed that many Orcs continued to live beneath the [[Misty Mountains]] and caused little trouble.{{fact}}

==Characteristics==

===Culture===

It is certain all Orcs were dependent on the Dark Lord in various ways: after their leader was defeated, the Orcs were confused and dismayed, and easily scattered by their enemies. In the millennia after Morgoth's defeat and banishment from Arda, they were without a leader they degenerated to small, quarrelsome tribes hiding in the [[Misty Mountains]]. Only when Sauron returned to power did they begin to reclaim some of their old power. The same happened after Sauron's defeat by the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]: only when Sauron returned as the Necromancer of [[Mirkwood]] did the Orcs become a real danger for Middle-earth again.

It is interesting to note that to an extent, Tolkien did not regard Orcs as evil in their own right, but only as tools of Melkor and Sauron. He wrote once that "we were all orcs in the [[World War I|Great War]]".{{fact}}

===Lifespan===

It is unknown if the Orcs were immortal like the Elves. There is, in any case, a hint for a long livespan in the story of two of the most famous Orc-chieftains: [[Azog]] and [[Bolg]]. Bolg, being the son of Azog, was the chieftain of the Orcs who attacked Erebor in the Battle of Five Armies in {{TA|2941}}. Azog himself was killed in the Battle of Azanulbizar in {{TA|2799}}, so Bolg was aproximately 150 years old.

===Appearance===

In Tolkien's writing, Orcs are described as humanoid, roughly human-sized, ugly and filthy. Although not dim-witted, they are portrayed as dull and miserable beings, who corrupt words and are only able to destroy, not to create. They had sour black blood.{{fact}}

===Kinds of Orcs===

Tolkien loosely implies that there are actually several different breeds of Orcs, not simply in the wide variety in clans, but strains of Orc that were specifically bred for certain tasks.

The Fellowship usually encounters the large soldier-Orcs bred for war, and sometimes the "snaga" variety which were more geared towards being labourers. However, a strong hint at the variety of Orc breeds is when Frodo and Sam are in Mordor, and realize that they are being followed by two Orcs, then hide to observe them. One of the Orcs is a normal soldier-Orc, but the other is described as a "Snuffler", a breed specifically geared towards being a tracker. This tracker-Orc was, compared to the soldier-Orc, physically unimposing, but had vastly overdeveloped sensory organs, particularly a single giant nostril. While physically weak compared to the soldier-Orc, the "snuffler" was able to skilfully kill the soldier-orc when they got into a disagreement.

*[[Snaga]]
*[[Orcs of Mordor]]
*[[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]]
*[[Half-Orcs]] (and [[Goblin-men]])
*[[Uruk-hai]]
*[[Hobgoblins]]

==Etymology==

The word '''''Orc''''' is said to be the "''form of the name that other races had for this foul people as it was in the [[Rohirric|language of Rohan]]''".<ref name=App|F1iv/>

In his late, post-''Lord of the Rings'' writings, Tolkien preferred the spelling '''''Ork'''''.<ref>{{HM|PM}}</ref> This was evidently mainly to avoid the form ''Orcish'', which would be naturally pronounced with the c as /s/ instead of /k/. (In [[Languages|Tolkien's languages]] the letter ''c'' was always pronounced /k/.) It is also possible that the word is a Common Tongue Version of 'orch', the [[Sindarin]] word for Orc. The original sense of the word seems to be "bogey", "bogeyman", that is, something that provokes fear, as seen in the Quenya cognate ''urko'', pl. ''urqui''.{{fact}}

Tolkien derived the word ''orc'' from [[Old English]] believing it refers to a kind of evil spirits,<ref name=L144/><ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "[[Gene Wolfe 7 November 1966]]" (letter)</ref> which in turn derives from Latin ''Orcus'' "Hades". He also thought it survives in the modern language for sea-beasts,<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 762</ref> such as the [[Wikipedia:Orca Whale|Orca Whale]].

''Orc'' is an [[Old English]] word that refers mainly to a kind of metal cup (from Latin ''Urceus'').<ref group="note">The word ''Orc'' occurs twice in ''[[Beowulf]]''.</ref> However, in a 11th century glossary, this entry was conflated with another entry which refers to evil giants such as ''[[Wikipedia:Jötunn|þyrs]]'' and other monsters, also glossed in Latin as ''Orcus''. This merge of the two entries made many philologists of the previous centuries, like Tolkien, to believe that ''Orc'' was an actual Old English word that refers to any kind of evil creature from the underworld.<ref>Bosworth and Toller's ''An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary'' (1898), corrected in later editions</ref>

The word ''Orcnéas'' is once found only in ''[[Beowulf]]'' (lines 112-113) and is cited as an example of the word "Orc" in Old English text. Actually its meaning is not clear, and it is thought to refer to corpses (''néas'') from the Underworld.

However, it is also mentioned that the word ''Orc'' is Anglo-Saxon for "Foreigner, Monster, Demon" and was used to refer to the Normans invading the Anglish in 1066.<ref>"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1329539/ 1066 The Battle for Middle Earth]" 2009 (documentary)</ref>
===Orcs in Tolkien's languages===
Tolkien said that one of the reason of choosing "Orc" over "Goblin" was the similarity with his fictional languages.<ref name=WJAC>{{WJ|AC}}, pp. 389-91</ref> Indeed most [[Elvish]], [[Mannish]] and other words for Orc, are similar to the English word.

The basic [[Primitive Quendian]] [[Sundocarme|root]], from which the words for Orc derive, is [[RUKU]] (said to refer to any "bogey" that scared the Elves)<ref name=WJAC/>:

*[[Quenya]] '''''orco'''''<ref name=PE17_47/> (pl. '''''Orkor'''''<ref>{{GA|27}}, p. 12</ref><ref>{{HM|MR}}, pp. 74, 194</ref>); [[Exilic Quenya]] '''''urko''''' (pl. '''''orkor''''' and '''''orqui''''')<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Sindarin]]: '''''orch'''''/'''''Orch''''' (pl. '''''yrch'''''/'''''Yrch''''', class pl. '''''Orchoth'''''/'''''orchoth'''''<ref group="note">''Orchoth'' is likely a compound of ''orch'' + ''[[hoth]]''.</ref>)<ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144/><ref name=PE17_52-4/><ref name=PE17_47/><ref name=App|F1iv/>; '''''[[glamhoth]]'''''
*[[Nandorin]]: '''''ūriʃ'''''<ref name=PE17_52-4>{{PE|17}}, pp. 52-4</ref>

