The Lexicon of Rohan
by Soledad
People
Short introduction:
This is the largest part of my Lexicon of Rohan, originally
constructed in order to make my work on the Elfhelm-tale,
''Emissary of the Mark'', easier. Being stuck in a writer's
block, I decided to make it accessible to anyone who might be
interested in Rohirric culture.
Main source of research:
First and foremost the writings of JRR Tolkien, including the 12
volumes of ''The History of Middle-earth'' (also known as the
HoME-books), which contain the early writings and rejected
concepts of the Great Maker as well as later changes of concepts.
I also used Robert Foster's ''The Complete Guide of
Middle-earth'' as a reference, since it's based on LOTR and the
Silmarillion. These entries will be showed under bold-faced
titles.
Other sources are:
Anglo-Saxon Society: Pagan Religion of the Anglo-Saxons
See: http://www.angelcynn.org.uk/society_religion.html
The wonderful people who created that site own all the
copyrights. I just borrowed from them to play a little with my
favourite horseboys.
Also: http://rohan.elendor.net/culture.html, if anyone is
interested in the concepts of the role-playing community about
Rohirric society, rituals, culture, etc.
Some names and references are taken from Sir Walter Scott's
excellent novel, ''Ivanhoe''.
Entries borrowed from these sources are showed under titles in
bold-faced italics.
I also added some characters and things of my own creation. They
are under titles in *bold-faced italics + between asterisks*, in
order to make a difference.
And now, on we go with ""People''. It's a list of people who might have been important for the history of the Éothéod, also not strictly Rohirrim, BTW. I included the horses because it seemed to me that the Rohirrim would prefer it this way.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Aldhelm
Anglo-Saxon male name, borrowed from Sir Walter Scott's
''Ivanhoe''. (The historic Aldhelm of Malmsbury was a renowned
scholar and church-builder in the 7th century.)
*Adhemar*
Male name (here of rhúnish origin); *Elfhelm's second-oldest
brother, the husband of Idis, Théoden King's bastard daughter*.
Aldor
(Rohirric: prince, old) - Third Age, 2544-2645. Son of Brego son
of Eorl. 3rd King of Rohan (2570-2645)
Aldor reigned for 75 years and completed the conquest of Rohan
east of the Isen. In his time Harrowdale and other valleys in the
Ered Nimrais were settled. Known as ''the Old'' because of his
long life and reign.
Arod
(Rohirric: quick, swift). A swift and fiery horse of Rohan, lent
to Legolas and Gimli by Éomer. The same name was considered for
Gandalf's horse in the earlier stages of LOTR-development.
*Aud of the Deep Eyes*
*The daughter of Erkenbrand, a former shield-maiden and wife of
Prince Théodred. She proved to be barren, but Théodred refused
to leave her and seek out another wife. After Théodred's death
Aud sat down in their bedchamber and died by sheer willpower.*
Balchoth
Tribe of Easterlings controlled by Sauron, who in the 25th
century of the Third Age lived in Rhovanion, east of Mirkwood.
They frequently raided the Vales of Anduin south of the Gladden,
and greatly distressed its inhabitants. As their power grew, the
Balchoth began attacking Gondor's outposts on the Anduin. In 2510
they crossed Anduin and invaded Calenardhon. In the Battle of the
Field of Celebrant, the Balchoth, although aided by Orcs of the
Misty Mountains, were annihilated by Cirion of Gondor and the
Éothéod. After that, they passed from history.
Baldor
(+Third Age 2569). Eldest son of King Brego. At the feast held to
celebrate the competition of Meduseld he vowed to tread the Paths
of the Dead. During the Ring War his body was found there by the
Grey Company.
Béma
Name given the Vala Oromë by the Éothéod.
Boar of Everholt
(+ Third Age, 2864 - not exactly a person, but I don't have a
section for animals.) Famous boar of the Firienwood, slain by
King Folca, who died of the wounds given him by the boar.
Brego
(Third Age 2517-70). 2nd King of Rohan (2545-70). He drove the
last remnants of the Orcs and Balchoth out of the Wold, and built
the Hall of Meduseld. Brego died of grief over the loss of his
son, Baldor.
Brytta
(Third Age 2752-2842). 11th King of Rohan (2758-2842). During his
reign Rohan was troubled by Orcs, driven from the Misty Mountains
by the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. Called Léofa (Rohirric:
beloved) by his people because of his generosity.
Burtoth, House of
One of the major Houses of the Mark, mighty and near the royal
House by blood. One of its Lords, Dernwine, became the Lord of
Rómenmark and founded his own House after the Battle of the
Field of Celebrant.
Ceorl
Rider of Rohan. He fought under Erkenbrand in the Second Battle
of the Fords of Isen.
Cynthain, House of
One of the major Houses of the Mark, beginning in the time of
Fréaláf King.
Cynthain
Rider from the Wold who had been near to Dunharrow when the
Dunlendings led by Wulf invaded. He joined the resistance and
later was part of the company that retook Edoras. For his valour
he was granted a device and made a Knight of the Mark and Lord of
the Wold. He dwelt at the banks where Anduin and Limlight met.
Lordship of the Wold passed later to the House of Feorware.
