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Nazgûl

2011-07-18T18:10:02Z

Menelion:

{{race
|image=[[Image:Diego Iaconfcic - Black Riders.jpg|250px]]
|name=Nazgûl
|dominions=[[Angmar]], [[Dol Guldur]], [[Minas Morgul]]
|languages=[[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
|height=Man-high
|length=
|skincolor=
|haircolor=
|feathers=
|distinctions=Without physical form
|lifespan=Indefinite
|members=[[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], [[Khamûl]]
}}

<center>{{quote| 'They come from [[Mordor]],' said [[Aragorn|Strider]] in a low voice. 'From Mordor, [[Barliman Butterbur|Barliman]], if that means anything to you.' |''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]}}</center>
The '''Nazgûl''' ([[Black Speech]]: '''Ringwraiths''', sometimes written '''''Ring-wraiths'''''), also known as the '''Nine Riders''' or '''Black Riders''' (or simply '''the Nine'''), are evil servants of [[Sauron]] in [[Middle-earth]]. The rarely used [[Quenya]] name for them is '''''Úlairi'''''. The Nazgûl are [[Sauron]]'s "most terrible servants".

== History ==
[[File:The_nine.jpg|thumb|400px]]
The nine Nazgûl arose as Sauron's most powerful servants in the [[Second Age]] of Middle-earth. It is said that three of the Nine were lords of [[Númenor]] corrupted by Sauron and one was a king among the [[Easterlings]]. They were all powerful mortal [[Men]] to whom Sauron gave nine [[Rings of Power]]. These proved to be their undoing:
{{quote|Those who used the Nine Rings became mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old. They obtained glory and great wealth, yet it turned to their undoing. They had, as it seemed, unending life, yet life became unendurable to them. They could walk, if they would, unseen by all eyes in this world beneath the sun, and they could see things in worlds invisible to mortal men; but too often they beheld only the phantoms and delusions of Sauron. And one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning, they fell under the thralldom of the ring that they bore and of the domination of the One which was Sauron's. And they became forever invisible save to him that wore the Ruling Ring, and they entered into the realm of shadows. The Nazgûl were they, the Ringwraiths, the Enemy's most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}

[[Image:John Howe - Nazgul.jpg|thumb|left|''Nazgûl'' by [[John Howe]]]]
For many years the bearers used the rings to gain great wealth, prestige and power. The corrupting effect of the rings caused their bodily forms to fade over time until they had become wraiths entirely. Given form only through the attire of black cloaks and hauberks of silver mail, their original form was completely gone and invisible to mortal eyes. Their hypnotic eyes could be plainly distinguished from their dark clothing, and in a rage they appeared in a hellish fire. Untouchable to mortal men (unless blessed by weapons or tools of the ancient [[Elves]] of the [[First Age]] or by the [[Dúnedain]], such as the barrow-blade used by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] on the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]]), they had many weapons, which included long swords of steel and flame, daggers with venomous properties, and black maces of great strength.

Their arsenal of deadly armaments was not confined to physical means; they also had seemingly magical weapons of devastating power. They were surrounded by an aura of terror, which affected all living creatures; their "breath" (called the ''[[Black Breath]]'') was poisonous, and their cries caused terror and despair in all who heard them. Some of the Nazgûl appear to have been accomplished sorcerers and used magic to devastating effect. According to Tolkien, though, it was the fear they inspired that was the chief danger:
{{quote|They have no great physical power against the fearless," he wrote, "but what they have, and the fear that they inspire, is enormously increased in darkness|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

The Nazgûl first appeared around [[Second Age 2251]] and were soon established as Sauron's principal servants. They were dispersed after the first overthrow of Sauron in 3441 at the hands of the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], but their survival was nonetheless assured while [[the One Ring]] persisted. They re-emerged around 1300 of the [[Third Age]], when the Lord of the Nazgûl, the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], led Sauron's forces against the mannish kingdom of [[Arnor]]. He was eventually defeated in battle in 1975 and returned to [[Mordor]], gathering the other Nazgûl in preparation for the return of Sauron to that realm. In 2000, they besieged [[Minas Ithil]] and captured it after a two-year siege. The city thereafter became the stronghold of the Nazgûl, from where they directed the rebuilding of Sauron's armies, also acquiring a [[palantíri|palantír]] for the Dark Lord.

In 2942 Sauron returned to Mordor and declared himself openly in 2951. Two or three of the Nazgûl were sent to his fortress at [[Dol Guldur]] to garrison that outpost.

In [[Third Age 3017]] Sauron commanded the Ringwraiths to recover [[the One Ring]] of Power from "Baggins of the Shire". Disguised as horse riders clad in black (hence the term ''Black Riders''), they sought out [[Bilbo Baggins]] who, as [[Gollum]] had revealed, had the One Ring in his possession.
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - The Attack of the Wraiths.jpg|thumb|''The Attack of the Wraiths'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The Nazgûl at this point were dependent on their black horses (stolen from [[Rohan]]) for transportation. When they were swept away by the waters of the river [[Bruinen]], their horses were killed. The Ringwraiths were forced to return to Mordor to regroup. They reappeared later mounted on [[Fell beasts|flying creatures]], at which point they were referred to as '''Winged Nazgûl'''.
[[Image:Ted_Nasmith_-_The_Nazgûl.jpg|left|thumb|200px|''The Nazgûl'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
By the conclusion of the [[War of the Ring]], all of the Nine Nazgûl were destroyed. The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] himself was slain by [[Éowyn]], the niece of King [[Théoden]] (with help from [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], known as "The Magnificent" thereafter) during the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. The remaining eight Ringwraiths attacked the Army of the West during the last battle at the [[Black Gate]]. However, when [[Frodo Baggins]] put on the ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]], Sauron ordered the eight remaining Nazgûl to fly with all possible speed to Mount Doom to intercept Frodo. They arrived too late, with the Ring falling into the fire along with the hapless Gollum. The Nazgûl were caught in the firestorm of the erupting mountain and were destroyed.

== Identities ==

Only a few of the Nazgûl are named or identified individually in Tolkien's works. Their leader was the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], and his second in command was named [[Khamûl]]. At least three of them were of [[Black Númenóreans|Black Númenórean]] race{{fact}}. Khamûl was a lord of [[Easterlings]], and was the only Nazgûl known by his name.

[[Gothmog, Lieutenant of Morgul]], may have been one of the Nazgûl. It is also possible that either [[Herumor (Black Númenórean)|Herumor]] or [[Fuinur]], or both, became Nazgûl. They were renegade Númenóreans who rose to great power among the Haradrim and it is highly likely that Sauron would have wanted them as Ringwraiths.

== Powers and Abilities ==

The Nazgûl existed mostly in the wraith world (the [[Unseen]]), making them extremely difficult to harm. Ordinary weapons would not hurt them, and even weapons of [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] manufacture would be destroyed if they passed through the wraith forms of the Nazgûl. They could not, however, interact normally with the material world (the [[Seen]]): they needed garments and weapons provided by Sauron to give them form. Consequently, they could be defeated by attacks that destroyed their disguises, forcing them to return to [[Sauron]] to receive new ones.

The Nazgûl spread terror in mortal creatures merely by their presence. Only specially trained horses or the [[fell beasts]] of [[Mordor]] could bear them. They caused panic and despair in their enemies simply by flying overhead, and only individuals of great courage could face them in combat.

They were also poisonous to mortal beings, causing a condition known as the [[Black Breath]]. Merely being in the vicinity of one of them could cause disorientation and illness. Intense exposure could be lethal.

The Nazgûl had poor vision in the material world, but they were acutely aware of the beings with a presence in the wraith world, like the wearer of [[the One Ring]] and certain elves. Anyone who could see into the wraith world could see the Nazgûl as they had appeared in their mortal lives.

The [[Witch-king]] could also affect matter with his voice, shattering the dagger that Frodo had gotten in the [[Barrow-downs]] and weakening the gates of [[Minas Tirith]]. Whether other Nazgûl could perform similar feats is unknown.

== Other Titles ==
* The Ringwraiths
* The Black Riders
* The Fell Riders
* The Nine Riders
* The Black Wings
* The Shadows
* The Nine
* The Nine Servants of the Lord of the Rings
* The Shriekers
* [[Úlairi]] ([[Quenya]])

==Etymology==

''Nazgûl'' means "ringwraiths" in the [[Black Speech]] (consisting of ''[[nazg]]'' + ''[[gûl]]'').<ref>{{PE|17}}, pp. 31, 79</ref>

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:The Nine are clad in brown and black, and have red eyes. The attack on ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' is their deed, not that of any accomplices.

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

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

'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
[[File:WiMe-Nazgûl-1-.png|thumb|200px]]
:The Nazgûl are portrayed as black figures with red eyes and purple mantle.

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

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl serve as the suspense in the first half of [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|the first film]]. Their dialogue is changed; the conversation with [[Gaffer Gamgee]] is omitted, and the conversation with [[Farmer Maggot]] is reduced. The Nine have an iconic scream, provided by [[Fran Walsh]]. Under their robes, they are pale white ghostly creatures.

:After the death of the Witch-king, the other eight are taken out by [[eagles]] and debris from [[Mount Doom]], however, nothing is told of their individual fates.

