recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Fellbeast

The **Fell beasts**, also called **hell-hawks** and **Nazgûl-birds**, were the flying creatures on which the Nazgûl rode after being unhorsed at the Ford of Bruinen.

## Description

The fellbeasts were described as large, winged creatures without feathers, that had pinions in between their horned fingers, and whose bodies gave off a stench. It is possible that fellbeasts came from "an older world". The dark lord Sauron bred these fellbeasts and gave them to the Nine.

## History

When seeking and pursuing Frodo, the Nine Nazgûl rode coal-black horses. These steeds were consumed at the Ford of Bruinen by the flood caused by Elrond's intercession, and the Nine also vanished in the river. Unseen, they eventually returned to Mordor in the next months, and were there given "fellbeasts".

When the Fellowship of the Ring had left Lothlórien and were camped on the western shore of the Anduin, they saw "a great winged creature, blacker than the pits in the night." When Legolas raised the great bow of Lórien and shot it with an arrow, it gave "a harsh croaking scream" and vanished into the gloom of the Eastern shore.

Frodo, Sam, and Gollum encountered a fellbeast while passing through the Dead Marshes, and in their fright Gollum spoke of "wraiths on wings".

According to the chieftain of Harrowdale, a fellbeast flew over Edoras and stooped just over Meduseld. They described it as being a darkness in the shape of a monstrous bird. After this, Gandalf told the Rohirrim to assemble at Dunharrow rather than outside Edoras to prevent attack.

When Faramir, captain of Gondor, was fleeing from the besieged city of Osgiliath on his way to Minas Tirith, he and his men were many times beset by winged Nazgûl until Gandalf rode out and drove them away with a shaft of white light from his raised hand.

At the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the Witch-king of Angmar arrived in battle mounted on a fellbeast. When he mortally wounded King Théoden on the field, Éowyn removed her guise as Dernhelm and slew the fellbeast. She then confronted and slew the Nazgûl, with the aid of Meriadoc Brandybuck. The winged Wraiths would later join the Battle of the Black Gate and be engaged by Gwaihir and his Great Eagles, only to flee at the command of Sauron once he sensed Frodo donning the Ring within Mount Doom. The fellbeasts were then destroyed in the ensuing eruption.
Bucklebury Ferry

**Bucklebury Ferry** was a raft-ferry used as the second main crossing point of the Brandywine River from the Shire to Buckland, after the Brandywine Bridge (which was twenty miles further north).

## History

Bucklebury Ferry was apparently left unmanned to be used by hobbit travellers as needed. On route to Frodo's new house at Crickhollow, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin crossed using the Ferry just before the arrival of a Black Rider, who was forced to go around to the Brandywine Bridge as there were no other boats kept on the western bank of the river.
Bilbo's Farewell Birthday Party

**Bilbo's Farewell Birthday Party** was a party of great celebration held in honor of Bilbo Baggins's 111th birthday, and Frodo's birthday and "Coming of Age".

## History

On September 22, 3001, Bilbo celebrated his 111st (the book called the "eleventy first" birthday) birthday party. Bilbo intended it to be a grand event that Hobbits from all over the area would attend with some special invitations to others from farther away such as the Sackville-Bagginses. For a time, Bag End was even closed to callers except on "party business" only. It apparently took months to prepare, with letters of invitation being sent out as well as orders for party attractions and party favors of all kind. The party's other guest of honor was Frodo Baggins, who was also turning 33 on the same day. The Birthday Party was said to be an event of "special magnificence", featuring fireworks (created by the Wizard Gandalf), presents given to everyone who attended (many of them made by Dwarves and the Men of Dale), and three official meals.

Gandalf's fireworks were very impressive to the hobbits, who hadn't seen their like since the Old Took died many years ago. Green trees with scented flowers, singing birds, eagles, and sailing ships were all effects created through Gandalf's work with colored smokes and lights. The finale was a large red-gold dragon that flew out of a mountain, breathing fire and circling over the Hobbits' heads, before exploding over Bywater. This was in honor of Bilbo's adventures during the Quest of Erebor and was also the signal for supper.

The meals were lunch, tea, and dinner/supper. There was a special family dinner party under a large pavilion. Guests at the special supper were primarily relatives of Bilbo and Frodo and a few special friends; only 144 people were invited, one gross, the sum of the ages of both Bilbo and Frodo, as of that day. At the end of the dinner feast, Bilbo made a speech, slipped on the One Ring, and vanished, shocking the 144 Hobbits in attendance.

After the party was over, hobbits came in carriages to drive away the important people and the gardeners came to drive away others who stayed behind for some reason. Acting on orders, hobbits came the next morning to clear away all the party preparations and the mess left on the ground by the all the party-goers.
Ash Mountains

The **Ash Mountains**, or **Ered Lithui,** constituted a mountain range that formed the northern border of Mordor.

## Description

The range was some 500 miles in length stretching from the Black Gate and Cirith Gorgor, where it met the Ephel Dúath in the west and Rhûn in the far east. Barad-dûr stood on an outcrop of this range on the plateau of Gorgoroth to its south. These mountains may have been blackened by the volcanic activity of Mount Doom, hence the name.
Albert Dreary

**Albert Dreary** was a Man of Bree in the Third Age.

## Biography

### The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

In TA 2940, when Thorin Oakenshield came to Bree to have a visit at the inn of the Prancing Pony after failing to find his father Thráin in Dunland, Albert went out of a pub looking drunk, and ate the tip of a carrot before he departed.