*[[Adûnaic]]: '''''urku''''', '''''urkhu'''''<ref name=WJAC/>
*[[Westron]]: '''''orka'''''<ref name=PE17_47>{{PE|17}}, p. 47</ref>
*[[Black Speech]]: '''''[[Uruk-hai#Etymology|uruk]]'''''<ref name=App|F1iv>{{App|F1iv}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/><ref name=L144>{{L|144}}</ref><ref name=PE17_47/>
*[[Khuzdul]]: '''''Rukhs''''' (pl. '''''Rakhās'''''), possibly derived from an unknown [[Avarin]] word of the same meaning<ref name=WJAC/><ref group="note">''Rukhs'' appears to contain the radical R-Kh-S.</ref>
*[[Drúedainic]]: '''''gorgûn''''' ("orc-folk"; the form ''gorgûn'' is perhaps plural of an unknown singular form)<ref name=PE17_99>{{PE|17}}, p. 99</ref><ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><ref name=WJAC/>

In the earliest versions of [[Qenya]], Tolkien had words such as "'''Ork (orq-)''' pl. '''Orqi''' and fem. "'''orqindi'''".{{fact}}

In [[Noldorin]], the earlier version of Sindarin, the word for Orc is the same: ''orch'' (pl ''yrch'').<ref name=LR379>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 379 (entry for ÓROK)</ref><ref>{{MR|P3I7}}, p. 195</ref><ref>{{MC|Secret}}, p. 217</ref> The [[Gnomish]] word for "one of a tribe of the orcs. a goblin" is said to be '''''Gong'''''.<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 41</ref>

*''See also: [[Entish]] ''[[burárum]]''

===Orcs and Goblins===
''Main article: [[Goblin]]''

In ''The Hobbit'', Tolkien primarily used the word "goblin" for Orcs. In ''The Lord of the Rings'', "Orc" is used predominantly, though there are several references to "goblins".

"[[Goblin]]" is an English word, whereas "[[Orcs|Orc]]" is Old English, the language used by Tolkien to represent Rohirric.<ref>{{App|F1iv}}</ref> Thus, there is no difference between Orcs and Goblins, and the two names of different languages have much the same relationship as ''dog'' (English) and ''hund'' (German).

The original edition of ''The Hobbit'' and early drafts of ''The Lord of the Rings'' first used 'goblin' everywhere and used '[[Hobgoblins|hobgoblin]]' for larger, more evil goblins: when goblins were replaced with Orcs Tolkien invented the term Uruk-hai for his more evil Orcs.

==Other Versions of the Lengendarium==
===Origin===
According to the oldest "theory" proposed by Tolkien, Orcs were made of stone and slime through the sorcery of Morgoth. But, Tolkien later changed the legendarium so that Morgoth could no longer produce life on his own.

While Tolkien originally saw all Orcs as descended from tortured Elves, later comments of his indicate, according to [[Christopher Tolkien]] in ''Morgoth's Ring'' ("Myths Transformed, text X"), that he began to feel uncomfortable with the theory that orcs were descending from Elves. However, Tolkien died before he could complete his upheaval of the cosmology, and in the published version of ''The Silmarillion'', the Elf origin of Orcs was adopted. It does not appear that the elder Tolkien ever decided on a definitive answer.

The origin of Orcs is an open question. In Tolkien's writings, evil is not capable of independent creation, making it unlikely that the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Morgoth|Melkor]], who was obviously the first to produce them, could do that ''ex nihilo''. In the ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' is mentioned that the Orcs were transformed from Elves — the purest form of life on [[Arda]] (the Earth) — by means of torture and mutilation; and this "theory" would then become the most popular. There are hints in the ''[[The History of Middle-earth|History of Middle-earth]]'' series of books, (especially in ''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'' in the section "Myths Transformed"), that some Orc leaders, such as the First Age's [[Boldog]], or the [[Great Goblin]] encountered by [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and the Dwarves, may in fact have been fallen [[Maiar]] which had taken Orc form.

Yet other Orcs may have begun as animals of vaguely humanoid shapes, empowered by the will of the Dark Lord (first [[Morgoth]], later Sauron): this may explain the references to their "beaks and feathers"{{fact}} in Tolkien's writings.

: ''The Orcs were beasts of humanized shape (…).'' ('Morgoth's Ring', "Myths transformed", text VIII')

==Controversy==
Tolkien's Orcs have ''allegedly'' been a subject of criticism of [[racism]]. Tolkien described Orcs as "squat, broad, flat-nosed, sallow-skinned, with wide mouths and slant eyes: in fact degraded and repulsive versions of the (to Europeans) least lovely Mongol-types".<ref>{{L|210}}</ref> Another possible offensive theme present in orcs (though not necessarily racist), is the fact that when the orcs talk, they often use the same phrases and accents that the English working-class is known to use.{{fact}}

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Orcs|Images of Orcs]]

{{references|note}}
[[Category:Orcs| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[de:Orks]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/orques/orques]]
[[fi:Örkit]]

Gandalf

2011-07-27T22:54:55Z

Iorhael:

{{Sources}}
{{disambig-more|Gandalf|[[Gandalf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{Istari infobox
| image=[[Image:Roger Thomasson - Gandalf.jpg|250px]]
| name=Gandalf
| othernames=The Grey, The White, [[Olórin]], [[Mithrandir]], [[Incánus]], [[Tharkûn]], The White Rider, Gandalf Greyhame, [[Stormcrow]], [[Gandalf#Wand-elf|Wand-elf]], [[Láthspell]]
| coming=[[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]]<ref name="Istari">{{UT|Istari}}</ref>
| duty=[[Istari]]
| death=Died/Reborn [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]], sailed back to [[Aman]] [[Third Age 3021|T.A. 3021]]
| gender=Male
| robes=Grey, later White
| hair=Grey
| appearance=Bent old man (approx 5'6")<ref name="MB">{{HM|MB}}, page 49</ref> with long beard and eyebrows<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>|}}{{Pronounce|Gandalf.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{Pronounce|Quenya - Olórin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}
{{quote|Gandalf was shorter in stature than the [[Elrond|other]] [[Glorfindel|two]]; but his long white hair, his sweeping silver beard, and his broad shoulders, made him look like some wise king of ancient legend. In his aged face under great snowy brows his eyes were set like coals that could suddenly burst into fire.|"[[Many Meetings]]"<ref name="Meetings"/>}}

'''Gandalf''' was one of the five [[Istari]] sent to [[Middle-earth]] by the [[Valar]] in the [[Third Age]]. In [[Valinor]] he was known as Olórin. Gandalf was instrumental in bringing about the demise of [[Sauron]] in [[Third Age 3019|3019]], chiefly by encouraging others and dispensing his wisdom at pivotal times. Gandalf was originally robed in grey, and second to [[Saruman]] in the Order of [[wizards]]. After his fall in Moria, Gandalf returned to Middle-earth as head of the Order, robed in white. Gandalf was noteworthy for his keen interest in [[Hobbits]].