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

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

===Middle-earth Role Playing===
The [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] games by [[Iron Crown Enterprises]] name the eight, other than Khamûl, ''Er-Murazor'' (the [[Witch-king]], of Númenórean race), ''Dwar'', ''Ji Indur'', ''Akhorahil''(Númenórean), ''Hoarmurath'', ''Adunaphel'' (female Númenórean), ''Ren'' and ''Uvatha''.<ref>{{ICE|Mannish}}</ref><ref>{{ICE|Angus}}</ref>

These names have been so widespread that some think they are [[canon]] i.e. referenced by Tolkien, however they are not: It is particularly unlikely, in the context of the books, that any of the Nazgûl would have been female. Nor is it clear who were of Númenórean descent: only Khamûl's origin is given with certainty, and he was an Easterling. While the Witch-king is by many thought of as a Númenórean lord, this cannot be confirmed by any statement in Tolkien's writings.

==Trivia==
* The term ''Nazgûl'' has been used to refer to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM IBM's] cadre of lawyers, with whom it has been said that IBM can blacken the sky.
* Nâzgul is a girl's name of Persian origin, adopted in various Middle-eastern languages, meaning "Shy rose" or "delicate flower".
* [[George R. R. Martin]]'s novel ''[[The Armageddon Rag]]'' is about a fictional rock band named the Nazgûl.
* Nazgûl is also the name of an Orkish black metal band from Italy, who sing The Lord of the Rings-inspired songs in Latin.
* Nazgûl is also the name of a pagan black metal band from Spain. Commonly mistaken for the Italian Orkish black metal band and the Norwegian band of the same name.
* The bird-like Ra'zac from Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy are heavily inspired by the steeds of the Nazgûl, particularly their breath, which acts as a mind-numbing drug of sorts.
* In Led Zeppelin's "The Battle of Evermore" (from Led Zeppelin IV) there is an allusion to a Ringwraith. One of the lyrics reads, "The drums will shake the castle walls, the ringwraiths ride in black, ride on."
* The Garo from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask somewhat resemble the Ringwraiths. The Garo are undead "shells" that are basically robes. The Garo spy on the undead Ikana. The four Poes that haunt the Arbiter's Grounds in Twilight Princess also resemble them.
* Nazgûl appear as enemies in the roguelike computer game NetHack. They breathe a gas that can put your character to sleep, and carry cursed rings that bestow invisibility.

{{references}}
* ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', passim.
* ''[[The Two Towers]]'', passim.
* ''[[The Return of the King]]'', passim.
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix A]]
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', [[Appendix B]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[The Hunt for the Ring]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Akallabêth]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]], [[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"
* ''[[The Treason of Isengard]]'', [[The Great River (HoMe)|The Great River]]
* ''[[The War of the Ring]]'', [[The Passage of the Marshes (HoMe)|The Passage of the Marshes]]
* ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 156|#156]], [[Letter 210|#210]], [[Letter 212|#212]], [[Letter 246|#246]], [[Letter 297|#297]]
* [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Guide to the Names in The Lord of the Rings]]'', in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'' (edited by [[Wayne G. Hammond|W. G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull|C. Scull]])

== See Also ==
* '''[[:Category:Images of Nazgûl|Images of Nazgûl]]'''
* the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
* [[Khamûl]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul]]
[[fa:نزگول]]

Middle-earth

2011-07-18T18:04:28Z

Menelion:

{{sources}}
{{rewrite}}
{{location
| image=[[Image:John Howe - The Map of Middle-earth.jpg|300px]]
| name=Middle-earth
| type=Continent
| location=[[Arda]], east of [[Belegaer]]
| inhabitants=[[Men]], [[Elves]], [[Dwarves]], [[Orcs]], others
| realms= [[Rohan]], [[Gondor]], [[Mordor]], [[Arnor]], [[Rivendell]], [[Lothlórien]], others
| description=
| othernames= [[Ennorath]], [[Endor]]
| etymology=[[Old English]] ''middanġeard''
| events=
| references=
|}}
'''Middle-earth''' ([[Q.]] ''[[Endor]]'') was a large continent of [[Arda]], situated east of [[Aman]], across [[Belegaer]]. It is here that many of the epic tales of Arda were played out, for it was in the north of this realm that [[Morgoth]] dwelt, and here where he bitterly fought with [[Elves]], [[Men]], [[Maiar]] and [[Valar]].

==Geography==
Middle-earth is a large continent, a mass of land that occupies the central regions of [[Arda]]. It lays between two continents; [[Aman]], the uttermost West from which is separated by the ocean [[Belegaer]], and the [[Land of the Sun]], at the uttermost East which the [[East Sea]] separates.

The [[Westlands]] are the most well-known regions of the continent, and the only which have been mapped. Of the Westlands, the western portion called [[Beleriand]] was drowned at the end of the [[First Age]] and survivors relocated to [[Lindon]] and [[Eriador]]. Another region of the Westlands was [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]]. [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]] before their decline, dominated the Westlands during the [[Third Age]]. Huge mountain ranges like the [[Blue Mountains]], [[Grey Mountains]] and [[White Mountains]] separated these regions.

Of the [[East]] and [[South]] of Middle-earth not much is known, other that the two large inland seas of [[Sea of Helcar|Helcar]] and [[Sea of Ringil|Ringil]] created by the demise of the [[Two Lamps]]. The eastern land-mass was encircled by ranges of mountains, the [[Red Mountains|Red]] and the [[Yellow Mountains]] which mirrored the [[Ered Luin|Blue]] and the [[Grey Mountains (ancient)|Grey]] of the West respectively. Other known lands of the East were [[Cuiviénen]] and [[Hildórien]], the cradle of [[Elfinesse]] and [[Men|Humanity]], and also the mythical [[Last Desert]].

==History==
:''This is the geographical history. For events happening in Middle-earth, see [[Timeline]].''

During the [[First Age]] and the ages preceding, the western side of Middle-earth was called [[Beleriand]], stretching from the [[Ered Luin]] to the great ocean of Belegaer. On the northern edge of Beleriand were the fierce [[Ered Engrin]], the Iron Mountains. Even further north was the freezing [[Dor Daidelos]]. Just southwest of the Ered Engrin was [[Hithlum]], which was separated from the coast of [[Lammoth]] and Belegaer by the [[Ered Lómin]], and from the rest of Beleriand to the south by the [[Ered Wethrin]]. The woven wood of [[Doriath]] rested directly south of the [[Thangorodrim]] and [[Dorthonion]], southeast of Hithlum. To the West of Doriath were [[Taur-en-Faroth]] and the [[Falas]], while to the Easter were [[Nan Elmoth]] and [[Thargelion]] before reaching the [[Ered Luin]]. To the south of Doriath were first the [[Andram]], then [[Arvernien]] and the [[Bay of Balar]]. East of the Bay of Balar and extending ever further south into the unknown lands were the [[Taur-im-Duinath]] and [[Ossiriand]].

East of the Ered Luin was a land encircled by four mountain ranges: the [[Ered Luin]] to the West, the [[Ered Engrin]] to the North, the [[Hithaeglir]] ([[Misty Mountains]]) to the East, and some of the [[White Mountains]] to the South. Passing even further East, over the Hithaeglir, you would come to [[Anduin]] (the Great River) and eventually [[Palisor]], the [[Sea of Helcar|Inland Sea of Helcar]], the [[Orocarni]], and the [[East Sea]].

After the end of the First Age and the drowning of Beleriand, the geography east of the Ered Luin shifted. The Ered Luin themselves, now broken up and disfigured, marked the western border of [[Eriador]], and thence [[Lindon]] and Belegaer itself. Eriador, now the Westernmost part of Middle-earth, was bordered on the East by the Hithaeglir, the Misty Mountains, which stretched down south to the [[White Mountains]] and the [[Bay of Belfalas]]. Across the Misty Mountains from Eriador was [[Rhovanion (region)|Rhovanion]], which extended east to the [[Sea of Rhûn]] and the vast [[Rhûn|lands]] beyond. Within Rhovanion were the great forest of [[Mirkwood]], the forest of [[Fangorn Forest|Fangorn]], and the many-rivered area that would become known as [[Gondor]]. To the east was the region of [[Mordor]], encircled on three sides by mountains. To the far north of Rhovanion was the icy [[Forodwaith (lands)|Forodwaith]].

==Inspiration==

[[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] created Arda, including and especially [[Middle-earth]], for his languages [[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]], especially the latter as it turned out. To Tolkien, a scholar of the [[Old English|Anglo-Saxon]] language, Middle-earth was the English translation of the Old English word ''middanġeard''. This word was transformed in the Middle English ''midden-erd'' or ''middel-erd'', and the [[Old Norse]] ''Midgard''. This is English for what the Greeks called the οικουμένη (''oikoumenē'') or "the abiding place of men", the physical world as opposed to the unseen worlds (''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', 151).

==See Also==
* [[Arda]]
* [[History of Arda]]

[[Category:Middle-earth| Middle-earth]]
[[fa:سرزمین‌میانه]]

Faramir

2011-07-18T17:27:58Z

Menelion:

{{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, expanded, and carefully destroyed (at least, according to some purists).