Curwadun
Warrior who was raised into the ranks of the Lords for his great
service to Eorl's father, Léod. His great-grandson was bestowed
the lordship over the valleys of Harrowdale and their House was
re-named Dúnwarta (= Hill-guardian). *In my Third Age stories
Erkenbrand is the head of this particular House.*
Déor
(Third Age 2644-2718). 7th King of Rohan (2699-2718). During his
reign Rohan was troubled by the Dunlendings.
Déorwine
(+ Third Age 3019). Chief of the knights of Théoden's household.
Killed in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Dernhelm
Name used by Éowyn when she disguised himself as a Rider of
Rohan in order to ride with the Rohirrim to the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields.
Dúnhere
(+ Third Age 3019). Nephew of Erkenbrand, chieftain of
Harrowdale. Killed in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Dunlendings
Men, last remnants of the people who once inhabited the valleys
of the Ered Nimrais. Some of these folk were assimilated by
Gondor; one group became the Dead Men of Dunharrow. In the Second
Age some of these people had moved north; some settled in Dunland
while others moved to Eriador. The Men of Bree were the
northernmost surviving branch at the time of LOTR.
In Dunland the Dunlendings preserved their ancient language and
primitive culture. In the Third Age they hated the Rohirrim, who
had driven them out of the northern valleys of the Ered Nimrais
and the plans of Western Rohan, and so they frequently attacked
that country. The two greatest Dunlending attacks on Rohan were
in 2758, when they were led by Wulf, and during the Ring War,
when the Dunlendings were aroused by Saruman.
The Dunlendings were tall and somewhat swarthy; they had dark
hair. They were primitive, uncultured and superstitious.
Dead Men of Dunharrow
Men of the White Mountains, related to the Dunlendings. When
Gondor was founded, they swore allegiance to Isildur, but as they
had been corrupted by Sauron during the Dark Years, they broke
their oath when called to battle by the Last Alliance. For this
betrayal, they were condemned to remain in and near the white
Mountains as spirits, until called to fulfil their oath by the
heir of Isildur.
For the entire Third Age the Dead Men haunted the area above
Dunharrow, especially the Paths of the Dead. In 3019, during the
Ring War, they were called by Aragorn to fulfil their oath, and
repaid their debt by routing the Corsairs of Umbar at Pelargir.
Then they vanished from Middle-earth.
The Dead Men were also known as the Dead, the Sleepless Dead, the
Grey Host, the Shadow Host, the Shadowmen, the Shadows, the
Shadows of Men and the Men of the Mountains.
Dwimmerlaik
(Rohirric: work of necromancy, spectre). Name given the Nazgúl
Lord by Éowyn during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Dernwine, House of
An old and well-respected House of the Mark.
Dernwine
A Lord of the Éothéod in Eorl's time, rode down with the great éohere
to Cormallen when Gondor was at need. He was of the House of
Burtoth. For his deeds and valour on the Field of Celebrant, he
was given the rich lands which would soon surround Rómenmark.
Through Cynthain, the Lords of the Rómenmark had kinship with
the Lords of the Wold.
Devon, House of
A recent noble House, founded in the Westfold.
Devon
He was the lone Eorling who accompanied Folca when he slew the
great Boar of Everholt. If it were not for him, Folca would not
have reached Mering before he died, to command the crown of Eorl
to his son and make Devon a Lord of the Mark and all the heirs of
his body.
Dúnwarta, House of
Founded in the days of Eorl's father Léod, though it bore a
different name then. Founded by Curwadun, whose great-grandson
became the Lordship of the valleys of Harrowdale. The House was
re-named Dúnwarta (=Hill-guardian), and it became the duty of
the Dúnwartans to watch over the dales of the White Mountains
and the fastness of Dunharrow. The Men of Dúnwarta have become
as their abode, dour and unyielding as the roots of the rocks,
yet they retain the worldliness of their forefathers, and care
little about their lordly status.
*Erkenbrand, the Lord of the Westfold is the head of this
House in my LOTR-stories.*
Ealdorman
A nobleman of the highest rank, the Rohirric equivalent of a
Lord.
Eadmer
Male name, borrowed from Sir Walter Scott's ''Ivanhoe''. (The
historical Eadmer was a monk of Canterbury, who wrote a History
of England and lives of Anselm and other distinguished English
churchmen.)
Easterlings
The Men of Rhún. Beginning in Third Age 490, waves of
Easterlings of various tribes and races periodically attacked
Gondor, usually over Dagorlad. Some of these invasions were
clearly military, and were no doubt inspired by Sauron, but
others, such as the invasion of the Balchoth in 2510, seem to
have invoked the migration of entire peoples.
The Easterlings were in general primitive, and were motivated
chiefly by hatred of Gondor and greed for her riches.
The Easterlings who fought in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields
were bearded and bore great axes, but they seem to have been
atypical.
Elfhelm
Rider of Rohan, from 3012-19 the Marshal of the garrison of
Edoras. With Grimbold leader of the Rohirrim in the Second Battle
of the Fords of Isen. Leader of the éored with which Éowyn rode
to the Battle of the Pelennor fields. Later in the Ring War he
commanded the Rohirrim who defended Anórien while the Host of
the West rode to the Morannon. Under King Éomer he became
Marshal of the East-mark.