### The Fellowship of the Ring

Many years later in TA 3018, when Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, and Meriadoc Brandybuck went to visit the inn to meet with Gandalf, Albert appeared once again eating a carrot and belched as they went past him.
Army of Erebor

Erebor had a strong well armored and equipped Dwarven army able to defeat even the toughest foes.

## History

The army was founded under the original King under the Mountain, Thráin I, in TA 1999. Over the years as the kingdom began to grow in wealth, mining gems and minerals of great worth from the mountain, an armory was established, full of weapons and armor made of all different types of metals and gems. The regal sets of armor belonged to many Dwarf Kings, Princes and Lords who served in the army over the years. When Smaug attacked Erebor, the surviving Dwarves were scattered across Middle-earth and the army was disbanded. Most of Durin's folk came together for the Battle of Azanulbizar, including forces from Erebor.

### Reformation

After the Company of Thorin Oakenshield successfully took back the Lonely Mountain in TA 2941, many Dwarves returned to Erebor and Dáin Ironfoot became King under the Mountain. The Army was reformed under him and fought against the Easterlings during the Battle of Dale in the War of the Ring.
15 April

Events that occurred on 15 April.

## In Arda

		- The Balchoth and a great host of Orcs attack the inferior host of Gondor on the Field of Celebrant.
		- All seems lost for Gondor until the Éothéod under leadership of Eorl come to its aid.
		- Death of Borondir Udalraph.
		- Together with the Éothéod Gondor is victorious and Cirion, steward of Gondor, gives Calenardhon to Eorl which becomes the later Rohan.
Black Hand of Sauron

The **Black Hand** was the greatest and the most feared of Sauron's Black Captains during the late Third Age.

## History

The Black Hand was rumoured to have once been a king from the east who brought Sauron the heads of the two Blue Wizards as gifts. Others say that he returned across the seas with Sauron after the fall of Númenor. Still others claim that he was the Dark Lord himself, taking fair form again within Mordor. As with the Mouth of Sauron, the Black Hand's true name was unknown.

He personally killed the family of Talion (a ranger of the Black Gate), both his wife and his son, and then proceeded to slit the throat of Talion himself. However, Talion was bound to the spirit of the famous Elven smith Celebrimbor and still held presence, half wraith, half man. This caused Talion to seek out the Black Hand, in order to kill him and exact his revenge, in turn weakening Sauron's grip upon Mordor.

After the formation of their army within the Uruk ranks, Talion and Celebrimbor fought the Talons of the Black Hand (his personal Uruk guards) and killed them, then ascended the Black Gate, where the Black Hand awaited them. The Black Hand showed Celebrimbor a memory of his past and attempted to force him to leave Talion's body by using his connection to the darkness. Abruptly, Sauron emerged in the Black Hand's place and assaulted the weakened Talion. However, Talion was able to join with Celebrimbor again after striking him down. He left the Black Hand weakened, giving the ranger an opening to stab his heart, finally killing the Black Hand forever.

During his life, his mere presence on the battlefield spread terror among his foes and servants alike. He represented Sauron's manipulative and deceitful nature, and was likewise himself a master of deceit, serving the Dark lord with absolute loyalty.
Eored

An **éored** was a company of horseman of the Rohirrim.

It consisted of one-hundred and twenty mounted warriors, and a full muster of the éoreds of Rohan was called an *éoherë*.

In the War of the Ring, Éomer commanded one of several of these units in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

## Description

An éored was a group of well-trained warriors who rode as a combat unit. Under the military reorganization in the time of King Folcwine, the size of a full éored was determined to be at least 120 men. One éored was one hundredth of the éoherë - the full muster of Rohan. The Riders of an éored could serve for a term or on a permanent basis. Each éored was led by a captain. In times of war or unrest, the Marshals of the Mark each had a battle-ready éored as part of his household, to command at his discretion.

## History

During the first three hundred years of Rohan's existence, the term was used widely to describe any significant number of Riders. Under King Folcwine, the military of Rohan was reordered. Under Folcwine, one éored was made up of 120 riders including their captain. Each éored was also supposed to comprise one-hundredth of the whole Muster of Rohan, not including the household of the King.

### War of the Ring

The changes made by Folcwine continued through the time of the War of the Ring. While the force commanded by Théoden King son of Thengel at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields did not number much more than half of 12,000 riders, it was possibly the largest riding of the Rohirrim in history.

During the War of the Ring, Éomer, the Third Marshal of the Mark, defied orders and led his éored in pursuit of a band of orcs who had entered Rohan from the Emyn Muil. In the battle between Éomer's men and the orcs, fifteen Riders were killed. Éomer's éored thus numbered only 105 when they encountered Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli on February 30, 3019.

Merry Brandybuck and Éowyn, disguised as a rider named Dernhelm, rode with Elfhelm's éored to the Battle of the Pelennor Fields on March 15. When the Rohirrim charged onto the battlefield, Éomer led the first éored in the center while Elfhelm's éored was on the right flank and Grimbold's took the left, and the other companies followed behind. King Théoden rode before them all.