<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 blackhaired 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]]

Gollum

2011-07-18T17:21:31Z

Menelion:

{{sources}}
{{hobbit
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Gollum.jpg|200px]]
| name=Gollum
| othernames=Sméagol Stinker / Slinker
| birth=Approximately [[Third Age 2430|T.A. 2430]]
| death=[[25 March|March 25]], [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| parentage=
| location=[[Misty Mountains]]
| gender=Male
| hair=
|}}
Originally known as '''Sméagol''', he was later named '''Gollum''' after the disgusting gurgling noise he made in his throat. His birth can be estimated to be around the year 2430 of the [[Third Age]]. His death date is given as March 25, 3019 of the Third Age. His life was extended far beyond its natural limits by the effects of possessing [[the One Ring]]. At the time of his death, Gollum was about 589 years old, a remarkable age for a creature who was once [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] like, but he had been deformed and twisted in both body and mind by the corruption of the Ring. His chief desire was to possess the Ring which had enslaved him, and he pursued it for many years after he lost it.

== History ==
===Early Life===
Once a [[Stoors|Stoorish]] Hobbit, Sméagol spent the early years of his life living with his extended family under a Matriarch, his grandmother. This was during the [[Watchful Peace]], when [[Sauron]] was in the East.

Around the year T.A. 2463 Sméagol became the fourth Bearer of the One Ring, after Sauron, [[Isildur]], and [[Déagol]]. Déagol was a close relative, and on Sméagol's birthday they went fishing in the [[Gladden Fields]]. It was there that Déagol found a gold ring, after being pulled into the water by a large fish. Sméagol demanded the ring as a birthday present and strangled Deágol when he refused. Sméagol was quickly corrupted further by the ring and, banished by his people, was forced to find a home in a [[Gollum's Lake|cave]] in the [[Misty Mountains]]. The Ring's malignant influence twisted his Hobbit body and mind and prolonged his life far beyond its natural limits. He called it his "[[Precious]]" or his "Birthday Present," the latter as a justification for killing Déagol.

He lived in the Misty Mountains for over four hundred years, living on raw [[fish]], which he caught from his small raft, and [[Goblins]], and in later years he found Hobbit and [[Elves|Elven]] food repulsive.

During his centuries under the Ring's influence, he developed a sort of multiple personality disorder: Sméagol, his "good" personality, still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love, while Gollum, his "bad" personality, was a slave to the Ring and would kill anyone who tried to take it. Years later, [[Samwise Gamgee]] would name the good personality "Slinker" (for his fawning, eager-to-please demeanour), and the bad personality "Stinker". The two personalities often quarrelled when he talked to himself (as Tolkien put it, "through not having anyone else to speak to") and had a love/hate relationship, mirroring Gollum's love and hatred for the Ring and for himself.

===Departure of the Ring===
[[Image:Michael Hague - Riddles in the Dark.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Riddles in the Dark'' by [[Michael Hague]].]]
In July [[Third Age 2941|T.A. 2941]], during the [[Quest of Erebor]], the Hobbit [[Bilbo Baggins]] stumbled upon the subterranean lake on which Gollum lived and found the Ring. Gollum had lost the Ring in the network of caves leading to the lake, though in fact it is more proper to say that the Ring abandoned Gollum, for it was known to have a will of its own. As [[Gandalf]] said later, it looked after itself, trying to get back to Sauron. After the famous [[Riddle-game|Riddle Game]], during which Gollum was unaware of his loss, Gollum refused to show Bilbo the promised way out and plotted to murder him. When he went to get his "birthday present," however, he found that it was gone. He suddenly realised the answer to Bilbo's last riddle - ''"What have I got in my pocket?"'' - and flew into a rage. Bilbo inadvertantly stumbled across the Ring's power of invisibility as he ran, allowing him to follow Gollum to the entrance of the cave. There, Bilbo at first thought to kill Gollum, but was overcome with pity, so he jumped over him to escape. As Bilbo ran, Gollum cried out, "Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it forever!"

Gollum left the Mountains and pursued Bilbo a few years later, but the trail was cold. He made his way into [[Mordor]], where he was captured and forced to reveal what he knew about the Ring. Gollum was then set free, but caught by [[Aragorn]], who placed him in the care of the [[Silvan Elves]] living in [[Thranduil]]'s kingdom in [[Mirkwood]]. After a coordinated attack, he escaped into [[Moria]].

===The War of the Ring===
Gollum picked up the trail of the new [[Ring-bearer]], [[Frodo Baggins]], as he and the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] traveled through Moria. On [[15 January|January 15]], T.A. 3019 the Fellowship was divided when Gandalf disappeared while fighting a [[Durin's Bane|Balrog]]. Gollum continued trailing the remaining members. It is unknown how he crossed the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm]], but he came with them to [[Lothlórien]] without their knowing. Gollum, floating on a log, followed their boats down [[Anduin]] to [[Rauros]]. He pursued [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] across the [[Emyn Muil]] when they struck out on their own towards Mordor. Gollum followed them, but after a confrontation in which he bit and nearly strangled Sam, Frodo subdued him. Frodo tied an [[Elves|Elvish]] rope around Gollum's ankle for a leash, but the mere touch of the rope pained him. Taking pity on the wretched creature, Frodo made Gollum swear to help them. Agreeing to the oath, Gollum swore by the "Precious" itself, and Frodo released him. The unlikely company, guided by Gollum, made their way to the [[Black Gate]], the entrance to Mordor.
[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Gollum's Debate.jpg|thumb|left|175px|"Gollum's Debate" by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
Frodo's kindness brought out the "Sméagol" personality, and he made at least some effort to keep his promise. The two had a strange sort of bond from both having been Ringbearers; in Gollum, Frodo saw his possible future, and so wanted to save him so he could save himself.

When the Black Gate was reached and found to be well guarded, Gollum convinced them not to go that way, saying that they would be caught and Sauron would regain the Ring. Gollum said he would lead them south, where he knew of another entrance into Mordor.

Frodo and Sam were caught by [[Faramir]], and Gollum followed them. When Frodo allowed Faramir to briefly take Sméagol prisoner, however, he felt betrayed, allowing the "Gollum" personality to take control. Faramir found out that the place Gollum was taking them was called [[Cirith Ungol]]. He then warned Frodo and Sam of the evil of that place.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum left Faramir and began crossing the pass of Cirith Ungol in the border-mountains of the [[Ephel Dúath]]. Gollum visited the great spider [[Shelob]], because he was planning to betray the Hobbits to her and then get the Ring for himself. When he returned the Hobbits were asleep. The sight of Frodo sleeping nearly moved Gollum to repent. However, Sam woke up and spoke harshly to Gollum, and all hope of redemption was lost. Gollum followed through with his plan and led Frodo and Sam into [[Torech Ungol|Shelob's lair]].
[[Image:Peter Xavier Price - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol.jpg|right|thumb|185px|"The Stairs of Cirith Ungol" by [[Peter Xavier Price]].]]
Just as Frodo warned him, Gollum's betrayal of his oath ultimately led to his undoing, for Frodo and Sam escaped from Shelob's lair and came against all odds to the volcano [[Orodruin]], or Mount Doom. Gollum followed them all the way, seeking a chance to surprise them and take the Ring. When Frodo and Sam had almost reached their destination, he attacked, but failed to get the Ring. Sam, who had hated Gollum on sight, tried to bring himself to kill him, but relented out of sheer pity and disgust, turning his back on the beaten creature.

Moments later, Frodo was standing on the edge of the [[Crack of Doom]], but, unwilling to destroy the Ring, claimed it for himself and put it on. Then Gollum attacked again. The two fought whilst Frodo was invisible and finally Gollum bit off Frodo's finger.

Here Frodo's kindness in sparing Gollum's life was rewarded, for Gollum then teetered on the edge of the great pit, lost his balance and fell in, taking the Ring and finger with him with a last cry of "Preciouss!". Had Gollum not lived to play this final part, there would have been a good chance that Sauron would have regained the Ring, as he knew where Frodo was as soon as he put the Ring on.

==Description==
He is described as being small, with large eyes that seemed to glow, as well as a scrawny neck and soft clammy fingers. He moved like a spider, and several references suggest that he was black in color, though it could be said that it only looked like he was black, as most if not all of the descriptions were in the dark. In ''[[The Hobbit]]'' it is mentioned that he has six teeth, but this statement probably changed in the ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' as he had the ability to give deep bites, and was able to bite off Frodo's finger.

===Personality===
Sméagol was the most inquisitive and curious-minded of his community. He owed his name to the fact that he was interested in roots, deep pools, he burrowed and tunnelled under trees, plants and mounds.

There is some debate about the nature of his impulse to kill Déagol. Some maintain that Sméagol, as a Hobbit, was good at heart, and it was entirely the Ring's doing. But the more popular and perhaps more likely opinion is that Sméagol was harboring dark thoughts to begin with. Their argument bases on several points, including...
# The sight of the Ring at the council or at many points in the journey of the Fellowship did not cause anyone to suddenly murder someone else.
# It is possible for Hobbits to be evil; for instance, [[Ted Sandyman]] and [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins]].
# In the chapter ''[[The Shadow of the Past]]'', Gandalf mentions that Bilbo was corrupted far more slowly by the Ring because his adventures with it began with an act of mercy, while Gollum began his with murder.
== Etymology==
Sméagol's name is [[Old English]] one, from ''sméah'', and adjective meaning "''creeping in, penetrating''". This title was also applied by the Anglo-Saxons to the Biblical Cain, from the story of Cain's murder of his brother Abel in Genesis. This draws a clear connection between the two.