*In 3015 Elfhelm was sent to Rhún in order to negotiate with
Ragnar the Smith, the self-proclaimed prince of the Easterlings.
At that occasion he married Imogen Ragnarsdóttir, a
shield-maiden of the East.*
Elfhild, Queen
(+ Third Age 2987). The wife of Théoden King. Elfhild died
giving birth to her only child, Théodred.
Elfwine
(Fourth Age). 19th King of Rohan (63-??). Son of Éomer and
Lothíriel. Known as Elfwine the Fair.
Éofor, House of
The descendants of Éofor, third son of Brego. Éomund was the
head of this House until his death.
Éofor
Third son of Brego Eorlsson. Ancestor of Éomer, Éowyn *and
Elfhelm*.
Éofored
Second Marshal of the Mark in ''The Treason of Isengard'' (HoME
7).
Éomer Éadig
(Third Age 2991-Fourth Age 63), 18th King of Rohan (Third Age
3019-Fourth Age 63).
Son of Éomund and Théodwyn, nephew and foster son of King
Théoden; at the time of the Rind War Third Marshal of the Mark.
He was a valiant warrior and a discerning man, friendly to
Gandalf and hating Gríma. Although he fell in disfavour as a
result of Gríma's plots, his loyalty was proven, and during the
Ring War he fought nobly at the Hornburg, the Pelennor Fields and
at the Morannon and became friendly with Aragorn.
Théoden, at his death at during the Battle at the Pelennor
Fields, named Éomer as his heir.
After the Ring War Éomer became King of Rohan and renewed the
Oath of Eorl with King Elessar. During his long reign he ruled
Rohan well and often fought with Elessar in foreign lands.
In 3020 he married Lothíriel of Dol Amroth, founding the Third
Line of the Kings of the Mark. They had at least one child,
Elfwine the Fair.
Éomund
(+Third Age 3002). Chief Marshal of the Mark in charge of the
east marches, husband of Princess Théodwyn, father of Éomer and
Éowyn. He came from the Eastfold and was a descendant of Éofor
son of Brego.
He was noted for his hot and runaway pursuit of raiding Orcs;
during one of the pursuits he was ambushed and killed.
Eorl the Young
(Third Age 2485-2545). Lord of the Éothéod (2501-10) and 1st
King of Rohan (2510-45). In 2510, answering a summons for aid
from Cirion of Gondor, Eorl and his Riders defeated an army of
Balchoth and Orcs in the Battle of the Field of Celebrant. As a
reward, the Riders were given Calenardhon, and Eorl swore his
Oath. He was slain in a battle with Easterlings in the Wold.
Eorl was a great warrior and horse-master. His horse, Felaróf,
was the first of the mearas. Known as ''the Young'' because he
succeeded his father Léod in his youth and kept his yellow hair
throughout his life.
Eorlingas
The Rohirrim, called so because they considered themselves the
descendants of Eorl.
Éothain
A member of Éomer's éored.
Éothéod, The
Men of the Vales of Anduin, related to the Third House of the
Edain. They originally lived between the Carrock and the Gladden,
but in Third Age 1977, being crowded and hearing of the fall of
Angmar, they moved to an area near the sources of Anduin. They
drove out the Orcs living there and named the land Éothéod.
After they moved to Rohan, called themselves the Eorlingas and
were called the Rohirrim by the Men of Gondor. Éothéod is
translated Rohirric, it is Old English for ''horsefolk''.
Éowain, Clan
One of the three major clans of the Mark, largely seen the
population of the East-mark. They keep many of the nomadic
traditions that go back to the days of the Éothéod. They travel
with their herds of primarily horses but also other livestock in
search of good grazing lands from the edge of East Emnet east to
the swampy area around the Entwash and north from the Great West
Road and Ered Nimrais to the Wold and the southern fringes of
Fangorn Forest.
The clan is led by a Maegtheow (Clan Master), who is assisted by
the Maegwitan (Clan Council). The Maegwitan is made up of the
Maegrads (Clan Counsellors), who are some of the most influential
people in the clan. Usually about half of them are the
craftmasters (such as the Masters of the weavers, traders,
horse-breeders and so on) within the clan, a quarter or less are
nobles or men (women) of wealth and influence and the last
quarter or so are in general respected elders of the clan.
The emblem of the Éowain clan is a white rearing horse between
two bound sheaves of grass from which longswords rise, on green.
*Elfhelm and his people are from Clan Éowain.*
Éowin
Second Marshal of the Mark in ''The Treason of Isengard'' (HoME
7).
Éowyn
(Third Age 2995-Fourth Age??). Daughter of Éomund and Théodwyn
and sister of Éomer. During the Ring War she disguised herself
as a man and, calling herself Dernhelm, rode to Gondor with
Elfhelm's éored. In the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, with the
aid of Meriadoc Brandybuck, she won great renown by slaying the
Lord of the Nazgúl and his steed. The evil coming from contact
with the Nazgúl-lord, amplified by the years of waiting on
Théoden in his dotage, caused her to succumb to a severe case of
the Black Breath.