After the War of the Ring, Éomer returned to Minas Tirith with an éored of Rohan's fairest knights to escort the body of their slain King home for burial.
Durin's Day

**Durin's Day** was a yearly event noted by the Dwarves, "when the last moon of Autumn and the first sun of Winter appear in the sky together" (i.e. until sunset) on the first day of the Dwarves' New Year, which was "the first day of the last moon of Autumn on the threshold of Winter."

Since each lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days and autumn (by the American definition of winter) in the northern hemisphere runs until about December 21st, the first day of the last new moon of autumn could take place any time between about November 22 and December 21. However in The History of The Hobbit, Tolkien set 19 October as the Durin's Day. That would place the beginning of winter for the Dwarves of Erebor at the beginning of November.

The writing on the map that Gandalf had received from Thráin II, as read by Elrond, instructed, "Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole" (of the secret side-door into the Lonely Mountain). And later on in the story, this is what happened.
Ecthelion

**Ecthelion II** was the twenty-fifth Ruling Steward of Gondor.

## Biography

Born in TA 2886, Ecthelion was the son of Turgon. Ecthelion succeeded his father when he died in TA 2953 at the age of ninety-eight years. When news of Turgon's death reached Saruman he declared himself Lord of Isengard and took possession of Orthanc which he then fortified. Ecthelion was a Steward of great wisdom but was powerless to prevent the appropriation of Isengard and Orthanc, so he did what he could to strengthen Gondor's defences with what limited resources he possessed, and supplemented Gondor's diminished forces by encouraging outsiders and foreigners that possessed a good character to enter into the service of Gondor and Ecthelion rewarded those individuals that proved their worth.

Aragorn son of Arathorn served Ecthelion, although under the name of Thorongil to hide his true identity. In this guise Aragorn became one of Ecthelion's most trusted and loyal retainers. Thorongil persuaded the Steward to send him to destroy the threat posed by the Corsairs of Umbar, and in TA 2980 the Corsairs were routed, the majority of their fleet was destroyed, and their leader, the Captain of the Haven, was slain. Thorongil also advised Ecthelion to listen to the counsels of Gandalf as opposed to those of Saruman, which Ecthelion did willingly. However, the great esteem and many honors that Ecthelion gave to Thorongil and Gandalf incurred the jealousy and anger of Denethor who felt both slighted and threatened.

In TA 2984, Ecthelion died at the age of ninety-eight years old after a rule of thirty-one years and was succeeded by his son Denethor II.
Bombur

**Bombur** is one of the main characters of The Hobbit and Bofur's brother.

## Character overview

Bombur a member of Thorin and Company. Along with his brother Bofur and their cousin Bifur, they are the only members of the company not belonging to Durin's Folk. Instead, they are appearantly Broadbeams from the Blue Mountains who joined Thorin's Halls.

Bombur is a a family man, with 14 sons and daughters. After the quest, the prosperity of Erebor resulted in him becoming so obese that six of his children had to haul him from the couch to the table.

During the Quest, Bombur's weight made him voulnrable to monsters intending to eat him. First, by Tom the Troll who picks him out of the others, and later by the Spiders, who deem him "fat and juicy". The latter is particularly alarming to Bombur, who fell asleep for much of the journey through Mirkwood (after falling into the Enchanted Stream) only to finally wake to find himself about to be eaten by a Spider.

Bombur operated the bellows that fuel the furnaces during The Battle of the Forges, using his gait to pull on the chain that moves them. In the Battle of the Five Armies, he blew the horn of Thorin Oakenshield. Later, he helped fend off an Orc who got stuck on the ax-shard in Bifur's foreheard, detaching the ax from his cousin's head in the process, which repaired his speech.
Caras Galadhon

**Caras Galadhon** was the chief city of Lothlórien, at the center of the whole woodland.

In the Naith of Lórien, the heart of the Silvan Elven realm, it was built within the Mallorn trees that Galadriel received from Gil-galad. It served as the residence of Celeborn and Galadriel.

## Description

Caras Galadhon was circular in shape and about three thousand feet from east to west. It was surrounded by a wall of green earth and a deep fosse, or moat. On the western border, a long stone road outside the fosse ran for many dozens of miles also surrounded the city. The city could be accessed through a set of great gates which faced southwest.

The city was a host of Mallorn trees where the Elves lived in flets atop the trees. Located in the city's center, atop the largest Mallorn in the city, was the flet of Celeborn and Galadriel and the Chamber of Celeborn.

Other notable features were Galadriel’s garden and her mirror, both in the southeast quarter.

## History

The building of the city was probably started by the Silvan-speaking Nandor elves who first settled the forest area of Lórien during the Time of the Trees under the light of stars, and was no doubt completed by the city's later Sindarin lords. No doubt beautiful during the days of Amdír and his son Amroth, it was their successors Celeborn and his wife Galadriel that made the city into a blissful but isolated Elven haven.

During the events of the War of the Ring, the Fellowship of the Ring was brought through Lórien to Caras Galadhon, and there met the lords of the Galadhrim. Around the time of the siege of Minas Tirith Lórien was besieged itself by Dol Guldur, three times.