Sméagol's "real" name was ''[[Trahald]]'', of the meaning "burrowing, worming in" or "apt to creep into a hole". In both [[Westron]] and Old English, Sméagol's name is related to [[Smaug]]'s: Smaug's name in "true Dalish" was ''Trâgu'', and the ''Trah-'' stem in Trahald and Trâgu is thus a cognate of the Germanic stem present in both Sméagol and Smaug.

===Pronunciation===
In both the 1981 BBC radio adaptation and in Peter Jackson's films ''Sméagol'' is pronounced as "SMEE-gol", although the placement of the acute accent suggests that the correct pronunciation is "SMAY-uh-gol". On the other hand, in [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s recordings of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' he also pronounced it "SMEE-gol" or "SMEE-AH-GOL", suggesting that ''éa'' should either be pronounced as a long "i"-sound or as a diphthong ''ea'', and not as two distinct vowels "e" and "a". Tolkien had a habit in his writing to put diacritics in varying places, as can also be seen in the name ''[[Eärendil]]'', which also occurs spelt ''Ëarendil''.
==Other versions of the Legendarium==
In the first edition of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Gollum did not appear quite as wretched or as bound to the Ring. Tolkien revised this characterisation to fit the concept of the Ruling Ring developed during the writing of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Tolkien then explained the version given in the first edition as a lie that Bilbo made up to tell the [[Thorin and Company|Dwarves]] and [[Gandalf]].<ref name="Christensen">[[Bonniejean Christensen]], [[Jared Lobdell]] (ed.), "Gollum's Character Transformation in ''The Hobbit''", published in ''[[A Tolkien Compass]]'', pages 7-26</ref>

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Gollum1977.jpg|<center>''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]''</center>
Image:The Hobbit (2003) Gollum.JPG|<center>''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)]]''</center>
Image:Lotr-rotk gollum poster.jpg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''</center>
Image:Gollum1 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)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The voice of Gollum is provided by [[Gerik Schjelderup]].<ref name="RT1723">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1723, [[16 November|November 16]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''1968: ''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Hobbit]]'':'''
:The narrator refers to Gollum (voiced by [[Wolfe Morris]]) as "Galloom", even though Gollum himself manages to pronounce his name correctly. Gollum's role is based on that of the second edition of ''The Hobbit''.<ref>''[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)]]'', "[[Riddles in the Dark (episode)|Riddles in the Dark]]"
</ref>

'''1977: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]]'':'''
:Gollum is a frog-like green creature, voiced by [[Brother Theodore]]. Here, his "Gollum" noise sounds like muttering instead of swallowing.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:Gollum is depicted as a skinny, dark grey creature, voiced by [[Peter Woodthorpe]].

'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Gail Chugg]] provided the voice of Gollum.

'''1980:''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Brother Theodore reprised his role from the earlier [[Rankin/Bass]] production. Some footage from ''The Hobbit'' was reused to introduce the viewer to the story.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Gollum, again performed by [[Peter Woodthorpe]], has the first lines of the play (save [[Gerard Murphy|the narrator]]). He is described as "slimy and as dark than darkness".<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]], "[[The Long Awaited Party]]"</ref>

'''2001-3: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'':'''
:Gollum is a CGI-motion capture creature voiced by actor [[Andy Serkis]]. He is barely glimpsed in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', where he is voiced by [[Dominic Monaghan]] in absence of Serkis. Gollum becomes a central character in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''. The groundbreaking CGI character was built around Serkis's voice, movements and expressions, sometimes by using a motion capture suit which recorded his movements and applied them to the digital character, and sometimes by the more laborious process of digitally "painting out" Serkis's image and replacing it with Gollum's. In one such shot in ''The Two Towers'', Serkis' real spittle can be seen emerging from Gollum's mouth.

:In ''The Return of the King'' Serkis himself appears in a flashback scene as Sméagol before his degeneration into Gollum. This scene was originally earmarked for ''The Two Towers'' but held back because it was felt that audiences would relate better to the original Sméagol once they were more familiar with who he became. The decision to include this scene meant that Gollum's face had to be redesigned for the second and third movies so that it would more closely resemble Serkis'.

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gollum, voiced by [[Quinton Flynn]], is seen thrice: first, in the introduction scene, he is stooping over his precious, dashing away from the camera. He is a creature in colour and clothing much like Jackson's version. He is briefly glimpsed again in [[Moria]], but not more than a dark shape with a green outline can be seen.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]], "3 Passages"</ref> His most important role is in the final stages of the game: he can be seen atop several ridges, and can even be visited on a rock on the shores of [[Nen Hithoel]]. He throws a [[fish]], the "Xiphiidae", at "[[Aragorn|Ranger]]". This will become the most deadly weapon in the game, and replaces [[Andúril]] in the weapon slots.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)]]'', "Amon Hen"</ref>

'''2003: ''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|Sierra's The Hobbit'']]:'''
:Gollum appears in a cut scene after the level "Riddles in the Dark". Only Bilbo's last riddle - "What have I got in my pocket?" - is shown, after which Gollum spouts out all possible answers in one sentence rather than in three turns. Gollum is a dark grey, hobbit-like creature with seven spiky teeth, who walks on all fours like an ape would, and like his Rankin/Bass counterpart, his "Gollum" noise is a muttering instead of a swallowing. He is voiced by [[Daran Norris]].<ref>''[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)]]'', "Riddles in the Dark"</ref>

{{sequence|prev=[[Déagol]]|next=[[Bilbo Baggins]]|list=[[Ring-bearer]] c. [[Third Age 2463|T.A. 2463]] - [[Third Age 2941|2941]]}} 
{{sequence|prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]|next=''none'' (destroyed)|list=[[Ring-bearer]] briefly, [[25 March|March 25]], [[Third Age 3019|3019]]}}

== External links ==
*[http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/329/7480/1435?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=gollum&searchid=1103349387213_18575&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=329&issue=7480 Medical Students Profile of Gollum]

==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Evil]]
[[de:Gollum]]
[[fi:Klonkku]]
[[fa:گالوم]]

Glorfindel

2011-07-18T17:16:26Z

Menelion:

{{sources}}{{noldor infobox
| image=[[Image:Soni - Glorfindel.jpg|250px]]
| name=Glorfindel
| othernames=''[[Laurefindil]]''
| titles=Lord of the [[House of the Golden Flower]]
| position=
| realm=[[Aman]], [[Gondolin]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Quenya]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=during [[Years of the Trees]]
| birthlocation=[[Aman]]
| rule=
| death={{FA|510}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondolin]] (then re-embodied)
| age=6500+
| house=
| parentage=
| siblings=
| spouse=
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Long golden
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=[[Asfaloth]]
}}
{{Pronounce|Glorfindel.mp3|Ardamir}}

{{quote|'''Glorfindel''' was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], ''[[Many Meetings]]''}}
'''Glorfindel''' ([[Sindarin|S]] "golden head of hair", pron. {{IPA|[ɡlorˈfindel]}}) was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was distinctive because of his return to [[Middle-earth]] after death, acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Istari]] who were to come several thousand years later.

==History==
===Early History===

Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. His parentage is unknown; due to his apparent nobility and a note that he was kin of [[Turgon]] it is possible that he was the son of one of [[Finwë]]’s daughters, [[Findis]] or [[Irimë]]. This would account for his distinctive golden hair as well, as [[Indis]] their mother was a [[Vanya]]. It would also make Glorfindel the possible uncle of [[Voronwë of Gondolin|Voronwë]] (who may have been the grandson of Irimë), the only surviving mariner who sought Valinor. Nevertheless, his parentage is and always will be a matter of speculation, unless new manuscripts turn up, as [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] never explored that matter very deeply.

He was of the host of [[Turgon]], who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of [[Fëanor]]. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].

===Gondolin===

After the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Glorfindel’s history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim|Twelve Houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]], and went about in a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, diapered with celandine “as a field in spring”. His vambraces were [[Uncommon words#damask|damascened]] with "cunning gold".

[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]He witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered to) hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking the enemy by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[Dragons|dragon]] came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel with some of the strongest of his followers cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have all been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, ambushing their pursuers, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]]. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion of the Fountain|Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor of the Tree|Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth of the Heavenly Arch|Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (Lord of Balrogs)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and Turgon King was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's Secret Way]], and passed through the [[Cristhorn|Cirith Thoronath]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, [[Idril]], and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by [[Thorondor]], and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.

===Re-embodiment and Return===

Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the maiar.

Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the [[Maia]] [[Olórin]]. Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]], possibly as early as [[Second Age 1200]], but more likely in [[Second Age 1600|1600]] with the [[Blue Wizards]]. If the latter date, he arrived just after [[the One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]]. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

===Third Age===

[[Image:Anna Lee - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel'' by [[Anna Lee]].]] Glorfindel greeted his friend [[Olórin]] (to be known as [[Gandalf]]) in [[Mithlond]] in [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. As the great Elves of Middle-earth fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.