Aragorn released her from her illness with athelas, and while
recovering, she realized her true heart. Giving up her desire to
be an independent shield-maiden, she married Faramir and became
the Lady of Ithilien.
Éowyn was very beautiful: tall, slim and graceful with golden
hair. Faramir called her the White Lady of Rohan.
Erkenbrand
Master of the Westfold and the Hornburg, a noted warrior.
Commanded the forces of Rohan at the Second Battle of the Fords
of Isen. Regrouped his forces after the battle and returned to
Helm's Deep in time to complete the rout of Saruman's forces at
the Battle of the Hornburg. Under King Éomer Marshal of the
West-mark.
*In my Third Age-stories Erkenbrand is the head of the House
of Dúnwarta and father-in-law of Prince Théodred.*
Ethias, Clan
Another one of the three major clans of the Mark -the descendants
of Helm Hammerhand, 9th and last King of the 1st line. They live
in the western part of Rohan, controlling and maintaining the
strong hold of Helm's Deep. They are a settled people, preferring
to live in small towns instead of following their nomadic
heritage. Many Ethians have taken up farming and mining, making
them the two biggest industries. There is only a small permanent
military force, but in times of need, all able men are expected
to answer the Call to Muster.
The fortress at Helm's Deep, called the Hornburg, is the most
formidable defensive structure in Rohan, and possibly the West.
It is located deep in a valley, called the Deeping Coomb, in the
Ered Nimrais Mountains. The Ethian Clan House is also located in
this protected valley. It is the political and military centre of
the Westfold.
The emblem of the Ethias clan is a silver fist on red.
*Erkenbrand and his people are from Clan Ethias.*
Erkenstedamaegister
(= chief stallion master). Highest authority on Horses in the
Mark. Chosen by the King to supervise the breeding in Rohan. No
major decisions about horses are taken without his approval. His
badge is a rampant stallion of gold. The position is not
hereditary.
*I have made Hengest, Elfhelm's father the
Erkenstedamaegister of the Mark during the Ring War.*
Eomaegister
(=horse master). Horse specialists within each clan, who work
with and below the Stadamaegister of their clan, including
breeders, horse healers and trainers; some specialized and some
knowledgeable in all areas.
Fastred
1) (Third Age 2.858-85) - son of King Folcwine, twin brother of
Folcred. He and his brother led an army to aid Gondor against the
Haradrim. The enemy was defeated in the Battle of the Crossings
of Poros, but both Fastred and his brother were slain.
2) (+ Third Age 3019) - Rider of Rohan, slain in the Battle of
the Pelennor Fields.
Felaróf
(born before Third Age 2500, + 2545) - horse, the mount of King
Eorl and first of the mearas. Originally a wild horse in
Éothéod, Felaróf slew Léod, Eorl's father, a great
horse-tamer, when Léod tried to mount him. As a wergild for
this, Felaróf submitted himself to Eorl. Called ''Mansbane'' and
''father of horses'' because he was the ancestor of the mearas.
Fengel
(Third Age 2870-7953) - 15th King of Rohan (2903-53). Quarrelous,
greedy and gluttonous, Fengel was very unpopular.
Firefoot
Éomer's mount during the Ring War.
Folcred
1) (Third Age 2.858-85) - son of King Folcwine, twin brother of
Fastred. He and his brother led an army to aid Gondor against the
Haradrim. The enemy was defeated in the Battle of the Crossings
of Poros, but both Folcred and his brother were slain.
Folcwine
(Third Age 2830-2903) - 14th King of Rohan (2864-2903). Recovered
the area between the Adorn and Isen from the Dunlendings, and in
2885 sent an army commanded by his twin sons, Fastred and Folcred
to the aid of Gondor in the Battle of the Crossings of Poros.
Folca
(Third Age 2804-64) - 13th King of Rohan (2851-64). A great
hunter. He killed the last of the Orcs remaining in Rohan from
the invasion of 2799, and also slew the Great Boar of Everholt.
He died of the tusk-wounds given him by the boar.
Fram
(Third Age, 21st century) - a lord of the Éothéod, son of
Frumgar. Fram slew the dragon Scatha and won his hoard. He later
quarrelled with the Dwarves who claimed the treasure and may have
been slain by them. It is possible that Framsburg, a town or
fortress of the Éothéod on the extreme northern Anduin, was
named after him.
*In my stories Fram has survived and considered one of the
greatest chieftains of the Éothéod.*
Frána
Earlier, rejected name for Gríma Wormtongue.
*In my stories Frána is the elder brother of Gríma, fallen
in battle.*
Fortwini
Son of Marwhini; leader of the Éothéod in the time of King
Ondoher of Gondor.
Fréa
(Third Age 2570-2659) - 4th King of Rohan (2645-59).
Fréaláf
(Third Age 2726-98) - 10th King of Rohan (2759-98) and the first
of the Second Line, son of Hild, King Helm's sister. During the
Dunlending invasion of 2758, Fréaláf took refuge in Dunharrow
with many of the Rohirrim, and early the next spring he took
Meduseld and Edoras in a surprise attack in which Wulf was slain.
In the curse of 2759, Fréaláf, with aid from Gondor, drove the
Dunlendings out of all of Rohan. Since King Helm and his sons
died in the invasion, Fréaláf was made King.