==History==
===Coming to Middle-earth===

Olórin was a [[Maiar|Maia]] who dwelt in the [[Lórien in Valinor|gardens]] of [[Irmo]] in Valinor.<ref>{{S|Vala}}</ref> As a pupil of [[Nienna]], Olórin was said to be the wisest of the Maiar; he learned pity and patience from his teacher. When the Valar chose five emissaries, the [[Istari]], from among the Maiar to go to [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Third Age]], [[Manwë]] selected Olórin.<ref name="Istari"/> The other four were Saruman, [[Radagast]], [[Pallando]], and [[Alatar]]. These messengers were to assist the free peoples in opposing [[Sauron]], who still existed as a 'dark spirit of malice' despite his body's destruction in the downfall of [[Númenor]]. Furthermore, [[the One Ring]], the location of much of Sauron's power, presumably still existed somewhere in Middle-earth. Olórin submitted to the will of Manwë, and departed Valinor to [[Mithlond]] in the year T.A. 1000.<ref name="Istari"/> He arrived after the others at about the same time the [[Necromancer]] appeared in [[Mirkwood]].

At Mithlond he was welcomed by [[Glorfindel]], his friend from Valinor, sent earlier on a similar mission, and [[Círdan]] the shipwright, who possessed [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings|Three Elven Rings]] of power. Círdan divined in Olórin a sense of strength and power despite his appearance as a bent and aged old man. Círdan gave Narya to Olórin, with a prediction of his future struggles with evil, and a promise that it would support and aid him in his labors. Then Círdan said “''But as for me, my heart is with the [[Belegaer|Sea]], and I will dwell by the grey shores until the last ship sails. I will await you.''”<ref name="ThirdAge">{{App|B2}}</ref>

Olórin then began his sojourn in Middle-earth. He was known by many names during the long years he remained in Middle-earth: Elves named him [[Mithrandir]], the Grey Pilgrim, while the men of [[Arnor]] named him Gandalf, which became his most common name. He was also known as ''[[Incánus]]'' (in the south), and '[[Tharkûn]]'' to the [[Dwarves]].<ref name="Istari"/>

[[Image:John Howe - Gandalf the Grey.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Gandalf the Grey'' by [[John Howe]]]]Gandalf, like the other Wizards, took the shape of an old man. He was robed in gray and went about as a wanderer and counselor. Unlike Saruman, Gandalf did not go east and did not take up a single permanent residence. Gandalf apparently restricted his activities to the North-west of Middle-earth, where the remnants of the [[Dúnedain]] and the [[Eldar]] remained to oppose Sauron.

===Early Vigilance===

Around [[Third Age 1100|1100]]<ref name="ThirdAge"/>, the Istari and the Eldar discovered that some evil entity resided at [[Dol Guldur]] in Mirkwood. Dark shapes moved in the forest and evil began to multiply in the woods. Some thought a [[Nazgûl]] had returned to torment the world, or some new evil was arising. Gandalf was unsure, and feared that perhaps Sauron himself might have returned.<ref name="Rings">{{S|Rings}}</ref>

Over the next two hundred years the evil continued to grow, as well as the source directing it. [[Orcs]] were multiplying in the [[Misty Mountains]] and elsewhere. The [[Witch-king]], the mightiest of the Nazgûl, had built a fortress in [[Angmar]] in the Northern wastelands and waged unending war against the Kingdom of Arnor. Meanwhile [[Moria]] and [[Minas Ithil]] fell under a shadow, while other wars, plagues, and catastrophes occurred across Middle-earth. Gandalf went to Dol Guldur in [[Third Age 2063|2063]] to discover its secret.<ref name="ThirdAge"/> An entity known only as the '[[Necromancer]]' fled before him and Gandalf could not discover his identity<ref name="Rings"/>. Afterwards, the evil there seemed to desist, and the era of the [[Watchful Peace]] began.

This peace lasted for almost four hundred years, but the Necromancer again returned to Dol Guldur in [[Third Age 2460|2460]]<ref name="ThirdAge"/>. In response, the Wise formed the [[White Council]] three years later. Though [[Galadriel]], bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings and mighty among the Eldar, wished Gandalf to be the chief of the Council, it was in the end Saruman who took this place-- because of his vast knowledge, but also because Gandalf refused this position, wishing to set down no roots and to maintain his independence<ref name="Rings"/>.

[[Image:John Howe - Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Pass the Doors of Dol Guldur'' by [[John Howe]]]]In [[Third Age 2850|2850]], Gandalf again entered Dol Guldur, this time in secrecy<ref name="ThirdAge"/>. There he found out many things. First and foremost, the Necromancer was no Nazgûl – it was Sauron himself. Also, Gandalf found [[Thráin II|Thráin]], a dwarf of the royal line of [[Erebor]], in the dungeons. The last of the [[Seven Rings]] of the Dwarves had been taken from him; Sauron was gathering the remaining [[Rings of Power]] and possibly searching for his lost One Ring.

Gandalf escaped Dol Guldur and returned to the White Council<ref name="Rings"/>. After relating his discoveries, he urged the council to attack Sauron while the One Ring was still lost and Sauron's power immature. But Saruman said that it was better to watch and wait; that the One Ring had long ago rolled from [[Anduin]] to the Sea. The majority of the council agreed with Saruman. [[Elrond]] Half-elven, a powerful member of the council, later privately told Gandalf he had a foreboding that the Ring would be found, and that the war to end the age was coming. Indeed, he added, he feared that it would end in darkness and despair. Gandalf encouraged him, saying there were many “strange chances," and that, “''help oft shall come from the hands of the weak''”. Gandalf did not yet realize that Saruman now wanted the ring for himself and was secretly searching for it along the banks of river Anduin.

===The Quest for Erebor===

In [[Third Age 2941|2941]]<ref name="ThirdAge"/> Gandalf happened across the dwarf lord [[Thorin Oakenshield]] while staying the night in [[Bree]]<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>. Thorin initiated conversation; he had been having a strange feeling urging him to seek Gandalf. Gandalf was intrigued, for he had thought to seek Thorin as well. They found they were taking the same road for a while (Thorin passing through the Shire on his way to the [[Ered Luin]]), and they agreed to travel together. Thorin wanted advice, and Gandalf wanted to discuss the [[Dragons|dragon]] [[Smaug]] with Thorin.

Ultimately, Gandalf concocted a plan wherein Thorin could destroy Smaug and recover his family fortune, albeit with a 'burglar' of Gandalf's own choosing. Gandalf had a feeling that a Hobbit should be involved, and he remembered an adventuresome Hobbit named [[Bilbo Baggins]] he had met some years before. By this time, however, Bilbo was far from 'adventuresome.'<ref name="Party">{{H|Party}}</ref> In the end Gandalf convinced the reluctant Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin. Gandalf then accompanied [[Thorin and Company]] to [[Rivendell]]. During the journey Gandalf obtained a sword known as [[Glamdring]] from a [[troll]]-hoard; Gandalf bore it for the rest of his life<ref name="Mutton">{{H|Mutton}}</ref>.

