The White Horse was the emblem of the kingdom of Rohan.[1] It was depicted on a green field on the banner of Rohan[2] and emblazoned on a shield of the Rohirrim that was given to Merry[3].
History
On March 10, T.A. 3019[4][5] Éowyn gave Merry a round shield with the device of the white horse on it[3].
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Théoden rode under this banner to the Battle of the Pelennor Fields[3][6] on March 15, T.A. 3019,[7] and after his death it was flown by his nephew and successor Éomer during the rest of the battle[8] and on March 25, T.A. 3019[9] during the battle before the Black Gate of Mordor itself[1]. It continued to be carried by Éomer when he accompanied king Elessar with the cavalry of the Mark beyond the Sea of Rhûn or to the far fields of the South after the War of the Ring ended.[10]
Inspiration
According to Tom Shippey's The Road to Middle-earth, the emblem may have been inspired from the Uffington White Horse.[11]
The White Horse is a recurring motif in mythology and prehistoric English culture. See leucippotomy.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Black Gate Opens", p. 891
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Ride of the Rohirrim", p. 838
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Muster of Rohan", p. 802
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years", entry for the year 3019, March 10, p. 1093
- ↑ Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 540
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields", p. 839
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years", entry for the year 3019, March 15, p. 1094
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields", p. 847
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years", entry for the year 3019, March 25, p. 1094
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl", "The Kings of the Mark", Third Line, entry for king Éomer Éadig, p. 1071
- ↑ Tom Shippey, The Road to Middle-earth, "Chapter 4: A Cartographic Plot", pp. 140 and 150