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Ring of Thrór

2026-06-07T05:44:14Z

Paccyd33:

{{object infobox
|name = Ring of Thrór
|image = Stephen Walsh - The Ring of Thrór.jpg
|caption = ''The Ring of Thrór'' by [[Stephen Walsh]]
|pronun =
|othernames = Ring of Durin
|location =
|owner = [[Celebrimbor]], [[Durin III]], other [[Kings of Durin's Folk]], [[Thrór]], [[Thráin II]], [[Sauron]]
|type = Ring
|appearance = A gold ring<ref name = "ring" /> adorned with a gem<ref name = "Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
|creator = [[Celebrimbor]]
|created = c. {{SA|1590}}<ref name = "SA">{{App|SA}}</ref>
|createdlocation = [[Eregion]]
|destroyer =
|destroyed =
|destroyedlocation =
|notablefor =
|gallery = the Ring of Thrór
}}
The '''Ring of Thrór''' was the first of the [[Seven Rings|Seven Dwarf-rings]] to be forged, and the last to be recovered by [[Sauron]].

While Sauron himself gave the [[Dwarves]] their [[Rings of Power]],<ref name="ring" /> this one was originally given to King [[Durin III]] of [[Moria|Khazad-dûm]] by [[Celebrimbor]],<ref>{{App|Durin}}</ref> and it remained in the line of the [[House of Durin]] for thousands of years.

The [[Kings of Durin's Folk]] proved resistant to the magic of the [[Rings of Power]], as [[Dwarves]] are hard to tame and the thoughts of their hearts are hidden. The rings, used only for the gaining of wealth, amplified their wearer's natural skills and desire for dominion which made them greedy and exceedingly rich. It is said that the [[Seven Hoards]] of the Dwarves were gathered thanks to a magic Ring, before they were devoured by [[dragons]].<ref name=ring>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

This seems to be the case with the [[Longbeards]] who massed their wealth, but during the time of the [[King under the Mountain]] [[Thrór]], [[Smaug]] [[Sack of Erebor|descended]] on the [[Lonely Mountain]] and drove the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] into exile. Long after his kingdom's destruction, Thrór passed the ring to his son [[Thráin]], who dwelt for many years as an exile from his ancient home.

At last, Thráin set out on an ill-fated quest to regain his kingdom, but he was captured by the spies of [[Sauron]], and the Ring of Thrór was lost forever. Sauron took it from Thráin by force in the dungeons of [[Dol Guldur]].

Many Dwarves, however, did not know the fate of the Ring, and thought that it was lost in [[Moria]] when Thrór was killed by [[Azog]]. It was thought that one of the reasons [[Balin]] wished to [[Balin's Colony|reclaim Moria]] was to find the Ring. In the [[Council of Elrond]], [[Gandalf]] told [[Glóin]] that Balin would not find the Ring there, as it was given to Thráin and lost in [[Dol Guldur]].<ref name="Council" />

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250" heights="150">
File:Dan Frazier - Dwarven Ring of Durin's Tribe.jpg|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'': ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards|The Wizards]]''
File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug - Ring of Thrór.png|''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]''
File:Emilio Rodriguez - Ring of Thrór.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game]]'': ''The Ghost of Framsburg''
File:The Rings of Power (TV series) - Seven Rings.jpg''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'': [[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power - Season 2|Season 2]]''
</gallery>
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:All [[Seven Rings]] are shown in [[Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All...|the prologue]].

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:The Ring of Thrór first appears in the Prologue, as viewers can spot two rings, presumably one of them being the Ring of Thrór.

'''2013: ''[[The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug]]'':'''
:The Ring of Thrór is next mentioned in the Prologue, where Thorin tells Gandalf that Thrór gave Thráin his ring before he went to war, presumably the Battle of Azanulbizar. The Ring next appears where Thráin is seen bested by Azog, where Azog pulls out a knife, before the scene cuts to Thráin in Dol Guldor, depicting the his lost ring finger, informing Gandalf and the Audience that Azog now has Thráin's Ring, now in the possession of Sauron.

'''2017: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Ring of Thrór does not appear itself, but is named as "Angya", and is called "Handórm" by the Dwarves. Gandalf believes it to have been destroyed in the downfall of [[Barad-dûr]].

{{References}}
[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[Category:Heirlooms]]

File:Fabio Leone - At the gates of Moria (Study).jpg

2026-06-04T10:25:31Z

Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = ''At [[Doors of Durin|the gates]] of [[Moria]]'' by [[:Category:Images by Fabio Leone|Fabio Leone]]
|date = [[29 October|October 29]], [[2019]] - 4:46 PM
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author = [[:Category:Images by Fabio Leone|Fabio Leone]]
|source = https://fabioleone.artstation.com/projects/k48eVK
}}

[[Category:Images by Fabio Leone]]
[[Category:Images of Gandalf]]
[[Category:Images of trees]]
[[Category:Images of Glamdring]]
[[Category:Images of the Doors of Durin]]

Vorondil

2026-06-02T07:05:12Z

Paccyd33:

{{Disambig-two|the [[Steward of Gondor]]|the film character|[[Vorondil (film character)]]}}
{{infobox character
|people = [[Gondorians|Gondorian]]
|name = Vorondil
|image = Mithril Miniatures - Vorondil the Hunter.jpg
|caption = "Vorondil the Hunter" - ''[[Mithril Miniatures|Mithril Miniature]]''
|pronun =
|othernames = "The Hunter"
|titles = [[Steward of Gondor]]
|position =
|location = [[Gondor]]
|affiliation =
|language = [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]
|birth = {{TA|1919}}
|birthlocation =
|rule = {{TA|1998}} - {{TA|2029|n}} (31 years)
|death = {{TA|2029}}
|deathlocation =
|age = 110
|notablefor =
|house = [[House of Húrin]]
|parentage = [[Pelendur]]
|siblings =
|spouse =
|children = [[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]]
|gender = Male
|height =
|hair =
|eyes =
|clothing =
|weapons =
|steed =
}}
'''Vorondil''' ([[Third Age]] {{TA|1919|n}}<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, p. 204</ref> – {{TA|2029|n}},<ref name="App|South">{{App|South}}</ref> aged 110 years) was the second of three [[Stewards]] of [[Gondor]] that served King [[Eärnil II]].
==History==
Upon the death of his father, [[Pelendur]], the Stewardship of Gondor became hereditary within the [[House of Húrin]] and thus Vorondil succeeded to the position.<ref name="Stewards">{{App|Stewards}}</ref>