Gandalf helped Thorin and Company through the [[Misty Mountains]], saving them several times from orcs and other calamities. It was during this time that Bilbo obtained a 'magic ring.'<ref name="Riddles">{{H|Riddles}}</ref> Bilbo initially claimed he 'won' it from the creature '[[Gollum]]' while the company was under the Misty Mountains<ref name="Pan">{{H|Pan}}</ref>. The ring conferred invisibility on Bilbo when he wore it, and he kept it secret from Gandalf for some time. Gandalf, for his part, found himself amazed by the hobbit; until then the wise had paid no attention to hobbits and knew little of them. For the rest of his sojourn in Middle-earth, Gandalf took a special interest in hobbits, and particularly in the Baggins family.

Gandalf left the quest prior to its completion, yet the quest was successful: Smaug was killed<ref name="Fire">{{H|Fire}}</ref> and the Orcs and [[Wargs]] of the [[Misty Mountains]] were defeated by an alliance of the [[Dwarves of Erebor]], the men of Dale, and the [[Nandor]] Elves of Mirkwood in the [[Battle of Five Armies]]<ref name="Burst">{{H|Burst}}</ref>. Gandalf had accomplished his immediate goal, which was to destroy Smaug, who could have been used to disastrous effect by Sauron. A large number of Orcs and Wargs also were killed in the North, removing threats to Rivendell and Lothlórien<ref name="Erebor"/>.

===The War of the Ring===
====The Return of the Shadow====

Gandalf had left Thorin and Company before reaching the edge of [[Mirkwood]] to attend a White Council meeting in the South. The Council was meeting under the gravest of circumstances: Sauron's vast power was returning, even without his ring. Gandalf at last convinced the Council to attack Dol Guldur. Even Saruman was willing by this time, for now he feared Sauron as a rival, and wished to delay Sauron's search for the Ring. The Council put forth its strength and drove Sauron from Mirkwood.

Despite the Council's hopes, Sauron was not weakened by this attack. He had foreseen the move that drove him from Mirkwood, and his retreat was but a feint. Ten years after he was driven out of Mirkwood, Sauron declared himself openly in Mordor in 2951 and rebuilt the [[Barad-dûr]]. Sauron then began reassembling his forces for the final blow against the hated remnants of Númenor and the Eldar still in Middle-earth. Sauron ordered armies of [[Easterlings]] from Khand and beyond the [[Sea of Rhûn]] to reinforce his stronghold in [[Mordor]]; they were further reinforced by armies of men from South Harad. Orcs, trolls, and other foul beasts were multiplying in Mordor; Sauron's minions also were searching the Anduin for any sign of his precious One Ring. Despite the terror they induced, in 3018 Sauron sent the Nazgûl north to search for his ring as well.

[[Image:Darrell Sweet - The Arrival of Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Arrival of Gandalf'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]

During this period Gandalf visited the Shire frequently, especially his friend Bilbo Baggins, and Baggins’s nephew, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]. He noted Bilbo’s unusual youthfulness, despite his advancing age; the suspicious 'magic ring' that Bilbo had acquired during his adventure began to weigh on his mind. Gandalf recalled the deceit Bilbo used in originally claiming it for his own-- Bilbo had later admitted to stealing it from Gollum. Gandalf could see that Bilbo was now very preoccupied with the ring. Such un-hobbitlike behaviour aroused his suspicions; he convinced Bilbo to pass the ring on to Frodo. He then emphatically warned Frodo not to use it; Gandalf had begun to suspect that the 'magic ring' was indeed a ring of power.

Gandalf met [[Aragorn]], the hidden heir of Arnor, in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and soon became friends with him. From that point on Aragorn and Gandalf often worked together towards a common end-- the defeat of Sauron.
Keen now to find out more about Gollum, he went to Aragorn, and with his help captured Gollum. With Gollum’s tale, and the records in [[Minas Tirith]], he pieced together the missing history of the One Ring in [[Third Age 3017|3017]]. A great fear came over him when he learned that Gollum had been to the Barad-dûr. Sauron had tortured Gollum and learned not only of the 'magic ring,' but also the names 'Shire' and 'Baggins.' Gandalf now returned in haste to the Shire, certain that Frodo's ring was not simply a ring of power: it was the One Ruling Ring of Sauron.

====The Treachery of Saruman====

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Gandalf Escapes Upon Gwaihir.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Gandalf escapes upon Gwaihir'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]After Gandalf’s fears were confirmed, he returned to the Shire and advised Frodo to leave as soon as possible, promising to return before a farewell party for Bilbo in autumn of that year ([[Third Age 3018|3018]]), and to escort him to Rivendell. Gandalf also told Frodo about the creature Gollum, to which Frodo exclaimed that he should have been killed. Gandalf speculated that perhaps Gollum would have a part to play before the end, and in any case, it was not for them to decide who should live and who should die. He then set out to seek the advice of Saruman, supposedly still the head of the order.

Hearing disturbing news from [[Radagast]], he gave [[Barliman Butterbur]] a letter for Frodo (which was never delivered) urging him to act without hesitation. Soon thereafter he arrived at Isengard. At their meeting, Saruman at last revealed his desire for the One Ring. He offered to his "''old friend and helper''" that they take the Ring for themselves and seize power from Sauron. Gandalf rejected this with horror, and was imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of [[Orthanc]]. [[Gwaihir]], chief of the Eagles, soon arrived and helped Gandalf escape. Gandalf knew he must return quickly to the Shire, as Frodo (and the ring) were in grave danger from both Sauron's Nazgûl and now Saruman's treacherous desire for the ring.

Gandalf hurriedly went to [[Rohan]], desiring to find a strong steed; there he obtained [[Shadowfax]] from King [[Théoden]], who later resented the gift. This lord of horses and Gandalf forged a special bond, and Gandalf made quick use of Shadowfax's incredible strength and endurance.

Gandalf sped to the Shire. Fortunately, Frodo had already left the Shire without waiting for Gandalf, and was seeking the refuge of [[Rivendell]]. Upon arrival Gandalf learned that the Nazgûl, arrayed as [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], had been searching the area. Dismayed, he set out for Bree, but fortunately found there that Frodo had recently left the town with 'Strider,' the local name for Aragorn: a hope which far exceeded his expectations. Gandalf then made for [[Weathertop]], a high point in the region, to observe the surrounding area. There he was assaulted at night by the Nazgûl, but drove them off after a great battle of light and flame. He then went directly to Rivendell, where he welcomed Glorfindel, Aragorn and the hobbits upon their arrival several days later, Frodo being sorely wounded but still in possession of the ring.