During his reign Saruman came to Isengard, and the wizard aided
the Rohirrim who had been greatly weakened by the war with Wulf
and the Long Winter.
Freáwine
(Third Age 2549-2680) - 5th King of Rohan (5659-80).
Freca
(+Third Age 2754) - man of mixed Rohirric and Dunlending blood,
father of Wulf. Freca was very rich and powerful and held much
land near the Adorn. King Helm distrusted him, and after Freca
insulted the King for refusing an offer to marry his daughter to
Wulf, Helm slew him.
Frumgar
(fl Third Age 1977) - chieftain of the Éothéod. In 1977 he led
the Éothéod north from their previous home between the Gladden
and the Carrock to the land called Éothéod, at the sources of
Anduin. He was the father of Fram, the Dragon Slayer.
*In my stories Frumgar had a stronghold among the marshes
between the Langwell and the Greylin - some sort of fortified
homestead rather than a real fortress. On the same place had his
son, Fram, built the later Framsburg, the first true stone burg
of the Éothéod.*
Feorware, House of
House of the Mark with a long but undistinguished history. Being
trade merchants of minor success, they at one point were able to
win a device and a minor lordship in the East-Emnet. In 2997 the
leader of this House, Langtoth, was able through crafty speech to
garner the lordship of part of the Wold that belonged to the
House of Cynthain. In 3008 Langtoth and all his sons were slain
by Ramanar in a blood feud.
*His land and lordship passed to his sister-son, Gríma son of
Gálmód.*
Fréablod
A Rider of Clan Éowain who rode with Eorl from the North. His
House always served the family of Éofor son of Brego in the
Eastfold.
*Elfhelm is from this House, though his father is also
related to the House of Éofor, being a second-grade cousin of
Éomund. (His grandmother and Éomund's grandfather were
siblings.)*
Gálmód
(fl Third Age, 30th century) - the father of Gríma Wormtongue.
*In my stories the brother-in-law of Langtoth, leader of the
House of Feorware and seneschal of two Kings, Thengel and
Théoden. His eldest son, Frána took over his office but fell in
battle against the Dunlendings.*
Gamling
(Third Age, 30th century) - leader of the men who guarded Helm's
Dike before the Battle of the Hornburg, probably Erkenbrand's
lieutenant. Known as ''the Old'' - because at the time of the
Ring War he was old.
Gárulf
(+ Third Age 3019) - a Rider of Éomer's éored, *probably
from the House of Fréablod*. He was killed in the battle
between the Orcs of Uglúk and the éored. His mount,
Hasufel, was later lent to Aragorn by Éomer.
Gléowine
(Third Age, 30th century) - Théoden's minstrel. After the Ring
War he made a song about Théoden and his death, and composed no
song after that.
Goldwine
(Third Age 2619-99) - 6th King of Rohan (2680-99)
Gram
(Third Age 2668-2741) - 8th King of Rohan (2718-41)
Gríma, son of Gálmód
(+Third Age 3019) - chief counsellor to King Théoden. An agent
of Saruman, who gave his master information about Rohan at the
same time that he inflected Théoden with his lying counsel; his
reward was to have been Éowyn. After Gandalf renewed Théoden,
Gríma fled to Isengard where he kept Saruman company during his
imprisonment by Fangorn. Later, in the Shire, he killed Saruman
and was slain by Hobbits.
*In my stories Gríma, being a weak and sickly child, was
raised to became a lore-master. Also, he used to be the teacher
of Prince Théodred and several children of noble Houses, before
he took over his father's office in Meduseld.*
Grimbold
(+Third Age 3019) - Marshal of Rohan from Grimslade. With Elfhelm
leader of the Rohirrim in the Second Battle at the Fords of Isen,
and later commanded the third éored in the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields, where he was slain.
Greyhame
''Greymantle'' - Gandalf's name in Rohan (in the Westfold, to be
accurate).
Guthláf
(Rohirric: ''survivor of the battle'') - banner-bearer of
Théoden in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, which - sad irony
of fate - he did not survive.
Gúthwinë
(Rohirric: ''battle-friend) - the sword of Éomer. Not exactly a
person, I know, but considering Rohirric culture, not just a
weapon, either.
Garwalda, House of
House of the Mark. Its founder took part in the renowned Ride of
Fréaláf and was given the lordship of Stjernholm after that.
Haleth
(+ Third Age 2758) - eldest son of King Helm. Slain while
defending the doors of Meduseld against Wulf.
Háma
1) (+ Third Age 2759) - younger son of King Helm. Lost in the
snow during the Long Winter while on a foraying mission for the
Hornburg.
2) (+ Third Age 3019) - doorward of King Théoden and captain of
the King's Guard. Slain defending the gate in the Battle of the
Hornburg.
Harding
(+ Third Age 3019) - Rider of Rohan, killed in the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields.
Hasufel
(Rohirric: dark skin) - large grey horse of Rohan, lent by Éomer
to Aragorn after the death of his Rider, Gárulf.