Early in Vorondil's Stewardship Gondor was attacked and suffered a serious defeat. In {{TA|2000}}, the [[Nazgûl]] issued from [[Mordor]] to besiege [[Minas Ithil]]. The city fell in {{TA|2002|n}} and with it they took the ''[[Palantíri|Palantír]]'' therein.<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref>

Vorondil was remembered as "Vorondil the Hunter" for his hunting of the [[Kine of Araw]], found near the shores of the [[Sea of Rhûn]].<ref name="App|South"/> From one of the wild white oxen he fashioned a [[Great Horn]], bound with silver and written with characters.<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref> It had been passed to the eldest son for generations within the House of Húrin and [[Boromir]] was the last to carry this horn.<ref>{{RK|VI1}}</ref>

Vorondil was succeeded by his son [[Mardil]], who would become the first of the [[Ruling Steward]]s.<ref name="Stewards"/>

==Etymology==
''Vorondil'' is a [[Quenya]] name. Its meaning is not glossed, but Paul Strack suggests it means "Ever-friend" and is a compound of ''voro'' ("ever") and the suffix ''[[-ndil|-(n)dil]]'' ("friend", "lover", "devoted to").<ref>{{webcite|author=Paul Strack|articleurl=https://www.eldamo.org/content/words/word-347618493.html|articlename=Q. ''Vorondil'' m.|website=Eldamo|accessed=05 February 2022}}</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | HUR |HUR=[[Húrin of Emyn Arnen|Húrin of Emyn Arnen]] ''fl. {{TA|1634|n}}''}}
{{familytree | |:| |}}
{{familytree | |:| |}}
{{familytree | PEL |PEL=[[Pelendur]] ''{{TA|1879|n}} - {{TA|1998|n}}''}}
{{familytree | |!| |}}
{{familytree | VOR |VOR='''VORONDIL''' ''{{TA|1919|n}} - {{TA|2029|n}}''}}
{{familytree | |!| |}}
{{familytree | MAR |MAR=[[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]] ''{{TA|1960|n}} - {{TA|2080|n}}''}}
{{familytree | |!| |}}
{{familytree | ERA |ERA=[[Eradan]] ''{{TA|1999|n}} - {{TA|2116|n}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

{{references}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=gondorian
| house=[[House of Húrin]]
| born={{TA|1919}}
| died={{TA|2029}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Pelendur]]
| list=[[Steward of Gondor|Steward to the King of Gondor]]
| dates={{TA|1998}} - {{TA|2029|n}}
| next=[[Mardil|Mardil Voronwë]]
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{southernline}}
[[Category:Stewards]]
[[Category:Gondorians]]
[[Category:House of Húrin]]
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Vorondil]]
[[fi:Vorondil]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/dunedain/gondoriens/vorondil]]

Grimir

2026-06-02T07:02:06Z

Paccyd33:

{{Adaptation}}
{{Infobox character
|people = [[Dwarves|Dwarf]]
|name = Grimir
|image = The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Grimir - Dwarven Elder.jpeg
|caption = "Grimir" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
|pronun =
|othernames =
|titles =
|position =
|location =
|affiliation = [[Dwarves of Erebor]]
|language =
|birth =
|birthlocation =
|rule =
|death =
|deathlocation =
|age =
|notablefor = Entering [[Rivendell]] with [[Gimli]] and [[Glóin]]
|house =
|parentage =
|siblings =
|spouse =
|children =
|gender = Male
|height =
|hair = White
|eyes = Black
|clothing = Robe, armour
|weapons = Axe
|steed =
}}
'''Grimir'''<ref name = "Dwarven Elder">{{LOTRTCGW|Grimir, Dwarven Elder (1U17)}}</ref><ref>{{LOTRTCGW|Grimir, Dwarven Emissary (11R10)}}</ref> was a [[Dwarves of Erebor|Dwarf of Erebor]] who traveled to [[Rivendell]] with the envoys who attended the [[Council of Elrond|the Council of Elrond]].

Grimir is an original creation for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' film.

==History==
Grimir was a [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] of [[Third Age|the Third Age]], who spent many years in exile with the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] while [[Smaug]] ruled [[Lonely Mountain|the Lonely Mountain]]. Though old and grey by the time [[Elrond]], Lord of [[Rivendell]], called [[Council of Elrond|the Council of Elrond]], he could still wield his axe with strength.

The Council invited representatives of factions of [[Free peoples|the Free peoples of Middle-earth]] to the Council, which aimed to answer the growing threat of [[Sauron]]. The [[King under the Mountain]] [[Dáin Ironfoot]] sent multiple emissaries to attend: [[Farin (dwarven emissary)|Farin]], [[Gimli]] and [[Thrarin]]. Grimir and [[Glóin]] accompanied them, and they entered Rivendell with Gimli, Glóin's son.