During the Fourth Age, after Galadriel had left Lórien, Caras Galadhon was ruled by a lonely Celeborn as capital of a Lórien which now spanned both sides of the river Anduin. However not long after Celeborn himself departed to live in Rivendell and the city came to be deserted. It is unclear just how this came about since most of Lórien's people were Silvan Elves and, presumably, not necessarily inclined to leave Middle-earth so soon after Sauron's fall; there are different references to the Fate of the Elves of Middle-earth scattered throughout Tolkien's published works. Caras Galadhon is called a "great city" in the Lord of the Rings, and the impression is that its population numbered in the thousands. However, the "Tale of Aragorn and Arwen" in Appendix A depicts Caras Galadhon as wholly abandoned by the time of Aragorn II Elessar's death.

Caras Galadhon is the main inhabited area in Lothlórien, where players cannot enter until they prove their friendship to Galadhrim. The map and general layout of the city is replicated from the map in *The Atlas of Middle-earth*. The city hosts most major gameplay facilities and is composed of a large number of flets on different levels, connected by multiple ladders and staircases. It is rather hard to navigate and thus several quests consist solely of directing the player to various point of interest, then challenging him to find them again. The Company Pavilion, Galadriel's Garden and the House of Celeborn are also located there.
Fimbul

**Fimbul** was one of Azog's Orc hunters in *The Hobbit* and the lieutenant of the vile Yazneg, who led the Orc hunters after Thorin Oakenshield and his band of Dwarves. Fimbul later becomes Azog's right hand and second-in-command after Yazneg is fed to the Wargs by Azog for his failures.

## Biography

In TA 2941, Fimbul along with Yazneg were hired by Azog the Defiler to hunt down Thorin Oakenshield and his company of Dwarves during the Quest of Erebor. When they found the Company at the Lone Lands camping out, Yazneg ordered him to send word to their master that they have found his enemy's location. Fimbul later accompanied Yazneg, numerous other Gundabad Orcs and Wargs on an attack on Thorin's group and were led astray by Radagast the Brown who was using his rabbit pulled sled to act as a distraction for the Dwarves. However, when the Orc caught the Company's scent and was killed, both Fimbul and Yazneg were able to detect the Dwarves hiding in a small crevice and proceeded to attack until Elrond and his Elven warriors arrived and slayed many of the party and caused the two surviving Orcs to flee for their lives.

At Weathertop, where the other Gundabad Hunter Orcs had made their base, Fimbul and Yazneg arrived and had to report the Dwarves' escape, to their commander, Azog. Fimbul then watched in horror as Azog threw Yazneg to the wargs for his failures. After Yazneg's death, Fimbul succeeded him as Azog's right hand and the second-in-command of the party and rode by his commander's side as he leaded the hunt for Thorin and his company.

The Orcs eventually catch up to the Dwarves after the latter's narrow escape from the Goblin Town and force the Dwarves to climb the surrounding trees to escape the vicious Wargs. Soon after Thorin is critically wounded by Azog but is rescued at the last minute by Bilbo Baggins, who is then surrounded by Fimbul and many other hunter Orcs who, on orders from Azog, attempt to kill the small Hobbit, but are ultimately halted by the arrival of Eagles who proceed to kill many of the Orcs and Wargs present before rescuing the stranded and outnumbered party of Dwarves as well as Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo. Fimbul survives the Eagles' attack and is last seen at Azog's flank as he screams in anger as his plans to finally sever the blood line of Durin were thwarted.

Fimbul first follows Azog to the house of Beorn attempting to capture Thorin Oakenshield and the Company, but Azog is forced to retreat due to Beorn's presence. On the same evening, his son Bolg arrives with a message to return to Dol Guldur. Bolg then takes the mission to hunt down the Company and Fimbul joined him as a lieutenant alongside Narzug. He follows Bolg all the way to Lake-town, where Bolg's party attacks Legolas, Tauriel, and Bard's family. Fimbul stays in a boat outside the house until an orc runs out and jumps into the boat, catapulting Fimbul up to the door where he is killed by Legolas, being beheaded; who is pursuing the escaping Bolg and his Orcs.

As the Orcs continue to search for the Dwarves, Fimbul dips his finger into a pool of blood on the ground and tastes it, spitting in disgust and says "Dwarf blood!".
Elanor Brandyfoot

**Elanor Kellamark Brandyfoot**, nicknamed "**Nori**", was a Harfoot hobbit who lived in the Second Age.

## Biography

Elanor was the daughter of Largo Brandyfoot and sister of Dilly, and became the step-daughter of Marigold upon her father's remarriage. As a member of the nomadic tribe led by Sadoc Burrows, she dwelt in the Vales of Anduin.

Elanor and her close friend Poppy Proudfellow at one point ventured to an abandoned farm with a number of Harfoot-children, where they discovered a grove of blackberries. The visit was cut short when Dilly discovered the huge footprint of a beast in a patch of mud, prompting Elanor to take the children back to the village.

Thereafter, Elanor witnessed what appeared to be a meteorite crash in the forest near their village, and left to investigate. She was bewildered to discover the unconscious form of a person left in the fiery crater, as was Poppy, who had followed her. On accidentally falling into the crater, she found the flames not to be hot, and despite being startled by the stranger briefly awakening, she and Poppy took him while he slept in a wheelbarrow to a safer location. On returning the next day, Elanor was shown a number of strange markings left by the stranger, who seemed unable to otherwise communicate. Abruptly, Poppy arrived and recalled Elanor to the village, as her father Largo had broken his ankle in an accident. Elanor and Poppy went together that night to see the stranger, and found that he could manipulate the fireflies in their lanterns, though they could make little sense of the meanings he attempted to convey.
Brand

**Brand** was a King of Dale during the War of the Ring.

## History

Brand was the son of King Bain and grandson of Bard the Bowman who had killed the dragon Smaug.