His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-[[War of the Ring]] struggles, after [[the One Ring]] had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

[[Image:Hope Hoover - Glorfindel in Battle.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Glorfindel in Battle'' as drawn by [[Hope Hoover]].]]After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns. It is possible that he went to [[Lothlórien]] and fought actively in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|war of Rhovanion]], perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the [[Wedding of Elessar]], to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and [[the One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.

==Earlier Versions of the Legendarium==

Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in a way taking the place of [[Legolas]]. Tolkien proposed three dates as to his return to Middle-earth: [[Third Age 1000|T.A. 1000]], with [[Gandalf]], [[Second Age 1200|S.A. 1200]] and the years following, or [[Second Age 1600|S.A. 1600]]. He dropped the first one after some thought, and though he declared the second possible, he favored the last as the most probable.

==Attributes==

Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of [[Gondolin]], who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "''would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank''". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.

==Controversy==

Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. Tolkien may simply have borrowed a name from his earlier [[legendarium]], something he was known to do. ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the ''[[Last Writings]]'' published in that volume, there are two long essays, ''Glorfindel I'' and ''Glorfindel II''. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.

{{quote|. . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . .|''[[Last Writings]]'', Glorfindel II}}

{{quote|. . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on [[Númenor]]. . .|Ibid.}}

As Tolkien's legendarium was an evolving work that he constantly updated and revised, there will always be some question of "final intent". Some may note that the above-quoted essays were private and not ever published, and thus should not be taken as decisive. Nevertheless the editors of the Tolkien Gateway believe that these essays, combined with Tolkien's published novels, clearly establish that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same person.

==Etymology==
''Glorfindel'' is the [[Sindarin]] calque of '''[[Laurefindil]]'''<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}, page 17.</ref> ([[Quenya|Q]]: "golden head of hair", pron. [[Noldorin|N]] {{IPA|[ˌlaʊreˈfindil]}}, [[Vanyarin|V]] {{IPA|[ˌlaʊreˈɸindil]}}), which is made up of two components; ''[[laure]]'' means "golden color" and ''[[findil]]'' or ''[[findilë]]'' means "head of hair". The name is in reference to Glorfindel's golden hair, hinting to a possible [[Vanyar]]in heritage. As a prince of the [[Noldor]], it is highly probable that Glorfindel is descended from any one of the children born to [[Finwë]] by the Vanya [[Indis]]. [[Finarfin]], [[Finrod]], [[Galadriel]] and [[Idril]] were also Noldorin descendants of Vanyarin intermarriage who inherited the same trademark golden hair to varying degrees.

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
[[Image:BFME2 - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Glorfindel, silverhaired, as he appeared in ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II|The Battle for Middle-earth II]].]]
Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. His role in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is too small to be introduced and forgotten - he basically does little else beyond providing fast transport to Rivendell. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:In this adaptation, the role of Glorfindel was taken by [[Legolas]]. In a simplification of that character, and as a reason for ''his'' coming, he is portrayed as an Elf of Rivendell rather than [[Mirkwood]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by [[John Webb]]. Because the part of [[Gildor Inglorion]] was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the [[Quenya]] greeting ''Elen síla lúmenn' omientielvo'' to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two [[Sindarin]] lines, ''A na vedui, Dúnadan!'' and ''Noro lim, noro lim, Asfatloth!'', though he says them with a heavy English accent. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".

'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. [[Peter Jackson]] decided, to have [[Arwen]] meet the travelers and then ride on [[Asfaloth]].

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|Vivendi's The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: ''A na vedui, Dúnadan'', like in the book, and ''Mae govannen, mellon'' (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from [[Gildor Inglorion|a group of Elves travelling near the Shire]] - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines ''Noro lim, Asfaloth'', though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:[[Decipher]] made two [[Decipher Card|card]] featuring extra [[Jarl Benzon]] as Glorfindel, one of them being at the [[Coronation of Elessar]].

'''2006: ''[[EA's The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the [[War of the Ring]]. Together with [[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]] of [[Erebor]], Glorfindel fights in several places in northern [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion (Region)|Rhovanion]]. He is voiced by [[Jason Carter]], and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of [[Arvedui]].

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Glorfindel can be found in Rivendell just south of the [[Last Homely House]]. He has long blonde hair and wears a white robe with purple belt. He is involved in some of the book quests for ''Shadows of Angmar''. The player also talks to him after defeating the balrog Thaurlach.

==Collectibles==
[[Gentle Giant]] produced a ''Glorfindel Mini Bust'' for [[Comic-Con 2007]], based on Glorfindel's appearance in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II|EA's ''The Battle for Middle-earth II'']].

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Glorfindel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/glorfindel]]
[[fi:Glorfindel]]
[[fa:گلورفیندل]]
{{references}}

Túrin

2011-07-18T17:11:57Z

Menelion:

{{disambig-more|Túrin|[[Túrin (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-two|the tragic hero of the [[First Age]]|[[Kings of Gondor|King]] of [[Gondor]]|[[Turambar (King of Gondor)]]}}
{{Edain infobox
| image=[[Image:Alan Lee - Túrin Turambar.jpg|250px]]
| name=Túrin Turambar
| othernames=[[Neithan]], [[Gorthol]], [[Agarwaen]], [[Thurin]], [[Adanedhel]], [[Mormegil]]; Turindo; Bane of Glaurung<ref>{{S|17}}.</ref>
| titles=Prince of [[Dor-lómin]]
| position=
| realm=Dor-lómin, [[Doriath]], [[Talath Dirnen]], [[Brethil]]
| affiliation=[[Gaurwaith]]
| language=[[Sindarin]], some [[Mannish]] dialect
| birth={{FA|463}}
| birthlocation=[[Dor-lómin]], [[Hithlum]]
| rule=
| death={{FA|499}}
| deathlocation=[[Cabed-en-Aras]]
| age=36
| house=[[House of Hador]]
| parentage=[[Húrin]] & [[Morwen]]
| siblings=[[Urwen Lalaith]] & [[Nienor Níniel]]
| spouse=[[Nienor Níniel]]
| children=Unborn at [[Nienor Níniel]]'s death
| gender=Male
| height=Tall<ref name="Turin">{{S|Turin}}</ref>
| hair=Dark<ref name="Childhood">{{CH|1}}</ref>
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Turin"/> or blue<ref name="Narn">{{UT|Narn}}</ref>
| clothing=[[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], elven mail, grey tunic and cloak<ref name="Outlaws">{{CH|6}}</ref>
| weapons=[[Anglachel]]/[[Gurthang]]
| steed=
}}<center>{{quote|He was dark-haired as his mother, and promised to be like her in mood also; for he was not merry, and spoke little, though he learned to speak early and ever seemed older than his years. Túrin was slow to forget injustice or mockery; but the fire of his father was also in him, and he could be sudden and fierce. Yet he was quick to pity, and the hurts or sadness of living things might move him to tears.|''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', [[The Childhood of Túrin]]}}</center>
'''Túrin Turambar''' ({{FA|463}}–[[First Age 499|499]]) was a tragic hero of the First Age whose life was dominated by the curse of the [[Morgoth|Enemy]]. His deeds became the tale called ''[[Narn i Chîn Húrin]]'' ("The Tale of the Children of Húrin").

== History ==
Túrin was the only son of [[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]] and [[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]. He had a younger sister ''Urwen'' whom everyone called [[Lalaith, daughter of Húrin|Lalaith]], but she died in childhood of a plague. After Húrin was captured in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] ("Battle of Unnumbered Tears"), Túrin remained with his mother Morwen, who hid him from the [[Easterlings]] that [[Morgoth]] had sent to [[Hithlum]], fearing they would kill Túrin or enslave him. Unknown to Túrin, Morgoth had placed a curse on all of Húrin's family.

Túrin was friend with [[Sador]], their household servant whom he helped in his works. Sador taught him many things, and carved for him several things from wood.
===Upbringing in Doriath===
When Túrin was seven years old she sent him to [[Doriath]], where he was adopted by King [[Thingol]] as a son. After this Túrin's second sister, [[Nienor]] was born. Túrin was restless, and as soon as he was permitted he joined [[Beleg|Beleg Cúthalion]] on the marches of Doriath, fighting the [[Orcs]] of Morgoth. He wore the [[Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin]], and the Orcs began to fear him more than any other.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
Túrin accidentally caused the death of [[Saeros]], one of Thingol's counsellors who had provoked and attacked him. Before he could be either punished or forgiven he fled, eventually meeting up with a band of outlaws, the [[Gaurwaith]] that dwelt south of the [[Forest of Brethil]]. There he identified himself only as '''''Neithan''''' ("The Wronged"). Túrin killed their leader [[Forweg]] and became their leader in his place. During his rule he stopped the outlaws from raiding houses of Men, and only hunted Orcs.

In the meantime Beleg Cúthalion obtained leave by Thingol to seek out his friend. Beleg found Túrin's outlaws at Amon Rûdh and when he could not persuade his friend to leave the outlaws, he left to return to Doriath. While they were parted, and after such a long time living in the wild, Túrin's band captured [[Mîm]] the [[Petty-dwarves|Petty-dwarf]]. Mîm was forced to share his halls on [[Amon Rûdh]] with them.