{{References}}
{{Lordoftheringsfilms}}

[[Category:Dwarves from adaptations]]
[[Category:The Lord of the Rings (film series) characters]]

File:Luis Bermejo - El Señor de los Anillos - Primera Parte (page 8).jpg

2026-06-02T06:59:40Z

Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
| description = A page from Luis Bermejo's ''El Señor de los Anillos''
| date = 1979
| author = [[Luis Bermejo]]
}}
== Licensing ==
{{Copyright-fairuse|Luis Bermejo}}
[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (comic book)]]
[[Category:Images by Luis Bermejo]]

File:Luis Bermejo - Ted Sandyman.jpg

2026-06-02T06:59:02Z

Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = Illustration of [[Ted Sandyman]] from [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]], volume 2.
|date =
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author = [[Luis Bermejo]]
|source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/page/n37/mode/2up
|license =
}}
{{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}}

[[Category:Images by Luis Bermejo]]
[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (comic book)]]
[[Category:Images of Ted Sandyman]]
[[Category:Images of axes]]

File:Luis Bermejo - Orc-chieftain.jpg

2026-06-02T06:58:18Z

Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = Illustration of the [[orc-chieftain]] from [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]], volume 2
|date =
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author = [[Luis Bermejo]]
|source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/page/n25/mode/2up
|license =
}}
{{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}}

[[Category:Images by Luis Bermejo]]
[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (comic book)]]
[[Category:Images of the orc-chieftain]]
[[Category:Images of shields]]
[[Category:Images of armor]]
[[Category:Images of helmets]]
[[Category:Images of spears]]

File:Luis Bermejo - Glorfindel.jpg

2026-06-02T06:57:53Z

Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = Illustration of the [[Glorfindel]] from [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]], volume 2
|date =
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author = [[Luis Bermejo]]
|source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/
|license =
}}
{{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}}

[[Category:Images by Luis Bermejo]]
[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (comic book)]]
[[Category:Images of Glorfindel]]

File:Luis Bermejo - Glóin.jpg

2026-06-02T06:57:48Z

Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = Illustration of the [[Glóin]] from [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]], volume 2
|date =
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author = [[Luis Bermejo]]
|source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/
|license =
}}
{{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}}

[[Category:Images by Luis Bermejo]]
[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (comic book)]]
[[Category:Images of Glóin]]

Glóin

2026-06-02T06:54:05Z

Paccyd33:

{{short description|Member of Thorin's Company and Father of Gimli}}
{{disambig-two|the father of [[Gimli]]|King of [[Durin's Folk]]|[[Glóin (King of Durin's Folk)]]}}
{{infobox character
|people = [[Dwarves|Dwarf]]
|name = Glóin
|image = Daniel Govar - Gloin.jpg
|caption = "Gloin" by [[Daniel Govar]]
|pronun =
|othernames =
|titles =
|position =
|location = [[Thorin's Halls]] [[Lonely Mountain]]
|affiliation = [[Thorin and Company]]
|language = [[Khuzdul]] and [[Westron]]
|birth = {{TA|2783}}
|birthlocation =
|rule =
|death = {{FoA|15}} (aged 253)
|deathlocation = [[Erebor]]
|age =
|notablefor = [[Quest of Erebor|The Quest of Erebor]]
|house = [[House of Durin]]
|parentage = [[Gróin]]
|siblings = [[Óin]]
|spouse =
|children = [[Gimli]]
|gender = Male
|height =
|hair = Long, a white forked beard<ref name = "Meetings"/>
|eyes =
|clothing = White hood, snow-white clothes<ref name = "Meetings"/> chain of silver and diamonds<ref name = "Meetings"/> silver belt<ref name = "Meetings"/>
|weapons =
|steed =
}}
{{Quote|Next to Frodo on his right sat a dwarf of important appearance, richly dressed. His beard, very long and forked, was white, nearly as white as the snow-white cloth of his garments. He wore a silver belt, and round his neck hung a chain of silver and diamonds. Frodo stopped eating to look at him. 'Welcome and well met!' said the dwarf, turning towards him. Then he actually rose from his seat and bowed. 'Gloin at your service,' he said, and bowed still lower.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}
'''Glóin''' was a [[Dwarves|dwarf]] of [[Durin's Folk]], the son of [[Gróin]], the brother of [[Óin]], and the father of [[Gimli]] of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref> He is most famous as one of [[Thorin]]'s companions on the [[Quest of Erebor|quest]] to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]]. 77 years after the Quest of Erebor, Glóin attended the [[Council of Elrond]] with his son Gimli, where the latter would represent dwarves in the Fellowship of the Ring

==History==
Glóin was likely born in [[Dunland]], where the Dwarves of Durin's Line dwelt in exile<ref name="Durin"/> after their expulsion from [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]] by the [[dragon]] [[Smaug]] in {{TA|2770}}.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> Glóin was present at the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]],<ref name="Durin"/> which was odd because Dwarves were considered to be mere striplings in their thirties, yet at the time ({{TA|2799|n}}<ref name="TA"/>) Glóin was but 16 (his cousin [[Balin]] also was among the participants). After the war, in which the dwarves were victorious, Glóin returned to Dunland with the followers of Thorin, who then re-moved the dwarves to the [[Ered Luin]], the Blue Mountains, west of the [[Shire]].<ref name="Durin"/>

===Life in Thorin's Halls===
During Glóin's life in Ered Luin he saw the departure of King [[Thráin|Thráin II]], who tried to go back to [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], but was captured and tortured for the [[Ring of Thrór]], and subsequently died several years later. Under King [[Thorin]], Glóin and the other Dwarves living in [[Thorin's Halls]] in the mountains became prosperous in a fashion and trafficked goods with other peoples, and gained what wealth they could. But ever they spoke of the [[Lonely Mountain]].<ref name="Durin"/> In {{TA|2879}}, Glóin has a son, [[Gimli]], who was considered too young to join [[Thorin and Company]] at the age of 62.

