Hengest and Horsa

Hengest and Horsa were the sons of Ælfwine/Eriol and his first wife Cwén in earlier versions of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium.
== Biography==
When Hengest and Horsa were young, their mother Cwén died, prompting their father to leave his home and travel to Tol Eressëa. After Hengest and Horsa grew up, they avenged their grandfather Eoh killing his brother, Beorn.The History of Middle-earth, Vol. I: The Book of Lost Tales Part One, chapter I: "The Cottage of Lost Play" Upon this they became great chieftains of their people, and retained the "true tradition of the fairies".The History of Middle-earth, Vol. II: The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, chapter VI: "The History of Eriol or Ælfwine and the End of the Tales"
== Etymology ==
In Old English, Hengest means "stallion", while Horsa means "horse"."Sí Qente Feanor and Other Elvish Writings", Parma Eldalamberon, n. XV
== In other versions ==
Afterwards, the sons of Ælfwine led their people to the reconquest of Leithian and the established themselves in the land of Tavrobel the Old, who will become the village of , where they planted the Pine of Belawryn, a descendant of the Pine of Tavrobel.
== Background ==
The characters are inspired by , two legendary Anglo-Saxon leaders. In particular, Hengest is affiliated with the story of Finn and Hengest, and also appears in Beowulf.
Ælfwine was intended to be the introductory voice adapting Middle-earth and a number of other legends into Tolkien's concept of a new British mythology, wherefore his son also makes appearances. Tolkien lectured on this idea at Oxford and developed certain original theories, especially in connection with the appearance of Hengest in Beowulf. Ultimately, there are at least three different histories for persons called Ælfwine/Eriol in Tolkien's early mythology, specifically of Ottor Wæfre, Luthien, and one other (from c. 500, 900, and 1000 A.D. respectively).
== References ==
de:Hengest und Horsa
Category:Old English
Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales
Category:Characters in The History of Middle-earth
Category:Characters in The History of the Hobbit
Category:Characters in Beren and Lúthien
Category:Precanonical Men