Helm Hammerhand
(Third Age 2691-2759) - 9th King of Rohan (2741-59), the last of
the First Line. In 2758 Rohan was invaded by a horde of
Dunlendings, led by Wulf, son of Helm's enemy, Freca. Helm, after
losing a battle at the Crossing of Isen, retreated to the
Hornburg, which he held during the Long Winter, toward which end
he froze to the death during a night sortie. Called Hammerhand
because he killed Freca with his bare fist.
Helmingas
The people of the Westfold.
Herefara
(+ Third Age 3019) - Rider of Rohan, slain in the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields.
Herubrand
(+ Third Age 3019) - Rider of Rohan, slain in the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields.
Herugrim
The sword of Théoden. Not exactly a person, I know, but
considering Rohirric culture, not just a weapon, either.
Hild
(fl 2716) - daughter of Gram and mother of Fréaláf, sister to
King Helm.
Hirgon
(Sindarin: ''lord-stone'', + Third Age 3019) - messenger of
Denethor II. Who brought the Red Arrow to Théoden during the
Ring War, but was slain by Orcs while returning to Minas Tirith.
Holdwine
Name given in Rohan to Merry Brandybuck.
Holdred Anlaf, House of
This House is as ancient as the Men of the Mark reckon it,
reaching far back to Frumgar in the time of the Éothéod.
Holdred was surnamed "Anlaf", meaning `only survivor',
by Lord Frumgar after being the only Rider to return from an
ill-fated sortie against the remnants of the wicked kingdom of
Angmar that dwelt in the upper vales of the Anduin between the
Carrock and the Gladden Fields.
It is said in the lore of that family that the fell Wraith Lord, known also as the Witch-king, himself tortured Holdred with Orcs aiding him; yet finally Holdred was left upon a road to die. He did not, as may be guessed, and staggered back to the camps of the Éothéod. For his strength of will he was made a knight of Frumgar's household. Since that day all the sons of Holdred's line have entered the guard of the Lords of Éothéod and later of the Lords of the Mark.
Many of the sons of that line have borne in part the name
"Wulf" in memory of Irengar who rode in Eorl's guard
when that mighty lord rode from the North to the Field of
Celebrant. It is said that Irengar wore no armour in his wrath
(said to be a curse of the Witch-king for some of Holdred's house
have had terrible tempers). He was named Brennanwulf, `Burning
Wolf', because of his fury. The last of the male descendants of
that line by direct lineage is said to be Wulfstan Wulfhelm's
son.
*In my stories Háma, Théoden's doorward is related to this
House through his mother, a sister of Wulfstan.*
Horn
(+ Third Age 3019) - Rider of Rohan, slain in the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields.
Léod
(Third Age 2459-2501) - Lord of the Éothéod, father of Eorl the
Young. A great horse-tamer, Léod was killed when he tried to
master Felaróf.
Lightfoot
(fl Third Age 3000) - meara of Rohan, sire of Snowmane.
Lossoth
(Sindarin: snow-people) - Men dwelling in Forochel in the Third
Age. Primitive and poor, they were the descendants of the
Forodwaith of the First Age. In Third Age 1974 they sheltered
Arvedui and his men after the fall of Arthedain. Called in
Westron the Snowmen.
Lothíriel
(Sindarin: ''blossom-female'') - the daughter of Prince Imrahil
of Dol Amroth. In 3020 she married Éomer Éadig, the King of
Rohan.
Malbeth
(Sindarin: ''Gold-?'') - seer and royal counsellor of Arthedain.
He foretold the events of King Arvedui's life and gave him his
name. He also prophesied concerning the Paths of the Dead and the
rôle of Isildur's Heir in the final battle with Sauron. Called
Malbeth the Seer.
Master of Esgaroth
The ruler of Esgaroth, seemingly elected by the merchants of the
town. At the time of Thorin's quest (Third Age 2941) the Master
was greedy, selfish and useless in peril.
The people of Esgaroth are supposed to be related to the
Éothéod.
Mearas
(Rohirric: ?) - horses of Rohan, Felaróf and his descendants.
Except for Shadowfax, the mearas would allow none but
the King of the Mark or his sons to ride them. It was believed
that Oromë (Béma) brought the first meara to
Middle-earth from Valinor, such was their beauty and strength.
The mearas were the greatest horses of Rohan, and thus
of the world, being extremely strong, swift and intelligent. They
were white or grey, and lived about 80 years.
Men of the Twilight
In the lore of Gondor those of the Edain and their close kin who
did not go to Númenor, and their descendants. Including the
Rohirrim and the Northmen, probably also the Beornings, the Men
of Dale and the Long Lake and other Men of the Vales of Anduin.
Also known as the Middle People.
Men of the Vales of Anduin
Various kindreds of Men, living between Mirkwood and the Misty
Mountains, many of them related to the Edain. Though during the
Ring War only the Beornings and the Woodmen are mentioned to live
here, the Rohirrim, the Men of Dale and the Long Lake, and the
Northmen originally dwelt there. These Men spoke various
languages related to Adúnaic. They were for the most part good,
aiding Arnor and fighting Orcs to the of their ability, but being
located between Mirkwood and the Mountains, they were frequently
hard put to it to survive.
Morwen
(* Third Age 2922) - Dúnadan lady from Lossornach, in 2943 she
married King Thengel of Rohan, whom she bore 5 children,
including Théoden and Théodwyn. Called Steelsheen in the Mark.