===The Quest of Erebor===
In {{TA|2941|n}} Thorin happened to meet [[Gandalf]] the Wizard. From this meeting came Thorin's determination to return to the Lonely Mountain with a company of Dwarves, including Glóin, to seek revenge upon Smaug. Gandalf came to a conclave of the Dwarves after visiting [[the Shire]] (but before seeing [[Bilbo Baggins]]) to persuade them to take the hobbit with them. The Dwarves were skeptical, with Glóin calling them "simpletons" and claiming that one of them "would never dare to come within smelling distance of the nakedest dragonet new from the shell!"<ref>{{UT|Erebor}}, ''Extracts from the earlier version''</ref>

Glóin was the fifth Dwarf in the fourth group to arrive at [[Bag End]] for the Unexpected Party, and he came wearing a white hood. Glóin did not assist in setting the table nor did he bring a musical instrument out when Thorin called for music. After Bilbo had his fit of fright he overheard Glóin sneer that the hobbit looked "more like a grocer than a burglar" when he saw him "bobbing and puffing on the mat". This affronted Bilbo enough to make him agree to undertake the quest. Then, when Gandalf proclaimed that Bilbo was his choice he scowled at Glóin so fiercely that the dwarf huddled back in his chair, and later glaring at Bilbo.<ref>{{H|Party}}</ref>

On their quest Glóin was quite useful, especially at making fires, although on the night the company met the trolls, [[William]], [[Bert]], and [[Tom]], he and his brother failed to start one and began to fight, yet though first they quarreled.<ref>{{H|Mutton}}</ref> On the night when the company came to the glade of the [[Wargs]], Glóin along with his brother, Dori, Nori and Ori secured a seat in a huge pine tree.<ref>{{H|Pan}}</ref> At [[Beorn]]'s home Glóin and Óin were the fifth pair of Dwarves to appear as Gandalf spun their tale.<ref>{{H|Queer}}</ref> And when released from his barrel near [[Lake-town|Esgaroth]], Glóin was one of the Dwarves who was waterlogged and seemed but half alive, and needed to be carried ashore.<ref>{{H|Welcome}}</ref>

Glóin fought in and survived the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. He was given his share of the treasure by [[Dáin Ironfoot]], who became King after Thorin's death. Glóin settled in the Lonely Mountain, along with the survivors of the battle, and would grow wealthy in Erebor under the leadership of King Dáin.<ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

===War of the Ring===
In October {{TA|3018}}<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref> Glóin and his son [[Gimli]] were sent by [[Dáin Ironfoot]] to [[Rivendell]] to seek advice concerning the fate of [[Balin's Colony]] in Moria. When [[Frodo Baggins]] recovered from his wounds and attended the feast, it was Glóin who sat next to him and gave him the news from Erebor and surrounding lands since the time of Bilbo.<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|II1}}</ref> Later, at the [[Council of Elrond]], Glóin spoke of the shadow that had fallen upon his people, Balin's expedition and of the sinister messenger from [[Mordor]] who had come to inquire about [[Hobbits]] and where they dwelt.<ref>{{FR|II2}}</ref> Glóin's greatest contribution to the [[War of the Ring]] was his son Gimli, who joined the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref>

It is possible that Glóin fought in the [[Battle of Dale]] against the [[Easterlings]] during the [[War of the Ring]], for he lived until {{FoA|15}}.<ref name="Durin"/> After the War of the Ring it is unknown whether he saw Gimli again after he explored [[Fangorn Forest]] and the [[Glittering Caves]].

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Gloin.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Glóinn'' is a dwarf in the ''[[Völuspá|Dvergatal]]''. The name means "Glowing one".<ref>Chester Nathan Gould, "Dwarf-Names: A Study in Old Icelandic Religion", published in ''Publications of the Modern Language Association of America'', Vol 44 (1929), issue #4, pp. 939-967</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | | | | | NAI | | | | | | | | | | | |NAI=[[Náin II]] ''{{TA|2338|n}} - {{TA|2585|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| DAI | | | | | | | | BOR | | | | | | |DAI=[[Dáin I]] ''{{TA|2440|n}} - {{TA|2589|n}}''†| BOR=[[Borin]] ''{{TA|2450|n}} - {{TA|2711|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree| THR | | | | | | | | FAR | | | | | | |THR=[[Thrór]] ''{{TA|2542|n}} - {{TA|2790|n}}''†|FAR=[[Farin]] ''{{TA|2560|n}} - {{TA|2803|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | | | | |,|-|-|-|^|-|-|-|.| | | |}}
{{familytree| THR | | | | FUN | | | | | | GRO | | |THR=[[Thráin|Thráin II]] ''{{TA|2644|n}} - {{TA|2850|n}}''†|FUN=[[Fundin]] ''{{TA|2662|n}} - {{TA|2799|n}}''†|GRO=[[Gróin]] ''{{TA|2671|n}} - {{TA|2923|n}}''}}
{{familytree| |!| | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |,|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| THO | | BAL | | DWA | | OIN | | GLO |THO=[[Thorin]] ''{{TA|2746|n}} - {{TA|2941|n}}''†|BAL=[[Balin]] ''{{TA|2763|n}} - {{TA|2994|n}}''†|DWA=[[Dwalin]] ''{{TA|2772|n}} - {{FoA|91}}''|OIN=[[Óin]] ''{{TA|2774|n}} - {{TA|2994|n}}''†|GLO='''GLÓIN''' ''{{TA|2783|n}} - {{FoA|15}}''}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| |}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | GIM |GIM=[[Gimli]] ''{{TA|2879|n}} - {{FoA|120}}+''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In both the early manuscript of ''[[The Hobbit]]'' and in the published version, Glóin had heard of Bilbo's great-great-great-grand-uncle [[Bandobras Took|Bullroarer Took]], who accidentally invented the game of Golf. However, only in the early manuscript it was mentioned that Glóin was very fond of golf.<ref>{{HH|Bladorthin}}, p. 40</ref>

In ''The Fellowship of the Ring'', the dwarf [[Burin]] (also [[Frár]]), being Balin's son (from Thorin and Company) was suppose to accompany Glóin to the [[Council of Elrond]], and that would later join [[The Fellowship of the Ring]], though it was changed to Gimli, and also changed to be Glóin's son, in the final draft of the novel.<ref>{{RS|Elrond}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="175px" heights="140px">
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Glóin.png|[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:Luis Bermejo - Glóin.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]]
File:Angelo Montanini - Gloin.jpg|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Glóin.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Hobbit (film series) - Glóin.jpg|[[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Glóin.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:LEGO - Gloin the Dwarf.png|''[[Lego|LEGO]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Glóin Icon.jpg|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''[[1967]]: [[The Hobbit (1967 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1967 film)]]:'''
:Glóin is omitted. [[Thorin|Thorin Oakenshield]] only travels with an unnamed guard and the princess of Dale.<ref name="Deitch">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UBnVL1Y2src|articlename=The Hobbit.mp4|dated=5 January 2012|website=YouTube|accessed=10 January 2012}}</ref>

'''[[1971]]: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:Glóin is present during the Council of Elrond scene, though he is not visually depicted. The narrator recounts that Glóin told the council of the struggles the [[Dwarves]] experienced living under the [[Mountains of Moria]].