====The Fellowship of the Ring====

Elrond called a [[Council of Elrond|council]] after Frodo was healed to consider the momentous decision regarding the ring. By chance, representatives of most of the free peoples happened to be in Rivendell already for various reasons. Elrond and Gandalf advised that the Ring should be destroyed in the fires of [[Orodruin]], where it was made. Others dissented or objected, but eventually submitted to Gandalf's plan. Ultimately, Elrond appointed the Fellowship of the Ring as nine walkers, numerically set against Sauron's nine Nazgûl. The relatively small number reflected the realization by Elrond and the other council members that the quest of Mount Doom would not rely upon strength of arms, but on stealth and good fortune. Gandalf was chosen to lead the company, which included [[Aragorn]], [[Boromir]], [[Legolas]] the Elf, [[Gimli]] the Dwarf, and the hobbits Frodo Baggins, [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]].

Several obstacles stood in the company's way. The vast [[Misty Mountains]] had to be crossed, for Gandalf was determined not to lead the company near [[Isengard]]. Gandalf decided to take a southern route to the [[Redhorn Pass]] and there to cross the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Caradhras]], thereby traversing the mountain range and avoiding Isengard. When this attempt failed due to a terrible storm he then decided to take the Fellowship through the ruins of Moria, where the remains of the great Dwarf city of [[Khazad-dûm]] was now a labyrinth of tunnels under the mountains. Others in the company were loathe enter the maze, as it was now the lair of orcs and something known only as 'Durin's Bane.'

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - At the Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''At the Bridge'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]At the [[Doors of Durin]] on the west side of the mountains, Gandalf, after some delay, spoke the password and led the company into the dark. Having been in Moria on an earlier perilous errand, he was somewhat familiar with the underground passages. Eventually the party came to the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]], where Gandalf read the [[Book of Mazarbul|Book of Records]], which revealed the fate of [[Balin]], the leader of an ill-fated attempt to re-colonize Moria. Soon after, the party was attacked by orcs, and forced to flee the chamber. By then Gandalf was well aware of their location, and he led the party quickly towards the eastern exit.

Unfortunately [[Durin's Bane]] caught up to the group at the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. Gandalf and Legolas immediately realized what it was: a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]], a servant of the first dark lord. In a spectacular display of bravery Gandalf faced the demon and broke the bridge both stood upon, leaving the beast to fall into a seemingly bottomless chasm. But the Balrog's whip lashed out and grasped Gandalf by the ankle, pulling him down. Clinging to the edge of the passageway, Gandalf shouted 'Fly, you fools' and vanished into the abyss.

[[Image:John Howe - Zirak-zigil.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Zirak-zigil'' by [[John Howe]]]]Yet Gandalf did not die; he and the Balrog fought long in the bowels and deep places of Arda. Gandalf finally pursued the beast up the [[Endless Stair]] to the peak of [[Celebdil]], where he [[Battle of the Peak|fought the demon]] for two days and nights. The Balrog had burst into flame anew when it exited the stairs; ice, wind, and smoke swirled about them as they dueled. Gandalf used his last measure of strength to slay the Balrog, throwing him down the mountainside in ruin. Gandalf's spirit then left his body, having sacrificed himself to save the Fellowship.

====Gandalf the White====
But Gandalf's spirit did not depart Middle-earth forever at this time. As the only one of the five Istari to stay true to his errand, Olórin/Gandalf was sent back to mortal lands by [[Eru]], and he became Gandalf once again. Yet, as he was now the sole emissary of the Valar to Middle-earth, he was granted the power to 'reveal' more of his inner [[Maiar]] strength. This naked power that lay within him was seldom used during the remainder of his time in Middle-earth, as his mission was essentially the same: to support and succor those who opposed Sauron. Nevertheless, when Gandalf's wrath was kindled his 'unveiled' strength was such that few of Sauron's servants could withstand him.

As he lay naked on the mountaintop, the great eagle [[Gwaihir]] came up and bore him to [[Lothlórien]], where he was clothed and replenished, and given a new staff by [[Galadriel]]. Gandalf soon learned that Frodo and Sam had left the Fellowship and were attempting the quest of Mount Doom alone. As Frodo was beyond his assistance now, Gandalf promptly went south to [[Fangorn Forest]], where he met the [[Three Hunters]]: [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]], and [[Gimli]], and gave them messages from Galadriel. Then he called forth [[Shadowfax]], and rode with them to [[Edoras]]. There he found that Saruman's spy [[Gríma Wormtongue]] had deceived King [[Théoden]] into hopeless impotence. Gandalf quickly deposed Wormtongue and encouraged Théoden to ride west to war against [[Saruman]]. Gandalf by now was keenly aware that the great war to end the age was beginning; if Saruman conquered Rohan then Gondor would be alone with enemies on all sides.

At Gandalf's encouragement King Théoden went west to Helm's Deep where he was quickly besieged; Gandalf then searched for [[Erkenbrand]] and the forces of the [[Westfold]], which he later found and led to the Deep, thus breaking the siege. Meanwhile, the [[Ents]] (along with the hobbits Merry and Pippin) moved against Saruman and sent [[Huorns]] against the orcs, resulting in the utter ruin of the outer walls of [[Isengard]] and the complete annihilation of Saruman's orcs. After the battle, Gandalf went to [[Orthanc]] with Théoden, Aragorn, and a small group. There Saruman rejected Gandalf's offer of forgiveness with contempt. Gandalf then broke Saruman's staff and cast him from the Order and the Council. Gandalf imposed a strict watch on Isengard by the Ents and then advised King Théoden to ride to Gondor's defense as soon as possible. The wizard's mind had already turned to Gondor and the coming climactic battle in the east.

====The Siege of Minas Tirith====
[[Image:Donato Giancola - The White Rider.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|''The White Rider'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]] As a 'reward' for Pippin, who had foolishly gazed into a [[palantír]], Gandalf took the hobbit with him to [[Minas Tirith]], the last bastion of the west. Soon after arriving, Gandalf confronted [[Denethor II]], the [[Ruling Steward]], and learned that he was near despair over the death of his eldest son, [[Boromir]]. Ostensibly they were allies, but the Steward treated him with disrespect and suspicion. When [[Faramir]], the Steward’s younger son, returned from [[Osgiliath]] and was attacked by Nazgûl, Gandalf upon Shadowfax drove them away by revealing the power within him; later Faramir told him that Frodo and Sam were still alive and headed towards Mordor.