He became the king of Dale and by T.A. 3018 he had extended the realm of Dale far south and east of Esgaroth.

At the Council of Elrond the dwarf Glóin reported that a year earlier (in T.A. 3017) a messenger from Mordor had come to speak to Dáin. He also said that messengers had spoken to King Brand and that he was afraid, for war appeared to be gathering on his eastern borders.

King Brand remained steadfast though. In T.A. 3019 when a host of Sauron's allies crossed the River Carnen he retreated into Dale. There the Men of Dale and the Dwarves of Erebor fought for three days. Brand was slain at the side of Dáin II Ironfoot during the Battle of Dale, at the end of which the victorious Easterlings drove the allies (including his son, Bard) into Erebor where they were besieged.

However, when news of Sauron's defeat came his northern army was dismayed with his son (and Dáin's son, Thorin) breaking the siege. King Brand was succeeded by his son, Bard II.
Dogs

**Dogs** were four-legged beasts, which were usually domesticated in Middle-earth. They were closely related to wolves and Werewolves.

During the Third Age, Beorn had several dogs who could walk on their hind legs, and carry things with their forelegs. They could set the table, and were capable of speech. Farmer Maggot kept three dogs, Grip, Fang and Wolf, to guard his farm.

The greatest hound of the First Age was Huan, once a companion of Celegorm and later the companion of Lúthien. He was a sentient being capable of speech.
Calembel

**Calembel** was a city of Gondor and the capital of the province of Lamedon. It was situated on a small hill along the river Ciril and a major road leading south into Lebennin.

In the final years of the Third Age, Aragorn and the Host of the Dead camped here on their way to Pelargir.

Calembel is the seat of Lord Angbor, who was charged by Prince Imrahil with protecting the land from the Corsairs of Umbar when the other Lords of Gondor rode to the defence of Minas Tirith. Deciding to make a stand against the Corsairs in Linhir, Angbor left his son Drambor in charge of Calembel, which served as a refuge for inhabitants of the nearby village of Lothgobel when it was attacked by the Corsairs.
Eomund

**Éomund** was the First Marshal of the Mark of Rohan under King Théoden in the years leading up to the War of the Ring. He was also the father of Éomer and Éowyn, and husband of Théodwyn, sister of Théoden. Éomund was a distant descendant of Éofor, one of the sons of Brego, son of Eorl.

## Biography

A valiant captain, Éomund was often away defending the East-Mark against the growing threat of thieving Orcs coming east from Mordor. It was said that he was also reckless, often riding against the enemy with few men. In the year TA 3002, he was slain pursuing a band of Orcs towards the Emyn Muil. Éomer was 11, Éowyn 7; and soon Théodwyn became ill and died. Thereafter the Éomund's children were fostered by the King, and were beloved by him.

Éomer went on to become King of the Mark, and wedded Lothíriel, Princess of Dol Amroth, and Éowyn wedded Faramir, Steward of Gondor. Their children were Elfwine the Fair, 19th King of Rohan, and Elboron, Prince of Ithilien, respectively.
Elrohir

**Elrohir** is one of the two older brothers of Arwen, the son of Elrond, the twin brother of Elladan, and the brother-in-law of Aragorn.

## Biography

Elrohir was the twin brother of Elladan, older brother of Arwen, and one of the three children and two the son of Celebrian and Elrond, born in TA 130.Only those who knew them could tell which one was different from the other. The brothers also inherited their father's long, dark brown hair.

In TA 2509, Elladan and Elrohir rescued their mother from a pack of orcs but she had been mentally wounded even though her husband fixed her poisoned, physical wound. The following year their mother left Middle-earth, and through this, Elladan and Elrohir developed a hatred of Orcs.

After the War of the Ring, though their father left Rivendell and Middle-earth, Elladan and Elrohir remained there. Like their father, paternal uncle, and sister, the brothers could decide if they would chose to be human or immortality. Whether they chose to live as humans is unknown; however, they could delay in their decision. Considering they stayed behind in Middle-earth for a time, they either decided to become humans or accept their immortality.
Feren

**Feren** was a Silvan elf who was one of King Thranduil's guards.

## Biography

### The Hobbit

In the year TA 2941, Feren accompanied Legolas Greenleaf to prevent Thorin II Oakenshield and his company of Dwarves from escaping the Woodland Realm in wooden barrels, and moving across the forest river. He received orders from Legolas to blow the horn which alerted the guards to shut the gate to prevent the Dwarves from leaving. However, their efforts failed when Bolg and his company of Orcs ambushed the elves while Kili, who was shot in the leg, managed to reopen the gate and escape.

He later brought a message to Legolas outside Lake-town and again to Thranduil in Dale, where Thranduil ordered him to blow his horn and summon his troops.
Barrow Downs

The **Barrow-downs**, or **Tyrn Gorthad**, was an area of low hills located to the east of the Shire and the Old Forest, and west of the village of Bree. They were made by men in the First Age, and served as resting places for the men of the north, as well as Dúnedain, until evil spirits called *Barrow-wights* came and began to inhabit their barrows.