'''[[1977]]: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Glóin is one of the minor Dwarves, voiced by [[Jack DeLeon]]. As in the book, he has little lines other than the usual grunts; he only ever speaks in unison with the other Dwarves. He is, however, the only known of the six members of the Company who survived the [[Battle of Five Armies]] in this film, as he is seen pulling Thorin's bed sheet over him after he dies<ref>[[The Hobbit (1977 film)]], "Farewell, Thorin"</ref> along with an unknwon dwarf not resembling a member of the company (possibly

'''[[1978]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Glóin is not present; his role at the council has been taken by Gimli. However, when Gimli is introduced as a member of the Company, he is introduced as "Gimli son of Glóin".

'''[[2001]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Two cards from [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]] identify one of the white-haired dwarves who enters Rivendell with Gimli as Glóin.<ref>{{LOTRTCGW|Gloin, Friend to Thorin (2R7)}}</ref><ref>{{LOTRTCGW|Gloin, Son of Groin (15R6)}}</ref> Glóin is not present at [[Council of Elrond|the Council of Elrond]].

'''[[2012]]-[[2014|14]]: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:Glóin is played by [[Peter Hambleton]].<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> A description of Glóin in ''The Hobbit'' films was released by the studio:

:{{Blockquote|Of all the members in The Company of Dwarves who set out on the Quest to The Lonely Mountain, Gloin is the most outspoken and opinionated and is not afraid to challenge authority. He has a tendency to be quick-tempered, but he is also strong, brave and loyal. Gloin is one of the only married Dwarfs in the Company (there being a shortage of female Dwarves in general). His wife is an acclaimed beauty with a particularly fine beard. Gloin is also the proud father of a young son, Gimli, who will later grow up to become part of the famous Fellowship of the Ring.|[[Warner Bros.]]<ref name="HobbitApp">{{webcite|author=[[Warner Bros.]]|articleurl=http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hobbit-movies/id545808528|articlename=Hobbit Movies|dated=7-September-2012|website=[http://itunes.apple.com/ Apple iPhone/iPad App]|accessed=19-September-2012}}</ref>}}

===Radio series===
'''[[1955]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1956 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1956 radio series)]]:'''
:Glóin was present in the very first adaptation, but no actor was specified. He was, according to [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "someone's idea of a German". Tolkien thought he was not too bad, though a bit exaggerated.

'''[[1968]]: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Peter Baldwin]] plays Glóin.

'''[[1980]]: [[Der Hobbit (1980 German radio series)|''Der Hobbit'' (1980 German radio series)]]:'''
:Glóin is played by Herbert Weissbach.

'''[[1981]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Glóin is not present; his role at the council has been taken by Gimli.

'''[[1989]]: [[Hobit (1989 Slovak radio series)|''Hobit'' (1989 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:Glóin is present, but no actor is specified for the role of Glóin.

'''[[1992]]: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Glóin is played by Heinz Meier. He is present at the Council of Elrond.

===Games===
'''[[1982]]: [[The Hobbit (1982 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (1982 video game)]]:'''
:Glóin is omitted; Thorin is the only companion of the player, [[Bilbo Baggins]].<ref>''ZX Computing'', 8304 (April/May 1983), p. 76 <http://www.worldofspectrum.org/showmag.cgi?mag=ZXComputing/Issue8304/Pages/ZXComputing830400076.jpg> [accessed 24 March 2011]</ref>

'''[[2003]]: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:Glóin is voiced by an unspecified actor; he is portrayed as an intelligent dwarf with a black beard. He mentions his son Gimli, and how Bilbo reminds him of his son.

'''[[2006]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Glóin is a major character. Still present in Rivendell after the Council of Elrond, he teams up with [[Glorfindel]] on a campaign throughout [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion]]. He is a fierce dwarf with a reddish brown beard.

'''[[2007]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:During the time of the War of the Ring, Glóin has an official position as emissary of the King Under the Mountain. His first chronological appearance is a cameo in a brief scene showing the departure of [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s company from [[Ered Luin]]. He then appears in the [[Misty Mountains]] north of [[Rivendell]], where after the Council of Elrond Glóin and a few other dwarves establish a camp to deal with the threats in the [[High Pass]] and [[Goblin-town]].

:After the [[Battle of Dale]], Glóin returns to the Lonely Mountain and reunites with the other surviving members of Thorin's Company. Soon after [[Nori]] leads an expedition to [[Ered Mithrin]] against the orders of King [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III]] and Glóin, [[Bofur]], and the player character join [[Dori]] on a mission to rescue his brother from his own folly.

:Glóin and his companions travel through the Grey Mountains and eventually find Nori, but unlike the others Glóin does not immediately return to Erebor. Instead, he stays in the Grey Mountains where he becomes involved in Prince Durin's upcoming war against the [[Orcs]] of [[Gundabad]]. On Durin's orders Glóin and some other dwarves track down a raiding party from Gundabad through the wellsprings of [[Anduin]], eventually travelling to the northernmost outposts of the [[Beornings]]. When the war for Gundabad begins, Glóin takes the role of Commander of the Longbeard Armies.

===Others===
'''[[1989]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]]:'''
:Glóin is seen at [[Council of Elrond|the Council of Elrond]], though he has no dialogue.