The city was soon besieged by a vast force from Mordor, led by the [[Witch-king]]. An ill-advised counter attack resulted in Faramir receiving a wound from a poisoned dart; he lay near death inside the Tower. Still, Gandalf encouraged the men of Minas Tirith to have hope, and dispelled the fear of the Ringwraiths by his very presence. But Sauron's catapults hurled flaming bolts upon the city; soon the first circle of the city burned unchecked. Denethor now lost all heart as the city burned and his only remaining son hovered near death; he abandoned his leadership of the city. Gandalf then took it upon himself to direct the defense of the city. When the gigantic ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] destroyed the ancient entrance to the city, Gandalf placed himself alone at the ruined gateway. The Witch-king then appeared in the midst of the blasted gate upon a black horse and threatened Gandalf with death; but Gandalf did not move-- seated upon Shadowfax he defied the mightiest of Sauron's minions. However, the stand-off ended inconclusively, as the morning arrived along with the host of the Rohirrim. Hearing the horns of the Riders of Rohan, the Witch-king departed.

But Gandalf did not pursue his foe, for Pippin brought him news that Denethor was about to commit suicide in the high tower, burning himself and his son Faramir on a pyre like the heathen Kings of old. Gandalf rushed to stop this madness and was able to save Faramir, but not Denethor, whose despair and grief had overcome his mind. Gandalf also learned how it was that Denethor's will had been broken: Denethor clutched a palantír in his hands as he burned. Clearly Denethor had been using the stone's special properties for some time-- extending his vision far beyond those of mannish eyes, but also wrestling in thought with Sauron. And even though Sauron could not completely overwhelm Denethor's mind, his courage was daunted by knowledge of the vast might of Mordor. Thus the shadow entered into the capital of Gondor.

Nevertheless, and against all hope, the siege was broken. [[Éowyn]] of Rohan and the hobbit Merry defeated the Witch-king, whose last wail was heard by many as he was reduced to impotence. Soon after, Lord Aragorn arrived with a large valour of men from the southern fiefs upon a captured pirate fleet from Umbar. The forces of the men of the west then utterly defeated Sauron's attack against Minas Tirith, relieving the city and killing virtually all of the invaders. Gandalf's carefully laid plans and words of wisdom, along with acts of heroism not seen since the elder days, had defeated Sauron's first move.

====The Last Battle====
But the attack against Minas Tirith was only a part of Sauron's plan to devastate the west and make himself the ruler of Middle-earth. Other armies moved in the north against [[Erebor]] and the Kingdom of Thranduil, as well as against Lothlórien and other points along the [[Anduin]]. Still commanding vast armies of orcs and men, the Dark Lord soon would move against Gondor again; the remnants of the Edain and their allies had little hope against his almost limitless resources.

In Minas Tirith, Gandalf was selected by Aragorn, Imrahil, and Éomer (the remaining lords of the west) to be their leader in the coming final battles. This would be the culmination of Gandalf's efforts in Middle-earth. Fully aware that the west would stand or fall on the outcome of Frodo's mission, he advised the lords to drive north to the Morannon, thereby drawing Sauron's eye away from Frodo's likely location. This plan surely would result in a catastrophic loss for the outnumbered army, but it gave Frodo a chance to achieve the quest of Mount Doom.

Led by Gandalf and Aragorn, the army of the West crossed the Anduin and marched north, pausing occasionally to announce their coming and to dispatch small numbers of men to lesser tasks. Upon arriving at the Black Gate, the forces halted and prepared for battle. As they ordered their companies, the foul [[Mouth of Sauron]] rode forth to parley with them; he revealed Frodo's [[Mithril]]-coat and Arnor-blade 'Sting' and implied that their owner was captured and tortured. The emissary of Sauron then proposed that the forces of the west surrender; Gandalf however was undaunted, and, seizing his friend's belongings, rejected Sauron's offer. In shock, the Mouth of Sauron turned back towards the Black Gate, which slowly opened to reveal a vast army of orcs and trolls advancing on the lords of the west. Sauron's trap was sprung.

Yet Sauron himself became the victim of Gandalf's trap. Unbeknownst to all, Frodo and Sam had succeeded in scaling Mount Doom and even as the Battle of Morannon began Frodo stood at the Crack of Doom. But the power and lure of the ring finally overcame his will and he placed the ring upon his finger, claiming it as his own. Immediately the Nazgûl were summoned by their lord, as he in terror realized his blunder: his enemies intended to destroy his ring.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Shadow of Sauron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''The Shadow of Sauron'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]But Gandalf's foresight proved accurate again as the creature Gollum, who had been doggedly following the ringbearer, seized the ring from Frodo, and, while celebrating his reunion with "his precious," unwittingly fell into the fires of Orodruin. The ring was unmade as the fiery mountian erupted. The tower of [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] began to collapse, their foundations crumbling, the Ring-wraiths burned out like shooting stars, and Sauron was reduced to a mere shadow of malice, never to torment the world again.

With Sauron gone, his forces scattered like frightened insects; the Men of the West now set upon them with fury. Gandalf announced the success of the [[Ring-bearer]] and the end of Sauron; the quest had been fulfilled. Seeing that victory was achieved, Gandalf then mounted on [[Gwaihir]] the Eagle for a third time, and set out to see if Frodo and Samwise had survived the tumults of [[Mount Doom]]. To his great relief, the two were found on the slopes of Orodruin, clinging to life amid the volcanic eruptions. The great quest was over.

===End of the Order===
In Minas Tirith Gandalf and the remaining members of the Fellowship reunited. At the coronation of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], Gandalf (at Aragorn’s request) set the crown upon the King’s head, and declared "''Now come the days of the King, and may they be blessed while the thrones of the [[Valar]] endure!''" Thus Gandalf ushered in the new age of men.

After the coronation and wedding of Aragorn to [[Arwen]], Gandalf left with the rest of the remaining Fellowship on the journey home. For Gandalf it was his last long journey in Middle-earth. His errand to Arda had been fulfilled; Sauron had been defeated. He said farewell to his friends one by one until at last only the four Hobbits remained at his side. At the borders of the Shire he, too, turned away. He left the Hobbits to settle with the Shire, for the shattered pieces of evil still remaining in the world were no longer his concern, and went to talk to [[Tom Bombadil]].

[[Image:Danny Staten - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Grey Havens'' by [[Danny Staten]]]]What Gandalf did during the next two years is unknown; it is possible that his "''long talk''" with Bombadil was just that. At any rate, on [[29 September|September 29]], [[Third Age 3021|3021]], he met [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] at [[Mithlond]], ready to take the [[White Ship]] over the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Aman]]. He wore [[Narya]] openly on his finger, and Shadowfax was beside him (perhaps even to take ship with him). His mission was over, and his homecoming after more than 2000 years was nigh. He bade farewell to [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] (the latter two of which he had forewarned of the passage), then mounted the Grey Ship beside Frodo, Elrond, and Galadriel. The ship passed west upon the sea, and then took the hidden straight path to [[Valinor]]: Gandalf became Olórin once more. There, presumably, he dwells still in the gardens of [[Irmo]]. Olórin, the wisest of the Maiar and the sole Istar to remain true to his mission, had successfully kindled the hearts of the free people in Middle-earth to overcome the evil of their time. In a large way, it was his victory.