The downs lay within the region of Cardolan in the region of Eriador.

## History

### Before the Great Years

Tyrn Gorthad was first made and inhabited by "forefathers" of the Edain in the First Age. They fled when Eriador was invaded by Easterlings, but when they disappeared after the War of Wrath the Middle Men returned to the region.

By the Second Age as the Númenóreans began to establish colonies in Middle Earth the Barrow-downs were where the Dúnedain emigrants from Númenor first came to reside. When Elendil came to Middle-earth around SA 3320, the Barrow-downs were incorporated into his northern kingdom of Arnor.

When Arnor was sundered into three realms in TA 861, Tyrn Gorthad became part of the realm of Cardolan. When Cardolan fell to Angmar in TA 1409, the Dúnedain of Cardolan took refuge in Tyrn Gorthad until the Great Plague wiped out the survivors. The Witch-king unleashed apparitions known as "Barrow-wights" upon Tyrn Gorthad to haunt its great tombs of men, for over a millenia. In TA 1851 King Araval of Arthedain attempted to resettle Cardolan, but the settlers were driven off or killed by the terror and power of the wights.

### Frodo's encounter

Fleeing the Black Riders in September of TA 3018, Frodo Baggins and his three companions came and were ensnared by a wight in one of the numerous barrows. The four were separated from one another in a dense fog, and, all captured, ended up in the same barrow. Three of the Hobbits seemed under a spell, but Frodo, almost succumbing to the wight, was able to call out to Tom Bombadil, whose house was near the place of the Barrow-downs. Hearing Frodo, Tom came with haste to the barrow and dispelled the evil spirit from the tomb. He had told the hobbits earlier to pass by the barrows on the western side, but the hobbits stopped for lunch on what must have been a barrow, and promptly fell asleep in the shade on the east side. After their rescue, the hobbits each took from the spoils of the tomb a finely crafted Dúnedain knife, and continued their journey towards Bree.
Battle of Osgiliath

The **Battle of Osgiliath** in the War of the Ring occurred at the ruined city of Osgiliath in TA 3019, shortly before the Siege of Gondor.

## History

### Prelude

Osgiliath, defended by Boromir and Faramir, had been attacked some nine months earlier, which resulted in Sauron taking control of the city's eastern half. Boromir left Gondor to seek counsel at Rivendell (and would not return).

In the ensuing time, Faramir led several assaults with his rangers deep within Mordor-occupied Ithilien, ambushing enemy armies moving to the Black Gate; Frodo and Sam stumbled into one such attack*.*

While there were men defending the west side of Osgiliath, the Steward Denethor ordered Faramir to lead a force to reinforce them. Faramir and Prince Imrahil regarded the order ill advised, pointing out that they could not afford the casualties; nevertheless, Faramir complied.

### The battle

Mordor, however, was prepared. Months beforehand, the Orcs in East Osgiliath had been secretly constructing massive numbers of boats and rafts, and swelled with reinforcements from Harad they swarmed across the River Anduin to the Gondor positions on the other bank. After heavy fighting, the garrison under Faramir and his troops were forced to flee, first to the Rammas Echor and then to Minas Tirith itself.

One third of Faramir's troops were destroyed, and he was badly wounded in the retreat, when a poisoned Southron arrow pierced him; more severe damage was done by the Black breath of the Nazgûl. When the retreat was sure to be a disaster, the knights of Dol Amroth, led by Imrahil, initiated a sortie from Minas Tirith; the pursuing hordes were driven back and the garrison reached the city safely.

### Aftermath

In the meantime, the Orcs made makeshift repairs to several destroyed bridges. The main combined army of Mordor then arrived, formed from those that Frodo had seen leaving Minas Morgul; but this was "but one and not the greatest of the hosts that Mordor now sent forth": for on their way from Morgul Vale, the Morgul-host led by the Witch-king of Angmar had been joined by Haradrim from the south, and a far greater host that had massed at the Black Gate attacked Cair Andros. The two forces would then unite to attack Minas Tirith.

With Osgiliath now completely in the hands of Mordor and the Causeway Forts breached, the vast army of Sauron marched from the city and surrounded Minas Tirith, beginning the Siege of Gondor and leading directly into the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Enchanted River

The **Enchanted River** rose in the Mountains of Mirkwood, and flowed northwards in a great loop to meet the Forest River under the canopy of the trees of Mirkwood. Its water was black, and carried a curse that gave the river its name - any person coming into contact with its enchanted water immediately fell into a long, deep sleep.