'''[[1995]]: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:Glóin is depicted in ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards|The Wizards]]'' expansion on the "Glóin" card, illustrated by [[Angelo Montanini]]. The card has the following effects:
<blockquote>+2 direct influence against Blue Mountain Dwarves, +1 prowess against Orcs. +1 direct influence against Dwarves and Dwarf factions.</blockquote>

{{References}}
{{Thorin and Company}}
{{Companyroute}}
{{Councilofelrond}}
{{Hobbitfilms}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gloin}}
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[Category:Norse names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Glóin (Sohn von Gróin)]]
[[fi:Glóin (Thorinin toveri)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/nains/3a/gloin 2]]

File:Luis Bermejo - Glóin.jpg

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Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information |description = Illustration of the Glóin from ''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book), volume 2 |date = |medium = |tolkienart = |author = Luis Bermejo |source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/ |license = }} {{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}} Category:Images by Luis Bermejo Category:Images of Glóin

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Council of Elrond.jpg

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Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = [[Council of Elrond|The Council of Elrond]]
|date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author =
|source = https://www.facebook.com/RalphBakshi/posts/the-council-of-elrondthis-5-cel-setup-has-just-been-added-to-our-listingshttpsbi/1105194434295943/
|license =
}}
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of Dwarves]]
[[Category:Images of axes]]
[[Category:Images of Bilbo Baggins]]
[[Category:Images of Gandalf]]
[[Category:Images of Aragorn]]
[[Category:Images of Frodo Baggins]]
[[Category:Images of Elrond]]
[[Category:Images of Boromir]]
[[Category:Images of helmets]]
[[Category:Images of swords]]
[[Category:Images of Gimli]]
[[Category:Images of Legolas]]
[[Category:Images of Elves]]
[[Category:Images of arrows]]
[[Category:Images of bows]]
[[Category:Images of the Council of Elrond]]

Glorfindel

2026-06-02T06:36:06Z

Paccyd33:

{{short description|Emissary of the Valar & Ñoldor of the First Age}}
{{infobox character
|people = [[Noldor|Noldo]]
|name = Glorfindel
|image = Venlian - Glorfindel Before the Storm.jpg
|caption = "Glorfindel Before the Storm" by [[:Category:Images by Venlian|Venlian]]
|pronun = [[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ɡlorˈfindɛlʲ]}}
|othernames = ''Laurefindelë'' ([[Quenya|Q]])
|titles =
|position = Chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]] (before re-embodiment)
|location = [[Aman]] Presumably [[Nevrast]] [[Gondolin]] [[Rivendell]] (after re-embodiment)
|affiliation = [[Turgon]] [[Elrond]] (after re-embodiment)
|language = [[Quenya]] [[Sindarin]] [[Westron]]
|birth = During the [[Years of the Trees]]
|birthlocation = In [[Aman]]
|rule =
|death = {{FA|510}}, around [[Midsummer]]<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, ''Text D2'', entry '''510''', p. 351</ref>
|deathlocation = In [[Cirith Thoronath]], near [[Gondolin]] Was [[Incarnate#Elves|re-embodied]] before the end of the [[First Age]] and sent back to [[Middle-earth]] between {{SA|1200}} & {{SA|1600|n}}<ref name = "PoME-LW"/>{{rp|382}}
|age =
|notablefor = The slaying of a [[Balrog]] during the [[Fall of Gondolin]] Returning to Middle-earth after being re-embodied
|house = [[House of the Golden Flower]] (before re-embodiment)
|parentage = Unknown (kinship with [[Turgon]])<ref name = "PoME-LW"/>{{rp|380}}
|siblings =
|spouse =
|children =
|gender = Male<ref name = "Many Meetings">{{FR|II1}}</ref>
|height = Tall<ref name = "Many Meetings"></ref>
|hair = Golden<ref name = "Flight to the Ford">{{FR|I12}}</ref><ref name = "Many Meetings"></ref> (long)
|eyes =
|clothing =
|weapons =
|steed = [[Asfaloth]] (after re-embodiment)
}}
{{Quote|Glorfindel was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Many Meetings]]"}}
'''Glorfindel''' was a [[Noldor|Noldo]] and one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]]. During the [[First Age]], he was the lord of the [[House of the Golden Flower]] of [[Gondolin]], and died fighting a [[Balrog]]. After his [[re-embodiment]], he was allowed to come back to Middle-earth in the [[Second Age]], acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Wizards|Istari]] who were to come several years later.

==History==
===Early history===
Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. During the [[Exile of the Noldor]], he was of the host of [[Turgon]]. Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].<ref name="PoME-LW">{{PM|Last}}, "Glorfindel I & II"</ref>{{rp|380}}

===Life in Gondolin===
After the Return of the Noldor to [[Middle-earth]], Glorfindel's history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve houses of the Gondothlim|noble houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]].

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]]]]
He followed [[Turgon]] who surprisingly came to fight in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]]. When the war turned against the [[Union of Maedhros|alliance]], Turgon's and [[Fingon]]'s forces retreated to the [[Pass of Sirion]] with Glorfindel and [[Ecthelion]] guarding their flanks.<ref>{{S|20}}</ref>

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel's Bane.jpg|thumb|right|''Glorfindel's Bane'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
In the year {{FA|510}},<ref>{{WJ|Years}}, p. 351</ref> [[Morgoth]] sent a great force against Gondolin, resulting in the complete destruction of the city. The tale of this battle was well detailed in ''[[#Other versions of the legendarium|The Fall of Gondolin]]'', and long remembered by the elves. Glorfindel managed to escape the [[Fall of Gondolin]] with the [[Exiles of Gondolin|Exiles]], and after crossing [[Tumladen]] they reached the [[Cirith Thoronath]], a narrow pass between the mountains. There the survivors were attacked by an ambush of [[Orcs]] led by a [[Balrog]]. The [[Eagles]] came to help them, but Glorfindel fought the Balrog alone upon the pinnacle of a rock. Both died after falling in the abyss, and their duel is sung of by many songs. [[Thorondor]] rescued Glorfindel's body, and a cairn was raised, which remained there, covered by grass and yellow flowers, [[War of Wrath|until the world changed]].<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref>