==Personality==
[[File:Roger Garland - Gandalf.jpg|left|thumb|The Grey Pilgrim relaxing]]
Gandalf is often described in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as quick to anger, and equally quick to laugh.<ref name="Lorien">{{FR|Lorien}}</ref>
His deep wisdom clearly derived from the patience he learned in Valinor, just as his care for all creatures of good will must have come from his strong sense of pity for the weak. Both his patience and sense of pity were revealed again and again, extending even to the servants of his enemies.

Keen observers of Gandalf often detected a veiled power, usually revealed in his eyes, which appeared deep and wise. He was alternately affectionate and brusque; he often surprised others with his bluntness when time was of the essence. Gandalf consistently upbraided foolish behavior, but also richly rewarded those who acted with good intentions.

Hobbits appealed to him more than to the other Wizards, and he went often to the Shire for respites from his errands. It may be that he was amused by their nature, as often described in ''[[The Hobbit]]''. It may also be because they were untouched by the great evils of the world, and were more in touch with nature than Men; perhaps their agrarian lifestyle appealed to Gandalf's innate spirit and reminded him of the gardens of Valinor.

==Appearance==
[[Image:John Howe - Gandalf.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Gandalf'' by [[John Howe]]]]

The first description of Gandalf is preserved in the initial pages of ''The Hobbit'', written in the early 1930s. Gandalf's fame is alluded to even before his physical description ("Tales and adventures sprouted up all over the place wherever he went, in the most extraordinary fashion"), while the protagonist's ("unsuspecting Bilbo") impression is that of:
<blockquote>
''...an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which a white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.''<ref name="Party"/></blockquote>

Later, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] wrote:
<blockquote>
''...a figure strongly built and with broad shoulder, though shorter than the average of men and now stooped with age, leaning on a thick rough-cut staff as he trudged along... Gandalf's hat was wide-brimmed [...] with a pointed conical crown, and it was ''blue''; he wore a long ''grey'' cloak, but this would not reach much below his knees. It was of an elven silver-grey hue, though tarnished by wear - as is evident from the general use of grey in [[The Lord of the Rings|the book]]... But his colours were always white, silver-grey, and blue - except for the boots he wore when walking in the wild...Gandalf even bent must have been at least 5 ft. 6... Which would make him a short man even in modern England, especially with the reduction of a bent back.''<ref name="MB"/></blockquote>

Although some of the Wise know his true nature, his "wizard-like" appearance causes many to mistake him for a simple conjurer. After his return his "signature colour" changes from grey to white, for he has been sent back to replace the corrupt Saruman as the chief of the Wizards. In the book he claims that in some ways he now "was Saruman", or rather Saruman as he should have been.

[[Círdan]] the Shipwright seemed to have foreseen this, for he entrusted the care of [[Narya]], one of the [[Three Rings]] of the Elves to Gandalf rather than Saruman.

== Powers and Abilities ==
Gandalf demonstrated extensive knowledge of the land and an assortment of magical abilities. He could blow glowing smoke rings that moved around a room at his direction, and [[Bilbo Baggins]] remembered him for his fantastic fireworks displays. More usefully, he created blinding flashes and other pyrotechnics to distract the [[goblin]]s of the [[Misty Mountains]], aiding the dwarves in their escape from [[Goblin-town]]. On the eastern slopes, he turned pine cones into flaming projectiles that threw hot sparks and started fires that would not easily go out. He was also able come and go from the presence of [[Thorin and Company]] without anyone noticing.

He again displayed his proficiency with pyrotechnics at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]. He was also able to start fires under blizzard conditions, create light of varying intensity for the journey through [[Moria]], magically secure doors, and break the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]]. When angered or aroused for battle, he seemed to grow in height and assume a terrifying aspect. He also fought the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog of Moria]] and killed his opponent, although he did not survive the battle himself.

Sent back to [[Middle-earth]] as Gandalf the White, he possessed greater charisma and a limited degree of clairvoyance, although he was unable to peer into the land of [[Mordor]] to see the progress of Frodo and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]]. His power and authority had increased so that he could break [[Saruman]]'s staff with a spoken command, showing his authority to throw the treacherous wizard out of the order.

===Special Equipment===

Like all wizards, Gandalf carried a staff. Whether it was required to exercise certain powers was never explained. At times it appeared to focus or extend his powers, such as when it emanated light. Exactly how much it aided him in the use of magic is unknown, but [[Grima Wormtongue]] tried to forbid Gandalf from bringing it into [[Edoras]], clearly under the impression that without it Gandalf's power would be limited. In this perhaps he had been instructed in some way by Saruman.

When he arrived in Middle-earth, Gandalf received the Elven ring [[Narya]] from [[Círdan]]. It is clear that Gandalf wore this ring from that time to the end of the Third Age but how he used its powers is not known.

In {{TA|2941}}, Gandalf acquired the Elven sword [[Glamdring]] from the treasure hoard of a band of trolls.<ref name="Mutton"/> He continued to wield this weapon throughout The Lord of the Rings, in particular during his fight with the [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]] in Moria.

Throughout his time in Middle-earth Gandalf often was seen with a pipe, the use of which clearly brought him immense enjoyment.

== Names==
Gandalf for 2000 years wandered in many lands and acquired the following names by the peoples he met:
* '''''[[Olórin]]''''', his name in [[Valinor]]
* '''''[[Mithrandir]]''''' ({{IPA|[miˈθrandir]}}), his [[Sindarin]] name, used in [[Gondor]] and meaning "Grey Pilgrim"<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 60</ref>
* '''''[[Incánus]]''''', his name in the South
* '''''[[Tharkûn]]''''', his name to the Dwarves
* '''The White Rider''', his name while riding the great horse [[Shadowfax]]
* '''Gandalf Greyhame''', given to him by [[Gríma Wormtongue]]
* '''Stormcrow''', a reference to his arrival being associated with times of trouble
* '''Láthspell''', a name given to him by [[Gríma Wormtongue]], meaning "ill news".

==Etymology==
Within the legendarium, "Gandalf" translates an unknown name of the meaning "Elf-of-the-wand (or cane/staff)", or more literary "Wand-elf", in old northern Mannish. Most denizens of Middle-earth incorrectly assumed Gandalf was a [[Men|Man]], although he was really a Maia spirit (approximately equivalent to an angel). However, a less common misconception that occurred during the beginning of his career in Middle-earth was that for someone to be [[immortal]] and use as much magic as he did, he must have been an Elf. Although it soon became apparent to all that he could not be an Elf, as he was old and Elves do not generally age, the nickname stuck with him. He later gave it as his name to others he met who did not know its original meaning.