About halfway along its length, the Enchanted River flowed across the Elf-path that led west to east through Mirkwood to the Elvenking's Halls, and it seems that a ferry was maintained there, presumably for the use of the Wood-elves. At least, Bilbo Baggins and the Dwarves found a boat kept on the eastern bank of the River, which they used to cross it on their journey to Erebor. However, Bombur fell in the river and lost consciousness, and his companions had to pull him out and carry him for several days with ropes.
Athelas

**Athelas**, also known as **Kingsfoil** or **Asëa Aranion**, was a healing herb that grew throughout Middle-earth.

## History

Athelas was first brought to Middle-earth by Númenóreans, but by the end of the Third Age the knowledge of its healing properties was lost among all but the Rangers of the North and the Elves, and it was commonly considered by most men and hobbits to be a useless weed. According to folklore in Gondor, it was especially powerful in the hands of the king. It was used by Aragorn when he secretly entered Minas Tirith upon his return to Gondor to heal those (such as Éowyn) who had been touched by the Black Breath, an act that enhanced his reputation and strengthened his claim to the crown.
Aragorn also used Athelas to ease the pain of Frodo's wound when he was stabbed by a Morgul-knife at the Weathertop camp. The scent of the leaves also calmed the minds of the other Hobbits. Additionally, Athelas was used after Moria when Aragorn tended to Frodo and Sam's injuries. After the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Aragorn used Athelas in the Houses of Healing to revive Faramir, Lady Éowyn, and the hobbit Merry, who were all under the shadow of the Black Breath.

Some Men of Gondor used an infusion of Athelas for headaches.
Barliman Butterbur

**Barliman Butterbur** was a Man of Bree and owner of *The Prancing Pony*, in the town of Bree.

## Biography

Barliman Butterbur owned the Prancing Pony for an unknown period of time in the late Third Age. He was fond of Hobbits and had two hobbit employees: Bob, who worked in the stables, and Nob, a servant. He knew Gandalf very well as he frequently came and stayed at the inn from time to time over the years. During the War of the Ring, he forgot to send Gandalf's letter to Frodo, leaving Frodo uncertain as to Gandalf's fate and causing him to start his journey much later than the letter indicated. He did not remember it until Frodo and his companions arrived to stay at the inn, and even then it was long before the connection was made.

When Gandalf found out, he threatened to "roast" Butterbur, but forgave him in light of his memory problems. Butterbur did, however, remember in time to produce Strider's credentials. Gandalf blessed his beer for seven years upon hearing that Frodo and companions were alive and well and with Strider.

After the War of the Ring, Butterbur was amazed to learn that Strider, a former patron of his inn and for whom he thought was a mere Ranger of the wild, had become a king. In the days that the hobbits visited The Prancing Pony shortly before the Scouring of the Shire, Bob went home after dark every day, which Butterbur continued to forget.

## Character

Barliman was a stout, good-hearted man, notorious for his very bad memory, about which he said "One thing drives out another".
Barahir

**Barahir** was a Man of Middle-earth, heir to the House of Bëor in the First Age and most famous as the father of Beren Erchamion, also known as *Beren the One-handed*.

## History

Barahir, was the fifth and youngest child and son of Bregor and he had three elder sisters: Bregil, Hirwen, and Gilwen, and an elder brother Bregolas. Barahir married Emeldir *the Man-Hearted* who was also of the House of Bëor through the line of Belen (youngest son of Bëor), and they had only one child and son, the renowned Beren the *One-handed*.

In F.A. 455, Barahir fought in the Dagor Bragollach at the Pass of Sirion. Near the Fen of Serech, he hastened to Finrod Felagund's rescue with a small retinue of his bravest men. They formed a wall of spears around the Elven King, and cut their way out of the battle at great loss. Finrod was safe, and in gratitude, swore an oath, promising help to Barahir and his kin should they need it. To reinforce this oath, he gave Barahir his ring, which would become an heirloom in his house.

After Morgoth conquered the lands, Barahir contested his dominion. Gradually all of the people of that region fled until Barahir had but twelve companions left: Beren, Baragund and Belegund (his nephews), and nine close and loyal kinsmen, Radhruin, Dairuin, Dagnir, Ragnor, Gildor, Gorlim, Arthad, Urthel, and Hathaldir. As Dorthonion fell under dark enchantment and was called Taur-nu-Fuin the desperate band retreated to the rocky moors above the forest.

In F.A. 460 they were betrayed to Sauron by Gorlim, tricked by Sauron into giving up the location. Barahir and the others were slaughtered near Tarn Aeluin. Barahir's son Beren alone escaped, since he was away on an errand when the outlaws' hideout was discovered. Returning to the camp Beren buried his father and pursued the Orcs who slew him. The captain of the Orcs had Barahir's hand with the ring of Felagund on it when Beren found them; Beren killed the captain and retrieved the hand.
Elwing

**Elwing** was Princess of Doriath, the mother of Elrond and the parental grandmother of Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir.

## History

Elwing, as well as her brothers, were born in a house near Lanthir Lamath and lived there until her father went to Doriath to assume his inheritance as King of Doriath.

When the Sons of Fëanor attacked Doriath, all of her immediate family was either killed or lost, but those loyal to her family took Elwing as well as the Silmaril they sought and bore her away to the Havens of Sirion.

It was at the Havens that Elwing met Eärendil and later married him. She bore him twin sons, Elrond and Elros. Elrond later went on to marry Lady Celebrian, daughter of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of Lothlórien. From this marriage they produced three children, Elladan and Elrohir, twin brothers, and Arwen Undómiel, future Queen of Gondor. These children were therefore Elwing's grandchildren, a privilege shared with the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien. In the present matter at hand, Elwing was forced to abandon her children when the Sons of Fëanor came for the Silmaril in Elwing's possession. Rather than give it over, she threw herself into the Sea and was transformed into a great white bird.he flew continuously until she found her husband's sailing ship, the Vingilot. Then, on behalf of the Elves and Men of Middle-earth, they chose to sail for Valinor in the faint hope that they could make a final plea on behalf of those who suffered under Morgoth.