Marhari
Leader of the Northmen in the Battle of the Plains (Third Age
1856), where he was slain. Father of Marhwini.
Marhwini
(= horse-friend) - leader of the Northmen (Éothéod) who settled
in the Vales of Anduin after the Battle of the Plains, and ally
of Gondor against the Wainriders.
Marshal of the Mark
Was the highest military rank and the King's lieutenant -
(originally 3) commanders of the royal forces of fully equipped
and trained Riders.
The First Marshal's ward was the capitol, Edoras, and the
adjacent King's Lands (including Harrowdale). He commanded the
Riders of the Muster of Edoras, down from his own ward and from
some parts of the West-mark and East-Emnet for which Edoras was
the most convenient place of assembly.
The Second and Third Marshals were assigned commands according to
the needs of the time. In 3019 the threat from Saruman was the
most urgent, and the Second Marshal was the King's son,
Théodred, who had command over the West-mark with his base at
Helm's Deep. The Third Marshal, the King's nephew Éomer, had as
his ward the East-mark with his base at his home, Aldburg in the
Folde.
In Théoden's peaceful times there was no First Marshal. The
Riders and other arming men of the Garrison of Edoras were
governed by an officer of the rank of marshal (from 3012-19 this
was Elfhelm).
When after the Ring War Éomer reordered his realm, Erkenbrand
was made Marshal of the West-mark and Elfhelm Marshal of the
East-mark, and these titles were maintained, instead of Second or
Third Marshal, neither having precedence over the other.
Mirigsynn, House of
A relatively recent addition to the list of Rohan's nobility,
House Mirigsynn hails from the rich plains of the East-Emnet on
the confluence of the Snowbourn and Entwash rivers. Strongly tied
to the Niu clan, a Mirigsynn has sat on the clan's Council for as
long as any one can remember. It was only 10 generations ago that
a well loved bastard son of a renowned Niu noble and a fair but
landless lass of Éowain earned his own device through a
combination of heroic feats on the battle field and unsurpassed
chivalry and wit at court.
Northmen
Men related to the Rohirrim and the Edain. Originally from
northern Rhovanion, but because of their distant relation to the
Dúnedain and Gondor's need for aid against the Easterlings, they
were given much land east and south of Mirkwood, about Third Age
1000. They remained loyal to Gondor and many of them fought in
Eärnur's army at Fornost in 1975. In the 27th and 28th centuries
allied with the Dwarves of Erebor, using Dwarvish weapons,
driving their enemies back into Rhún- By the time of the Ring
War too weak to keep the Easterlings from the gates of Erebor.
The survivors allied themselves with the Reunited Kingdom.
Nacaleof, House of
The House of Nacaleof is an old and great one of the Wold,
rivaled and surpassed only in more recent times by the younger
House of Cynthain. Nacaleof, a lover of boats and rivers nearly
above even horses, was a close confidant of Eorl when the great
Riding came from the North. It was by his river craft and
knowledge that fording places were found so that the Éothéod
could come unlooked for behind the foes of the South-kingdom on
the downs and plains of the Wold.
For this service, and for the long friendship with Eorl, he was given the lordship of the northwestern part of the Wold, and he and his heirs were known ever after as the Guardians of the Limlight Crossing - for there at the Limlight's ford was there ever great danger, and to live there in far removal from the greater part of the people of Eorl took great courage. Ever have the lords of that House been steadfast and true.
Nui
Clan of the Mark - an old one, yet of minor importance.
Riders of Rohan
The knights of Rohan. These Riders who were grouped in éoreds
served one particular Lord, as for example Théoden's knights,
who were called the Riders of the King's House. However, in
addition to the knights of the noble households, there also seem
to have been many Riders who were soldiers at need only. The
Riders were excellent horsemen and rode together with great
skill. They were armed with sword, shield and lance. The cavalry
of this people was called the Riders even in Éothéod, and from
them derived the Rohirrim's name for their new land: the
Riddermark. Also called the Riders of the Mark.
Róg (pl. Rógin)
The actual name of the Drúedain in Rohirric, represented by the
translation Woses.
Scatha, the Worm
(+ around 2000, Third Age) - great dragon of the Ered Mithrim,
possessor of a large Dwarf-hoard. He was slain by Fram son of
Frumgar of Éothéod.
Second Line
The second series of Kings of Rohan, beginning with Fréaláf,
Helm's nephew in 2759, and ending with the death of King Théoden
and his only son Théodred during the Ring War. This particular
line contained eight Kings.
Shadowfax
Meara, the greatest horse of Rohan during the Ring War,
given to Gandalf by King Théoden in 3018, called so because of
his silver-grey coat.
Shadow Host
The Dead Men of Dunharrow as they went to battle with Aragorn.
Also called the Shadow Men or the Shadows.
Snowmane
(+ 3019, Third Age) - meara, the mount of King Théoden.
Slain by the Nazgúl Lord in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields,
and his fall killed Théoden. Buried under the mound called
''Snowmane's Howe'' in the Pelennor. Long green grass grew on the
Howe, and a carved stone was set over it.