==Other Versions of the [[Legendarium]]==

In early manuscripts of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', the name ''[[Bladorthin]]'' was used by Tolkien for the character who later would be named "Gandalf". The name ''Gandalf'' was instead used for the character known as [[Thorin Oakenshield]] in the published works.<ref>{{HH|Intro}}</ref>

== Inspiration ==
[[Image:Georg von Rosen - Oden som vandringsman, 1886 (Odin, the Wanderer).jpg|thumb|200px|''Oden som vandringsman'' (''Odin the Wanderer'') by Georg von Rosen]]
[[Image:Der_Berggeist_(Origin_of_Gandalf)_by_J._Madelener.gif|left|thumb|200px|''[[Der Berggeist]]'' by [[Josef Madlener]].]]

''Gandalfr''
appears in the list of dwarves in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' of the Elder Edda, the name means "Cane-elf". Tolkien took the name along with the other dwarves' names when he wrote ''The Hobbit'' in the 1930s. He came to regret the creation of this "rabble of eddaic-named dwarves [...] invented in an idle hour",<ref>{{TI|Runes}}, p. 452</ref> since it forced him to come up with an explanation of why Old Norse names should be used in [[Third Age]] Middle-earth. He solved the dilemma in 1942 by the explanation that Old Norse was a ''translation'' of the language of [[Dale]]. The figure of Gandalf has other influences from Germanic mythology, particularly Odin in his incarnation as "the Wanderer", an old man with one eye, a long white beard, a wide brimmed hat, and a staff: Tolkien states that he thinks of Gandalf as an ''"Odinic wanderer"'' in a letter of 1946.<ref>{{L|107}}</ref>

Tolkien had a postcard labeled ''[[Der Berggeist]]'' ("the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf" at some point. The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long cloak and white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.
[[Humphrey Carpenter]] in his 1977 biography said that Tolkien had bought the postcard during his 1911 holiday in Switzerland. However, Manfred Zimmerman discovered that the painting was by German artist Josef Madlener and dates to the late 1920s.<ref>[[Manfred Zimmerman]], "The Origin of Gandalf and Josef Madlener", in [[Mythlore|''Mythlore'']] [[Mythlore 34|34]] (Winter [[1983]])</ref> Carpenter concluded that Tolkien was probably mistaken about the origin of the postcard himself. Tolkien must have acquired the card at some time in the early 1930s, at a time when ''The Hobbit'' had already begun to take shape.

== Portrayals in Adaptations ==
{{Gallery
|title=Pictures of adaptations of Gandalf
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=2
|File:Gandalf from Rankin-Bass' The Hobbit.jpg|''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]
|File:Gandalf from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''
|File:Peter Jackson's Gandalf.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''
|File:Gandalf viv lotr.JPG|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|File:The Hobbit (2003) Gandalf.JPG|''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit]]''
|File:Gandalf in LOTRO.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Hobbit Ian Mckellan Gandalf2.jpg|Gandalf the Grey in [[The Hobbit films]]
}}

'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Norman Shelley]].<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 175]] (dated [[30 November|November 30]], [[1955]])</ref>

'''1968: ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[Heron Carvic]].

'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided by [[John Huston]].

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Gandalf was voiced by [[William Squire]]. [[John A. Neris]] played him in the live-action filming used for rotoscoping.<ref>Jerry Beck, ''The Animated Movie Guide'', page 154 (at [http://books.google.com/books?id=fTI1yeZd-tkC&pg=PA154&dq=%22John+A.+Neris%22&hl=nl#PPA154,M1 GoogleBooks])</ref>

'''1979: ''[[The Hobbit (1979 radio series)]]'':'''
:The voice of Gandalf was provided [[Bernard Mayes]].

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Bernard Mayes]] reprised his role as Gandalf.

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:[[John Huston]] reprised his role as Gandalf. In this adaptation, the tale is told by a minstrel of [[Gondor]], yet in the story, Gandalf serves as the narrator. Gandalf the White is portrayed without difference from Gandalf the Grey, in ''The Hobbit''.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Michael Hordern]] read the part of Gandalf. He had not read the book, and thought his agent made a mistake in telling him how many episodes he had to do. He did not know Gandalf's early death would prove only temporarily.<ref>[[Brian Sibley]], "[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-page-is-still-under-construction_23.html The Ring Goes Ever On: The Making of BBC Radio's ''The Lord of the Rings'']", at ''[http://briansibleytheworks.blogspot.com/ Brian Sibley:The Works]''</ref>

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] was cast as Gandalf. McKellen was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal, but did not win.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'':'''
:[[Tom Kane]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is a playable character in several scenes, including the fight with [[Durin's Bane]].

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:Perhaps the most striking difference from all other adaptations is the difference between Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White. Where earlier no visible or audible difference was made, Gandalf the White is portrayed as much more virile, and with a shorter (and whiter) beard.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Because [[Imrahil]] had been cut from the film, it was up to Gandalf to lead the troops after the madness and death of [[Denethor II|Denethor]].

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)]]'':'''
:[[Jim Ward]] provided the voice of Gandalf. He is shown with actual [[magic]]: he can shoot blue bolts of lightning from his staff.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age]]'':'''
:Gandalf, voiced by [[Ian McKellen]], is a character in [[Electronic Arts|EA's]] "alternative [[Fellowship of the Ring|fellowship]]" game. In his battle against Durin's Bane, he is aided by the main characters.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gandalf is voiced by [[Steven M. Kramer]], renowned for playing older mentor types.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a non-playable character voiced by [[Harry Chase]], who gives various quests and narrates cutscenes.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Gandalf is a hero for the "Men of the West" faction. At first, he is "the Gray", and becomes "Gandalf the White" after reching level 5. He plays no part in the scenarios.

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:[[Martin Jarvis]] provides the voice of Gandalf.

'''2012-13: ''[[The Hobbit films]]'':'''
:[[Ian McKellen|Sir Ian McKellen]] will reprise his role as Gandalf the Grey.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Gandalf|Images of Gandalf]]

{{References}}

* {{HM|TT}}
* {{HM|RK}}
* {{L|156}}
* {{L|246}}

{{sequence
|prev=none
|next=[[Aragorn|Aragorn II]]
|list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] [[25 December|December 25]] [[Third Age 3018|3018]] - [[15 January|January 15]] [[Third Age 3019|3019]]
}}
{{ainur}}
{{fellowship}}
{{Thorin and Company}}

[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Maiar]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Norse names]]

[[de:Gandalf]]
[[fa:گندالف]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:ainur:maiar:istari:gandalf]]
[[fi:Gandalf]]

User talk:Iorhael

2011-07-27T22:54:07Z

Iorhael: Adding welcome message to new user's talk page