At Doriath, Beleg asked to be able to join his friend. Thingol allowed this and also gave him the black sword [[Anglachel]], and [[Melian]] gave him ''[[lembas]]''. Beleg returned to Túrin that winter, healing those of the band that had become sick with cold. Beleg brought with him the Dragon-helm, and the area around Amon Rûdh became known as '''[[Dor-Cúarthol]]''', the "Land of Bow and Helm" (since Beleg was known as a mighty bowman). There Túrin took the name '''''Gorthol''''', "The Dread Helm". Many warriors joined them, and much of [[West Beleriand]] was freed from evil for a while.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Beleg is Slain.jpg|thumb|''Beleg is Slain'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
Eventually Túrin was betrayed by Mîm, and he was captured and all his men slain. Beleg survived and rescued Túrin from the Orcs in [[Taur-nu-Fuin (Dorthonion)|Taur-nu-Fuin]] with the help of [[Gwindor]], an escaped slave of Morgoth, but Túrin accidentally killed Beleg with Beleg's sword Anglachel. Gwindor led Túrin, dazed, to the [[Pools of Ivrin]], where he came back to his senses.

===Nargothrond===
Gwindor then led Túrin to [[Nargothrond]], where once he had lived. In Nargothrond Túrin hid his name, calling himself '''''Agarwaen, son of [[Úmarth]]''''' ("[[Bloodstained]], son of Ill-fate"). He had Anglachel reforged and named it [[Gurthang]] ("Iron of Death"). [[Finduilas]], daughter of [[Orodreth]], fell in love with him, but he avoided her because she had previously been the beloved of his friend Gwindor. Túrin declined to tell her his name, so that she called him '''''Thurin''''' ("The Secret"). He was also called '''''Adanedhel''''' ("Man-Elf") because he was so like an Elf, though he was a [[Men|Man]].

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety.jpg|thumb|250px|left|''Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
His identity did not remain hidden for long. Gwindor revealed to [[Finduilas]] that 'Agarwaen' was in fact Túrin, and 'Úmarth' his famous father [[Húrin]]. When news of this reached Finduilas' father King [[Orodreth]], Túrin was given great honour and standing, but the revelation of Túrin's identity would also bring home Morgoth's curse.

Túrin became a chief counsellor of the weak Orodreth, and was extremely influential in Nargothrond. He encouraged the Nargothrondrim to abandon their practice of secrecy, and they built a great bridge before the gates. Because of his prowess with Gurthang, he himself became known as '''''Mormegil''''' ("Black Sword").

Morgoth sent the [[Dragons|Dragon]] [[Glaurung]] to Nargothrond. Túrin was caught by the powerful gaze of Glaurung, and stood by idly as Finduilas was dragged away, calling to him, a captive for Morgoth. Glaurung deceived him into believing Morwen and Nienor were suffering in Dor-lómin, and Túrin abandoned Finduilas to seek out his kin. In actuality Morwen and Nienor were safely in Doriath, as Túrin's own efforts had made the way passable.

Once in Dor-lómin, Túrin found his old home empty. He went to the halls of the Easterling lord [[Brodda]], who had taken Húrin's kinswoman [[Aerin]] as a wife and had taken Húrin's lands and possessions. From Aerin, Túrin learned that Morwen had left, and in his rage he killed Brodda, thereby also sealing Aerin's fate. As Túrin left again, Aerin burnt herself alive in her halls, and the remainder of the [[House of Hador]] now was persecuted even more cruelly.

Túrin next tried to find Finduilas, but by the time he picked up the Orc's trail he came too late: the woodsmen of Brethil informed him she had been killed as they had tried to rescue the prisoners of Nargothrond. Túrin collapsed on the mound she was buried in, and was brought to Brethil.

===In Brethil===
In Brethil Túrin again took up his life, now calling himself '''''Turambar''''' ("Master of Fate") in an act of bravado, deciding that his curse was now finally over. One day he found a naked young woman on Finduilas's grave, and calling her ''[[Níniel]]'' he later took her as his wife.

Túrin's happiness ended when Glaurung came near Brethil. Túrin with two others set out to kill the dragon, but he was the only one to reach the drake. With his black sword he killed Glaurung at [[Cabed-en-Aras]], but was hurt and fell in a swoon. As Níniel came to search for him, Glaurung with his last words revealed to her she was Túrin's sister. Horrified, Nienor Níniel killed herself.

[[Image:Ted Nasmith - Túrin Prepares to Take His Life.jpg|thumb|200px|''Túrin Prepares to Take His Life'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]
When Túrin awoke he was told by [[Brandir the Lame|Brandir]], lord of the [[Haladin]] of Brethil what had happened, and he killed Brandir, refusing to believe. When he learned from [[Mablung]] of Doriath who had come to seek him that Brandir had told the truth, he killed himself on Gurthang, his black sword.

Túrin was buried near Finduilas' grave, and on his tombstone the Haladin wrote in the [[Angerthas Daeron|Cirth of Doriath]]:

<blockquote>TÚRIN TURAMBAR DAGNIR GLAURUNGA (''Túrin, Conqueror of Fate, Slayer of Glaurung'')</blockquote>

Beneath that they also wrote:

<blockquote>NIENOR NÍNIEL</blockquote>

though her body could not be found.
==Legacy==
Morwen and Húrin later met at this site for the last time, and Morwen was also buried there. The mound survived the [[War of Wrath]] and as [[Tol Morwen]] was the westernmost isle off the coast of [[Lindon]] in the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age]]s.

It was prophesied by the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Mandos]] that at the end of time Morgoth would wage a final battle against the [[Valar]], the [[Final Battle]], and that Túrin Turambar would deliver the death blow, exterminating evil forever.

Túrin was a first cousin of [[Tuor]], father of [[Eärendil]]. There are many parallels between the circumstances of their lives (both lost their fathers in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, were raised in part by Elves, spent time as outlaws and as prisoners, and were war-leaders in the greatest [[Noldor|Noldorin]] fortresses), but the outcome of Tuor's life was quite different. (Even Túrin's coloring was dark, enhancing his resemblance to the Noldorin Elves but further setting him apart from his fair-haired cousin.) The two never actually met, but Tuor did once see his cousin in passing (not an everyday occurrence in the wilds of [[Beleriand]]).

Whether the tragedies in Túrin's life were the result of Morgoth's curse or of his own arrogance, or some combination of the two, is a subject of some debate among scholars. Túrin is one of the few heroes of the [[Elder Days]] to have committed suicide and several of the others are connected to his story.

== The Many Names of Túrin ==
* ''[[Neithan]]'' = "The Wronged"
* ''[[Gorthol]]'' = "The Dread Helm"
* ''[[Agarwaen]], son of [[Úmarth]]'' = "Bloodstained, son of Ill-fate"
* ''[[Thurin]]'' = "The Secret"
* ''[[Adanedhel]]'' = "Man-Elf"
* ''[[Mormegil]]'' = "Black Sword"
* ''Turambar'' = "Master of Fate"
== Genealogy ==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | BRE | | | | HAL | | HAD | BRE=[[Bregolas]]|HAL=[[Halmir]]|HAD=[[Hador Lórindol]]}}
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | |!|}}
{{familytree | BEL | | BAR | | HAR |y| GAL | BEL=[[Belegund]]|BAR=[[Baragund]]|GAL=[[Galdor of Dor-lómin]]|HAR=[[Hareth]]}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.|}}
{{familytree | | | | | MOR |y| HUR | | HUO | | |MOR=[[Morwen|Morwen Eledhwen]]|HUR=[[Húrin|Húrin Thalion]]|HUO=[[Huor]]}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | TUR | | LAL | | NIE | | | | TUR='''TÚRIN TURAMBAR'''|LAL=[[Urwen Lalaith]]|NIE=[[Nienor Níniel]]}}
{{familytree | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|J| | | | | | |}}
{{familytree/end}}
==Etymology==
''See: [[Túrin (disambiguation)]] and [[Turambar (disambiguation)]]''

It's possible that during Túrin's lifetime ([[First Age]]), the name was pronounced as "Túrind" before simplified in the following centuries. The [[Quenya]] form is [[Túrindo]].

== Inspiration ==
Unpublished drafts of the story, later edited by [[Christopher Tolkien]] and published in ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'' and ''[[The History of Middle-earth]]'' series, tell the story in greater detail. These have been carefully edited together with other drafts to form ''[[The Children of Húrin]]'', released in 2007.

The supposed resemblance of Túrin to figures from medieval tales can be confirmed by part of a letter Tolkien wrote to [[Milton Waldman]] concerning the publication of his works:

{{quote|There is the ''Children of Húrin'', the tragic tale of Túrin Turambar and his sister Níniel — of which Túrin is the hero: a figure that might be said (by people who like that sort of thing, though it is not very useful) to be '''derived from elements in Sigurd the Volsung, Oedipus, and the Finnish Kullervo'''.|[[Letter 131]]}}

{{quote| Again one may detect certain literary influences: the hero’s [Túrin’s] fight with a great dragon [Glaurung] inevitably suggests comparison with the deeds of '''Sigurd''' and '''Beowulf''', while his unknowing incest with his sister and his subsequent suicide were derived quite consciously from the story of '''Kullervo in the Kalevala'''.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]}}

Túrin shares several common traits with all of the characters below, like coming closer to their fate when attempting to evade it. Another significant trait is their gifted but hot tempered nature and strong will paired with their reluctance to heed wise counsels that would save them from their fate.
===Oedipus===
Oedipus was a prince of Thebes, but his parents gave him away in his early years to evade a prophecy about their deaths. Oedipus is not killed, but given to a childless family. He grows ignorant of his heritage, until he hears a prophecy according to which he will kill his father and marry his mother. To evade it, he leaves his foster family.