When they arrived, Elwing chose to accompany her husband onto the shores, even though she knew it might mean her death. While Eärendil journeyed to visit the Valar, Elwing walked the shores, eventually meeting the Elves of Alqualondë. There, she told them the tale of what was happening in Middle-earth and became much loved by them.

The Valar eventually agreed to go to war to aid those in Middle-earth, and also decided to give both Eärendil and Elwing the choice of which kindred they would belong. Eärendil, out of respect for his wife, allowed her to choose for the both of them. She chose to be counted among the elves, in honor of her foremother, Lúthien.

A white tower was later built for Elwing where she could live. It was also said that the birds taught her their language and that she would fly to meet Eärendil when he returned from his nightly voyages.
Abigail

**Abigail** was a woman from the Southlands of Middle-earth, who lived during the Second Age.

## Biography

Abigail is one of several castaways adrift in the Sundering Seas, along with Halbrand and Eamon. They hail from the Southlands of Middle-earth, but were forced to flee due to Orc attacks. Their ship was destroyed by a sea monster known as "the worm," and they are stranded on the wreckage when Galadriel swims nearby.

Abigail takes pity on Galadriel, believing her to be a fellow woman, and helps her up and gives her fresh water to drink. However, Eamon and other suspicious castaways discover that Galadriel is an Elf, and Abigail believes she has been deceived. Just at that moment, a ship approaches, though it is actually their own ship being dragged by "the worm." All except Halbrand and Galadriel are lost at sea in the ensuing attack by the sea monster.
Battle of Moria

The **Battle of Moria** (also known as the **Battle of Azanulbizar**) was a battle that took place in the Dimril Dale in TA 2799 between the Dwarves and the Orcs. It ended in a Dwarvish pyhrric victory.

After the sack of Erebor by Smaug, the refugees led by king Thrór, his son Thráin and grandson Thorin, arrived at Dunland. From there, Thror tried to lead them back to Moria, their first kingdom, only to find it infested with Orcs, led by the Gundabad Orc Azog.

In the battle, Azog swore the wipe out the royal line of Durin. He beheaded king Thror, defeated and captured his son Thrain (taking his Ring) and almost defeated his own son, Thorin. However, the young Dwarf prince picked up an oaken branch to repel Azog's attacks, and using a sword, cut off Azog's arm. The Orc was hauled back through the Dimril Gate and Thorin led the Dwarves, including his companions Balin and Dwalin, to victory.

However, their loses were too heavy to reclaim Moria, and Thrain's fate was unknown to the Dwarves. While Balin and Dwalin mourned the loss of their father, Fundin, Thorin looked through the bodies for his father, to no avail. He deluded himself into believing Azog died of his wounds, but in fact he would return to hunt him during the Quest of Erebor. Thorin also accused the Elves of nearby Lothlorien for looking over and doing nothing to stop the Orcs.
Bungo Baggins

**Bungo Baggins** was a Hobbit of the Shire and the father of Bilbo.

## Biography

Bungo was born in TA 2846. He was the eldest of the five children of Mungo and Laura (Grubb) Baggins. His siblings were named Belba, Longo, Linda, and Bingo. Bungo married Belladonna Took sometime in S.R. 1280 and built a luxurious Hobbit-hole called Bag End in the Hill at Hobbiton for her. They had one child, Bilbo, who was born in TA 2890. Bungo died in TA 2926.

Aside from fathering Bilbo, Bungo is most remembered for the construction of the famous Bag End, which had become a topic of great discussion and a place of important meetings and gatherings concerning the world.
Calenhad

**Calenhad** was the sixth of the seven Warning beacons of Gondor, standing between Min-Rimmon and Halifirien. It, as were the other beacons, was located in the White Mountains overlooking Anórien. The beacon was small and thus not always lit, save at times of great urgency.

Prior to the Siege of Gondor in the late Third Age, Calenhad was the sixth beacon to be lit.
Eagles' Eyerie

**Eagle's Eyrie** was a principle home of the Eagles in the Third Age.

It was located at a high point on the east side of the Misty Mountains, facing Rhovanion, between the Rushdown and the Old Forest Road. It was approximately thirty-five miles from the Carrock near Beorn's hall.

## History

Thorin and Company were rescued by the Lord of the Eagles on July 19, 2941, and taken to the eyrie, where they spent the night.
Battle of the Gwathlo

The **Battle of the Gwathló** was the decisive battle of the War of the Elves and Sauron that brought an end to Sauron's power for many centuries.

## History

After being driven back from the Grey Havens and after heavy losses at Sarn Ford, Sauron's forces regrouped and joined with his forces in Tharbad where they were assailed by the pursuing forces of Gil-galad and Númenor and then by another force of Númenóreans sailing up the Greyflood and attacking from their rear.

In the battle Sauron and his armies were utterly routed. The remaining survivors narrowly escaped but were assailed again by the Númenóreans in the east of Calenardhon and destroyed, leaving Sauron with little more than a bodyguard to escape back into Mordor.

The ensuing victory left Sauron's power crippled but not destroyed and he slowly rebuilt his strength over a thousand years until the thirty-third century, when he challenged Ar-Pharazôn for the over-lordship of Middle-earth.