Marchwardens

Marchwardens were highly skilled Elf-rangers and warriors tasked with guarding the outer borders of their realms.
== History ==
=== First Age ===
In the First Age, King Thingol of Doriath was served by marchwardens, who guarded the borders of their forest. Two marchwardens, Beleg Cúthalion and Mablung, fought in the Nírnaeth Arnoediad and survived.The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter XX: "Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad" Túrin briefly served as one of the marchwardens, and was often given tasks with his friend Beleg.The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter XXI: "Of Túrin Turambar" At the end of the First Age, Doriath was sacked by the Dwarves of Nogrod and later by the remaining Sons of Fëanor in the Ruin of Doriath. Doriath was ultimately defeated, and its marchwardens along with it.The Silmarillion, Quenta Silmarillion, Chapter XXII: "Of the Ruin of Doriath"
=== Third Age ===
When the Fellowship of the Ring arrived in Lothlórien, its marchwardens, led by Haldir and his brothers Rúmil and Orophin, first met them. These wardens wore grey-hooded cloaks. Haldir led the Fellowship to Caras Galadhon,The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I: The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter VI: "Lothlórien" for them to meet Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, once a Prince of Doriath.Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth, Part Two: The Second Age, IV: "The History of Galadriel and Celeborn, and of Amroth King of Lórien"
== Named Marchwardens ==
*Beleg Cúthalion, Chief Marchwarden of Doriath.
*Mablung, Marchwarden and Chief Captain of King Thingol.
*Túrin,
*Haldir, Marchwarden of Lothlórien.
*Rúmil (Elf of Lórien),
*Orophin.
== Background ==
J.R.R. Tolkien may have based the marchwardens on the real-life Lord Warden of the Marches of England. These wardens had the task to maintain peace and order in the land.
== See also ==
*Warden of Westmarch, a title in Hobbit-speech given to the Fairbairn family
== References ==
Category:Ranks and titles of Elves
Category:Military units
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