On his way, he kills a man who unknown to him, is his actual father, the King of Thebes, fulfilling therefore part of the prophecy without knowing he is a King, or his true father. Then he enters the city and after defeating the Sphinx, the people name him to replace the lost King of Thebes; furthermore, Oedipus marries the King's widow, who is in fact his mother.

Years later, while investigating the death of the former King, he realizes all the truths in his life: the King was the very man he had killed himself, and furthermore, he and his Queen, were his parents. Oedipus blinds himself and leaves in self-exile while his mother/wife strangles herself.

===Kullervo===
In the [[Kalevala]], Kullervo's tribe is killed by his uncle, and himself is separated by his family, something that fills him with hate and desire for revenge. As a slave, he uses magic to kill his masters and returns to his tribe; afterwards he seduces a girl, who commits suicide after discovering she is his lost sister.

Then he repeats his vows: he refuses to hear any words of reconsideration and gets a broadsword which he uses to slay the enemy tribe. On his return, he sees all his family dead. He asks the magic sword to slay him, which replies, and then he falls on it.

*''See also: [[Kalevala#Túrin Turambar and Kullervo|Túrin Turambar and Kullervo]]''

===Sigurd===
Sigurd's mother married a King and himself was fostered by a Dwarf. The Dwarf told him about the dragon Fafnir's hoard (who was his brother) and made sword for him. Sigurd slew Fafnir by waiting for him in a pit, stabbing him with the sword as he passed over it. However the gold was cursed.

===Balin===
Sir Balin was a knight of the King Arthur's court in ''Le Morte d'Arthur'' who possessed a magic sword. By this he was unknowingly cursed to slay his own brother. Through a well-meaning act of his, he is further cursed to make the most dolorous strike ever made by man, save only the peircing of Christ's side. Later, while in King Pellam's castle, he kills Pellam's brother and maims Pellam, ruining the castle and making all the surrounding lands into a wasteland, much as Túrin slayed Brodda in his own house and how his pride brought about the destruction of Nargothrond. Evantually, he kills his brother Balan, but is mortally wounded in doing so, and outlives him by only a few hours. They were then both laid in one grave.

{{references}}
* ''[[The Children of Húrin]]''
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of Túrin Turambar]]
* ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', [[Of the Coming of Men into the West]]
* ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', [[Narn i Chîn Húrin]]
* ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', [[Turambar and the Foalókë]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The later Annals of Beleriand]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[Quenta Silmarillion]]
* ''[[The Lost Road and Other Writings]]'', [[The Etymologies]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Grey Annals]]
* ''[[The War of the Jewels]]'', [[The Wanderings of Húrin]]
* ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 131]]
* ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]'' by [[Humphrey Carpenter]]

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Túrin Turambar|Images of Túrin Turambar]]
* [[The Children of Húrin]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:House of Hador]]
[[Category:House of Haleth]]
[[Category:House of Bëor]]
[[de:Túrin Turambar]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/1a/peuple_de_hador/turin]]
[[fi:Túrin]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Turin}}
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[fa:تورین_تورامبار]]

Mouth of Sauron

2011-07-18T17:02:12Z

Menelion:

{{evil infobox
| image=[[Image:John Howe - The Mouth of Sauron.jpg|250px]]
| name=The Mouth of Sauron
| othernames=Lieutenant of the Tower of [[Barad-dûr]]
| created=
| years=
| age=
| destroyed=Probably [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| realm=[[Mordor]]
| gender=Male
| race=[[Black Númenóreans]]
| appearance=Rode a black horse, wore a great helm
| accomplishments=
|}}
'''The Mouth of Sauron''' was the [[Dark Lord]] [[Sauron]]'s servant and representative at the end of the [[Third Age]]. He had the title Lieutenant of [[Barad-dûr]], since he was so strongly devoted to the Dark Lord. The Mouth of Sauron was one of the [[Black Númenóreans]].

==History==
===Origins===
The Mouth of Sauron had served Sauron all his life; a [[Man]] of great stature, he was potentially the equal of the [[Dúnedain]], but had fallen into darkness. As a Black Númenórean he probably came from the [[Haven of Umbar]], and it is stated that "he entered the service of the [[Dark Tower]] when it first rose again"; this can be interpreted in two ways:
*Referring to the power of Sauron rather than the construction of [[Barad-dûr]], in which case, the tower ''first'' rose again some time after {{SA|3220}}. In that case he stayed alive long enough like a [[Nazgûl|Ringwraith]]; perhaps he wore a [[Ring of Power]], but a lesser one since he did not become a wrait.
*Referring to the rebuilding of {{TA|2951}}; Umbar had been defeated by [[Gondor]] under "[[Thorongil]]" [[Third Age 2980|some years later]], so the Mouth might have fled to Mordor then.

In any case, the Mouth had even forgotten his original name; either he was a small child when converted by Sauron, or had remained alive far more than 500 years ([[Gollum]] still remembered his name).

He had learned much sorcery during his time under Sauron, and knew many of the Dark Lord's plans. Being more cruel than an [[Orcs|Orc]] and cunning, rose in power and favor.

During the [[Council of Elrond]], the [[Dwarves]] of [[Erebor]] spoke of a Man who had come to tell them of the power of Mordor and persuade them to join its forces. Though the Man's identity is unknown, it is possible that he was the Mouth of Sauron.

The Mouth of Sauron briefly appeared when he haggled with the army of the west in front of the [[Morannon]], trying to convince [[Aragorn]] and [[Gandalf]] to give up and let Sauron win the battle for [[Middle-earth]]. Though he came before Aragorn and his men as an ambassador, he used quite insolent speech when he dealt with them. He tried to intimidate the army into surrendering by showing them the ''[[mithril]]'' coat of [[Frodo Baggins]] to make them think that the [[Ringbearer]] had been captured. When Gandalf turned down his proposal, the Mouth of Sauron set all the armies of [[Barad-dûr]] upon them.
[[Image:Alan Rabinowitz - The Mouth of Sauron.jpg|thumb|250px|''The Mouth of Sauron'' by [[Alan Rabinowitz]]]]
The Mouth's fate is nowhere recorded, and it is probable he died in the assault before the Morannon. If he had survived, it is likely that he would have been one of the leaders in the retreat of Sauron's evil servants after the fall of Barad-dûr.

==Identity==
The Mouth of Sauron as an agent of Sauron and ambassador of Mordor might have been the same individual as other figures mentioned elsewhere. He could had been the horseman who asked [[Dáin Ironfoot|Dáin II Ironfoot]] the location of "Baggins" [[Third Age 3017|a year before]] the [[War of the Ring]]<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>. He could also had been "the [[Questioner]]" of Mordor who would interrogate [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]]<ref>{{TT|Uruk}}</ref>

==Name==
The name of the Mouth of Sauron itself poses a serious inconsistency in the narrative. Aragorn mentions that the name "Sauron" (meaning "Abominable") is the name used by his enemies, and according to [[Aragorn]], Sauron himself did not permit it pronounced.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The Departure of Boromir]]"</ref> Therefore it could be considered strange for a servant of Sauron to have a title that includes the word "Sauron".

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Rankin-Bass' Mouth of Sauron.jpg|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'' [[1980]] film</center>
Image:Mouth of Sauron.jpg|<center>[[Bruce Spence]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''</center>
</gallery></center>

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The Mouth of Sauron briefly appears at the Black Gate. He was here portrayed by [[Don Messick]].

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:The Mouth of Sauron's role is expanded. He is portrayed as the person who tortures [[Gollum]] into telling Sauron of "Baggins" and "Shire", though he is not named until the credits.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Michael Bakewell]], [[Brian Sibley]] (eds.) ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'', "[[The Long Awaited Party]]"</ref> [[John Rye]] provided the voice of the Mouth of Sauron, as well as the Voice of Sauron, symbolising the function of the Lieutenant of Barad-dûr.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
:The Mouth of Sauron does not appear in the theatrical cut of the movie, but he does appear in the extended version, played by an unrecognizable [[Bruce Spence]]. His helmet, with the words "LAMMEN GORTHAUR" ([[Sindarin]] for "Voice of (Sauron) The Abominable") in [[Cirth]] written on it, covers his entire face except for his mouth, which is horribly diseased and disfigured by all the evil he has spoken, and disproportionately large, creating an unsettling effect. In fact, much of this spectacle is a result of CGI effects. Actually Jackson conceived this idea long after the footage had been shot and asked his special effects team to create the effect digitally.

:The extended DVD cast commentary mentions that Jackson considered different depictions of the character, such as having Kate Winslet (who starred in ''Heavenly Creatures'', another Jackson film) play the role, partially to emphasize the temptations Aragorn was facing.

:In the story itself, Aragorn decapitates the Mouth of Sauron with [[Andúril|his sword]]. This sequence is often criticized by purist and outsider alike; through human history it was considered a crime of war to execute messengers or heralds; specifically the book gives emphasis against the inhumanity of such a deed.