===Re-embodiment and return to Middle-earth===
Glorfindel's spirit passed to the [[Halls of Waiting]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel's noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, Manwë allowed his re-embodiment after only a short time. Being already an Elda of great corporal and spiritual stature, in his new incarnated life his spiritual power was enhanced by his self-sacrifice. He lived in Valinor for many years in the company of the Eldar and the [[Maiar]], the latter also regarding him as an equal, for he was incarnate. At some point, he became a follower of [[Olórin]], a Maia with special concern for Middle-earth.<ref name="PoME-LW" />{{rp|380–381}}

Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]] during the [[Second Age]]. He possibly came as early as {{SA|1200}}, but more likely in {{SA|1600}},<ref name="PoME-LW" />{{rp|381–382}} at the same time as the [[Blue Wizards]].<ref>{{PM|XIII}}, "The Five Wizards", p. 384</ref> If he arrived in S.A. 1600, he arrived just after [[the One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel's mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]].<ref name="PoME-LW" />{{rp|382}} He may have played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

===Third Age===
Over time, as the few remaining great Elves of Middle-earth took ship to Aman or fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.<ref>{{App|A1iv}}</ref> Not much can be said about his deeds and role in the events and struggles of the [[Westlands]] before the [[War of the Ring]].
[[File:Anke Eißmann - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|''Glorfindel'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
During the War, he was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref name="Flight to the Ford"></ref>

After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Whatever his role, he survived and joined Elrond's company to the Wedding of Elessar.<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed into the West, perhaps accompanying the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and [[the One Ring]]. Or he may have remained in Middle-earth for some time to oversee the post-war recovery before eventually departing for [[Valinor]].

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Glorfindel.mp3|Ardamir}}
With the development of the [[Elvish]] languages, the name ''Glorfindel'' had different etymologies, ultimately meaning the same.

The early [[Gnomish]] conception meant "Goldtress" or "Goldlocks". At this stage of the legendarium, [[Tolkien]] considered many other variants, like ''Glorfinn'' or ''Glorfing''.<ref>{{LT2|Appendix}}, entry "Glorfindel"</ref> [[Qenya]] cognates were '''''Laurifindl''''' or '''''Kulufindl'''''.<ref>{{PE|13}}, p. 104</ref>

At the [[Noldorin]] stage, the name was composed of the words ''[[glaur]]'' ("gold") + ''findel/finnel'' ("braided hair"),<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, entries "[[LAWAR]]", "SPIN"</ref> but it is not properly glossed.

In the final [[Sindarin]] conception, ''Glorfindel'' meant "Golden-hair", from ''glaur'' ("gold") + ''findel'' ("head of hair").<ref name="Eldarin">{{PE|17}}</ref>{{rp|17}} It was supposedly derived from the [[Quenya]] form '''''Laurefindelë'''''.<ref name="Eldarin" />{{rp|119}} Tolkien also created a [[Primitive Quendian]] version: ''Malaphindë'' ("Goldilocks"), which is mentioned as an ''[[anessë]]'' (a given name).<ref>{{PE|21}}, p. 86</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | |F|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7| |}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | | | | | |:| |}}
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | | | | | |:| |}}
{{familytree | | | TUR |y| ELE | | | | GLO |GLO='''GLORFINDEL''' ''b. {{YT}}''|TUR=[[Turgon]] ''{{YT|1300}} - {{FA|510}}''|ELE=[[Elenwë]] ''d. {{YT|1500}}''}}
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | TUO |y| IDR | | | | | | | | |IDR=[[Idril]] ''b. {{YT}}''|TUO=[[Tuor]] ''b. {{FA|472}}''}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | EAR | | | | | | | | | | |EAR=[[Eärendil]] ''b. {{FA|503}}''}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Other versions of the legendarium==
===Early legendarium===
====''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]''====
The most detailed text about the deeds of Glorfindel during the Fall of Gondolin is the chapter "[[The Fall of Gondolin (chapter)|The Fall of Gondolin]]", in ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]]''. There he is described as the chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], who bore a rayed sun upon their shields. He wore a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, decorated with celandine "as a field in spring", while his arms were [[Uncommon words#D|damascened]] with "cunning gold".<ref name="Gondolin">{{LT2|III}}</ref>{{rp|173}}

Glorfindel witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered) to hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[Orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking the enemy by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[Dragons|dragon]] came and levelled their ranks. Glorfindel, with some of the strongest of his followers, cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have all been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]], ambushing their pursuers. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the houses to be driven in.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|182}}

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor (elf of Gondolin)|Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defence of the King's Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel's job in going from place to place, strengthening the defences. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondothlim a little more time.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|183–4}} After King Turgon ordered the survivors to follow Tuor, they fled southward, and Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|186}}

After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's secret way]], and passed through the [[Cristhorn]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded. It was at that time that a Balrog and a contingent of Orcs ambushed their company.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|192–3}} There Glorfindel saved the lives of the [[Exiles of Gondolin]] when he defied the Balrog:
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|''Glorfindel and the Balrog above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]

{{blockquote|Then Glorfindel leapt forward upon him and his golden armour gleamed strangely in the moon, and he hewed at that demon that it leapt again upon a great boulder and Glorfindel after. Now there was a deadly combat upon that high rock above the folk; and these, pressed behind and hindered ahead, were grown so close that well nigh all could see, yet was it over ere Glorfindel's men could leap to his side. The ardour of Glorfindel drave that Balrog from point to point, and his mail fended him from its whip and claw. Now had he beaten a heavy swinge upon its iron helm, now hewn off the creature's whip-arm at the elbow. Then sprang the Balrog in the torment of his pain and fear full at Glorfindel, who stabbed like a dart of a snake; but he found only a shoulder, and was grappled, and they swayed to a fall upon the crag-top. Then Glorfindel's left hand sought a dirk, and this he thrust up that it pierced the Balrog's belly nigh his own face (for that demon was double his stature); and it shrieked, and fell backwards from the rock, and falling clutched Glorfindel's yellow locks beneath his cap, and those twain fell into the abyss.}}