Steelsheen
Morwen of Lossornach (*in my stories also a name of Éowyn*)
Stybba
Pony of Rohan, given to Merry by Théoden. Merry rode him from
Hornburg to Dunharrow before the Muster of Rohan.
Thengel
(Third Age 2905-80) - 16th King of Rohan (2953-80). He lived in
Gondor because he did not get on well with his father, King
Fengel. During his reign Saruman first troubled Rohan. He married
Morwen of Lossornach in 2943, and she bore him five children,
including Théoden and Théodwyn.
Théoden
(Third Age 2948-3019) - 17th King of Rohan (2980-3019). Under
Saruman's spell, worked through Théoden's evil counsellor
Gríma, Théoden decayed toward the end of his reign, but in 3019
he was healed by Gandalf. Théoden led the Rohirrim against
Saruman in the Battle of Hornburg and against Mordor in the
Battle of the Pelennor Fields. In the latter battle he defeated
an army of Haradrim, but was slain by the Lord of the Nazgúl.
Known as Théoden Ednew (the Renowned, because of his decay and
recovery).
Théodred
(Third Age 2973-3019) - the only child of King Théoden and Queen
Elfhild, the Second Marshal of the Mark. Slain in the First
Battle at the Fords of Isen during the Ring War.
*In my stories Théodred was married to Aud of the Deep Eyes,
the daughter of Erkenbrand, who was barren because of the dry
fewer she miraculously survived as a child. Aud willed herself to
die after Théodred was slain.*
Théodwyn
(Third Age 2963-3002) - youngest child of King Thengel. In 2988
she married Éomund of Eastfold and bore him two children, Éomer
and Éowyn. Théodwyn died soon after her husband was slain.
Third Line
The third group of the Kings of Rohan. Its first King was Éomer
Éadig who acceded in Third Age 3019, after the deaths of
Théoden and his son Théodred in the Ring War.
Uruk-hai
The Great Orcs - black, slanty-eyed, did not weaken by sunlight.
First appeared about 2475, when they overran Ithilien and took
Osgiliath.
Underking
New office, invented by King Éomer Éadig for times of war, its
holder either ruled the realm in the King's absence with the
army, or took command in the field if for any reason the King
remained home. In peace the office was only filled when the King
became of sickness of old age deputed his authority; the holder
was then naturally the Heir to the throne if he was a man of
sufficient age. But in war the Council was unwilling that an old
King should send his Heir to battle beyond the realm, unless he
had at least one other son.
Walda
(Third Age 2780-2851) - 12th King of Rohan (2842-51), ambushed
and slain by Orcs, near Dunharrow.
White Lady (of Rohan)
Epithet applied to Éowyn by Faramir.
Whiteskins
Name given to the Rohirrim by the Orcs of Isengard.
Wídfara
Rider from the Wold, fought in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Windfola
Horse of Rohan, ridden by Éowyn and Merry to the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields.
Witch-king of Angmar
The Nazgúl Lord.
Woses
Primitive Men, living in the Drúadan Forest at the time of the
Ring War - since the Second Age. Hated and feared Sauron, though
dared not to oppose him openly. In the Third Age they seem
occasionally to have been hunted for sport by the Rohirrim.
During the Ring War, the Woses, under their chieftain
Ghân-buri-Ghân, led the Rohirrim through Drúadan Forest, so
that they could avoid the Orc-army on the West Road. For this
service King Elessar gave them Drúadan Forest and forbade any
outsider to enter it without their permission. The Woses were
culturally primitive but very woodcrafty; they used poisonous
arrows. Their language was entirely alien to Adúnaic.
Wulf
(+ Third Age 2759) - son of Freca. After his father's death in
2754, Wulf fled to Dunland, and in 2758 he invaded Rohan with a
large army of Dunlendings. He easily overran the country and took
Meduseld, killing Prince Haleth. During the Long Winter Wulf's
armies besieged Helm in the Hornburg and Fréaláf, Helm's
nephew, in Dunharrow. Though Helm and his second son Háma
perished during the Winter, in early spring Fréaláf surprised
Wulf in Meduseld and slew him.
Waldwine, House of
The House of Waldwine rose in the time of Déor King. Waldwine, a
captain of the East-Mark, was part of the King's Riding against
the Dunlendings when they captured Isengard for themselves. An
evil arrow marked for the king was launched by some bowman from
the walls, meant to bring death; and so it would have done, had
not Waldwine thrown himself between arrow and king, saving him.
The arrow was poisoned, though none knew it until Waldwine's arm
grew inflamed and swollen, and none could save it. So he is known
as Waldwine of the One Strong Arm in the stories, for he did
other deeds in his day, despite his lack, and Déor King granted
him a rich land in the meads of the East Emnet, where Déorcmere
was raised.
Widfel, House of
The House of Widfel came about in Folca's day. Widfel was a
simple Rider of a mildly-wealthy family near Romenmark when he
took part in a ride against a den of Orcs in the mountains. The
young Folcwine Prince was in the same éored as Widfel for his
father wished him to gain experience. When Folcwine was almost
slain by Orcs, Widfel sprang to his rescue and bore him to safety
before returning to the battle. Because of his deeds, the House
of Widfel was created and they were counted among the lords of
the West-emnet.