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of the Mouth of Sauron|Images of The Mouth of Sauron]]

==References==
<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mouth of Sauron, The}}
[[Category:Black Númenóreans | Characters]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[de: Saurons Mund]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hommes:3a:bouche_de_sauron]]
[[fa:زبان_سائورون]]

Théoden

2011-07-18T16:49:39Z

Menelion:

{{rohirrim infobox
| image=[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Theoden Espies the Serpent Banner.jpg|250px]]
| name=Théoden
| othernames=Ednew
| position=[[King of Rohan]]
| noinline=17 ([[Second Line]])
| birth=[[Third Age 2948|T.A. 2948]]
| rule=[[Third Age 2980|T.A. 2980]] - [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| death=[[15 March|March 15]], [[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]]
| gender=Male
| description=Tall, braided white hair, bright eyes; long beard by [[War of the Ring]]
| parentage=[[Thengel]], [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]
| siblings=4 sisters, including [[Théodwyn]]
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]
| children=[[Théodred]]
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]
| steed=[[Snowmane]]
|}}
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope he ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>}}
'''Théoden''' ([[Third Age]] 2948 – March 15, 3019, aged 71 years) was the seventeenth [[King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref>

==History==

===Early Life===

Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], and became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}. Théoden spoke [[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]] rather than [[Rohirric]], for he had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent his youth there.

Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] most of all. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/>

In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This may have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increase by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma Wormtongue|Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>

===War of the Ring===
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned after Éomer's foray to destroy the Orcs that had crossed Rohan.<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref>

When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him, the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] into [[Battle of the Hornburg|battle at Helm's Deep]]. After this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.

He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged the [[Black Serpent]] of the [[Haradrim]], and slew him and his standard-bearer. The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]]. He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The Anglo-Saxon word "þeoden", means "Lord", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").

In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''[[Tûrac]]'', an old word for King.
==Other versions==
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.
== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
<center><gallery>
Image:Theoden_Bakshi.JPG|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]''</center>
Image:RBrotk_Theoden.png|<center>''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]''</center>
Image:Théoden.jpeg|<center>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''</center>
</gallery></center>
'''1955: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)]]'':'''
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.

'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].

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

'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''
:Théoden appears in this film, but does not speak; his death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.

'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)]]'':'''
:Théoden's death is described in song rather than dramatised conventionally, which tends to lessen its impact. In this adaption he is voiced by [[Jack May]].

'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.

'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell Beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].

'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].

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

{{references}}
{{sequence
|prev=[[Thengel]]
|next=[[Éomer]]
|list=17th [[King of Rohan]] <code>III</code> 2980 – 3019
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Rulers of Rohan]]
[[de:Théoden]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]
[[fi:Théoden]]
[[fa:تئودن]]

Rohirrim

2011-07-18T16:45:48Z

Menelion:

{{cleanup}}
{{race
|image=[[Image:Rohirrim.jpeg|250px]]
|name=Rohirrim
|dominions=[[Rohan]]
|languages=[[Rohirric]]
|height=average
|length=
|skincolor=white
|haircolor=mostly blonde
|feathers=
|distinctions=
|lifespan=av. 70-80 years
|members=[[Eorl the Young]], [[Helm]], [[Théoden|Theoden]], [[Éomer]]
|}}
The '''Rohirrim''' were a horse people, settling in the land of [[Rohan]], named after them. The name is [[Sindarin]] for '''''People of the Horse-lords''''' (sometimes translated simply as '''''Horse-lords''''') and was mostly used by outsiders: the name they had for themselves was '''Eorlingas''', after their king [[Eorl the Young]] who had first brought them to Rohan.

The terms '''''Riders of Rohan''''' and '''''Riders of the Mark''''' are commonly used and refer specifically to their mounted soldiers. The '''''King's Riders''''' were specifically the Riders who formed the bodyguard of the King.
==History==
The Rohirrim are descendants of the [[Edain]] of the [[First Age]]. They did not go to [[Beleriand]] like the Edain who were later rewarded with the island of [[Númenor]] by the [[Valar]]. The ancestors of the Rohirrim were known as the '''[[Éothéod]]''' (q.v.).

The Éothéod were a race of [[Men]] that lived in the vales of the Great River [[Anduin]], but that removed to [[Calenardhon]] which was granted them in perpetuity by the [[Stewards of Gondor|Ruling Steward]] of [[Gondor]], [[Cirion]] in reward for the assistance that they offered Gondor at a time of great need, the [[Battle of the Field of Celebrant]].

At that time Calenardhon was renamed [[Rohan]] (''Horse-land'') after their many horses. By the Rohirrim themselves Rohan was usually called '''[[The Mark]]'''.

The [[Dúnedain]] of Gondor believed that the Rohirrim were distantly related to them (having descended from the [[Atanatári]] of the [[First Age]]) and described them as ''[[Middle Men]]'', that being inferior to the [[Númenóreans]] in both culture and descent, but superior to the ''[[Men of Darkness]]'' who had worshipped and served [[Sauron]].

However this was a piece of Númenórean fiction meant to satisfy the national pride of the people of Gondor for the surrender of the territory of Calenardhon -- in reality there had been no common ancestry between the people of Rohan and of Gondor.{{fact}}

For the subsequent history of the Rohirrim as allies of Gondor see [[Rohan#History]]

==Description==
[[Image:John Howe - Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|''Rohirrim'' by [[John Howe]].]]
The Rohirrim were tall, blonde, and mostly had blue eyes. They prized their horses more than anything, and their entire culture was based around these. They had few cities, but lived in many villages on the plains of Rohan.

:''They are proud and wilful, but they are true-hearted, generous in thought and deed; bold but not cruel; wise but unlearned, writing no books but singing many songs, after the manner of the children of Men before the Dark Years. '' — [[The Lord of the Rings]]: The Two Towers

==Culture==
The Rohirrim had had contacts with [[Elves]] in their ancient history, and knew of [[Eru Ilúvatar|Eru]], but like the Dúnedain they did not worship him in any temples. They seem to have valued the [[Valar|Vala]] [[Oromë]] the Hunter highly, whom they called [[Béma]].

They were ruled by a line of kings descended from Eorl the Young, who had first brought them to Rohan, and in time of war every able men rode to meet the Muster of Rohan.
===[[Horses]]===
The Rohirrim are famous as skilled horsemen, masters and breeders. Among the horses of the Rohirrim are the famed [[Mearas]], the noblest and fastest horses who have ever roamed [[Arda]]; [[Shadowfax]] was the greatest of all Mearas. There were very few Mearas left in Middle-earth at this point, but there were enough that a breeding population was present. The armies of Rohan are almost exclusively cavalry, divided into irregular units termed [[éoreds]]. Rohan's armies were more of a very well trained militia called upon in times of war, with the actual standing army relatively small. The professional career-soldiers of Rohan may have been limited to the royal bodyguard at Edoras.

It was because of this close affiliation with horses, both in war and peace, that they received their now famous name. ''Rohirrim'' (or more properly ''Rochirrim'') is [[Sindarin]] for "Horse-lords," and ''Rohan'' (or ''Rochand'') meant "Land of the Horse-lords." These names were devised by Hallas, son of Cirion the Steward.

During the early days of the [[War of the Ring]], rumours were spread that the Rohirrim supplied Sauron's armies with horses. These rumours were obviously false: the Rohirrim valued their horses more than anything, and would never send them away, even as tribute. Still these rumours had some effect, in that they obscured the fact it was Saruman who had fallen, rather than Rohan. The basis of the rumour was that Sauron's [[Orcs]] on raids into Rohan stole their horses for use in Mordor's army, but this was outright theft that angered the Rohirrim against Sauron.

===Language===
{{main|Rohirric}}
The Rohirrim spoke a language descended from that of the [[Éothéod]], related to that of the [[Northmen]] of [[Rhovanion (Realm)|Rhovanion]]. In comparison to [[Westron]], it was mostly archaic and was not easily understood by the speakers of Westron.

The Rohirrim wrote with a [[Mannish]] version of the [[cirth]], although they did not have a literature, preferring oral tradition.

== Important Rohirrim ==

*[[Kings of Rohan]]
* [[Théodred]]
* [[Éowyn]]
* [[Gríma Wormtongue]]
*[[Erkenbrand]]
*[[Elfhelm]]
* Various participants in the final wars

==Etymology==
''Rohirrim'' is a collective noun and should be used with the definite article (i.e. ''the Rohirrim''). It should not be used as an adjective. The ending ''[[-rim]]'' refers to people (eg. [[Galadhrim]]).

The word means "horse-lords". One person would be in the singular 'a Rohir' ("a horse-lord"), but this form was never seen in Tolkien's writings and is perhaps wrong usage. This word contains ''[[roch]]'' "horse" and ''[[hîr]]'' "lord, master"

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Rohirrim|Images of Rohirrim]]
*[[Kings of Rohan]]

[[Category:Rohirrim| ]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[de:Rohirrim]]
[[fr:encyclo/peuples/hommes/rohirrim]]
[[fi:Rohirrim]]
[[fa:روهیریم]]

User talk:Menelion

2011-07-18T16:26:28Z

Menelion: Adding welcome message to new user's talk page