The [[Noldoli]] still mourned the death of Glorfindel, and every time the [[Eldar]] saw a powerful fight between good and evil, they still said: "''Alas! 'Tis Glorfindel and the Balrog''". After the body of Glorfindel was recovered by Thorndor, Tuor allowed the folk of the Golden Flower to rise a cairn for him, there near the dangerous [[Thorn Sir]]. Despite being a unkindly place, yellow flowers grew upon the mound, and the place was always protected by Thorndor.<ref name="Gondolin" />{{rp|194}}

====''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''====
In a hasty note about the Council of Elrond, Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was never developed.<ref name="Ancestry">{{RS|1XI}}, p. 214</ref>

Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in a way taking the place of [[Legolas]].<ref>{{RS|4XXIII}}, pp. 397-8, 406</ref>

===Later legendarium===
====''[[The War of the Jewels]]''====
While composing the chapter about [[Maeglin]], [[Tolkien]] considered Glorfindel, [[Ecthelion]] and [[Egalmoth]] as the escort of Aredhel when she left the [[Gondolin|Hidden City]] in her way to visit [[Fingon]].<ref name="Maeglin" />{{rp|318}} However, in the published ''[[Silmarillion]]'', [[Christopher Tolkien]] didn't mention any of the escorts of Aredhel, based on a note in which his father discussed about the motives of Celegorm and Curufin of not sending any message to Gondolin about Aredhel. Tolkien decided that it was necessary ''not'' to name the most eminent and bravest chieftains as Aredhel's escort, as they would have sought for her beyond the [[Iant Iaur]].<ref name="Maeglin">{{WJ|Maeglin}}</ref>{{rp|328}}

====''[[Last Writings]]''====
Tolkien first suggested that Glorfindel returned to Middle-earth about {{TA|1000}}, with [[Gandalf]].<ref name="PoME-LW" />{{rp|377}} But he later realized that Glorfindel only could come ''before'' the end of the Second Age and the [[Drowning of Númenor]], as with the [[Changing of the World]] Aman was removed from the [[Circles of the World]] and no living embodied creature could return from there. This was directly decreed by [[Ilúvatar]] to favour the [[Dominion of Men]]. It seems improbable that Manwë would have obtained special permission and devised a way of transportation, as that would seem to give Glorfindel an excessive importance.<ref name="PoME-LW" />{{rp|381–2}}

As told above, Glorfindel might have come as early as {{SA|1200}} and the years following, or as late as {{SA|1600}}. Although Tolkien declared the first to be possible, he favoured the last as the most probable.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. In adaptations, there is usually not enough time to properly introduce a character that has little to do with the main plot. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.

===Glorfindel in adaptations===
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:Sagan om Ringen - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|Sagan om Ringen]]''
File:Luis Bermejo - Glorfindel.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]]
File:Randy Gallegos - Glorfindel II.png|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Glorfindel.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
File:BFME2 - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Lego The Lord of the Rings The Video Game - Glorfindel.jpg|''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]''
</gallery>
'''[[1971]]: [[Sagan om Ringen (1971 film)|''Sagan om Ringen'' (1971 film)]]:'''
:This short Swedish adaptation of the first half of the Fellowship of the Ring is unusual among film adaptations in that it shows Glorfindel fight the Nazgûl rather than have another character absorb his role.

'''[[1978]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:In this adaptation, the role of Glorfindel was taken by [[Legolas]]. In a simplification of that character, and as a reason for ''his'' coming, he is portrayed as an Elf of Rivendell rather than [[Mirkwood]].

'''[[1981]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by [[John Webb]]. Because the part of [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]] was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the [[Quenya]] greeting ''[[Elen síla lúmenn' omentielvo]]'' to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two [[Sindarin]] lines, ''[[A na vedui, Dúnadan!]]'' and ''[[Noro lim, noro lim, Asfaloth!]]'', though he says them with a heavy English accent. Glorfindel's role at the Council of Elrond is omitted. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".

'''[[1988]]: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''
:Glorfindel is a powerful playable character once [[the One Ring|the Ring]] passes the [[Last Bridge]], who leads the Fellowship to [[Rivendell]].

'''[[1989]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]]:'''
:Being loosely based on [[Ralph Bakshi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|1978 film adaptation]], it is [[Legolas]] meets with [[Aragorn]] and [[Travellers|the Travellers]] on [[Asfaloth]]. Later, unlike the film, Glorfindel appears at [[Council of Elrond|the Council of Elrond]], though he has no dialogue.

'''[[1992]]: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Glorfindel is played by Stefan Schwartz.

'''[[1995]]: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:Glorfindel appears in ''The Wizards'' expansion. He is named Glorfindel II, though is still intended to be the Glorfindel from The Fellowship of the Ring. The most likely explanation for this would be that the creator of the card was unaware that The Silmarillion's Glorfindel was the same character as the one that appears in Fellowship.

'''[[1996]]: ''J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit: An Adventure Play''''':
:In this children's theater script by Edward Mast, the show opens with [[Bilbo Baggins]] putting on a shadow play for the audience of Glorfindel's battle with the Balrog at the Fall of Gondolin to establish his love of telling adventurous tales. The allure of having his own story just as adventurous, though hopefully with a less tragic end, plays a role in convincing Bilbo to join [[Thorin Oakenshield]]'s company.

'''[[2001]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. [[Peter Jackson]] decided to have [[Arwen]] meet the travellers and then ride on [[Asfaloth]].

'''[[2001]]: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Glorfindel is provided by Marián Zednikovič.

'''[[2002]]: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: ''A na vedui, Dúnadan'', like in the book, and ''Mae govannen, mellon'' (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from [[Gildor|a group of Elves travelling near the Shire]] - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines ''Noro lim, Asfaloth'', though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.

'''[[2003]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:[[Decipher]] made two [[The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game|cards]] featuring extra [[Jarl Benzon]] as Glorfindel, one of them being at the Coronation of Elessar.<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://scrapbook.theonering.net/scrapbook/movies/characters/other/view/12658|articlename=Glorfindel's Cameo in ROTK!|dated=|website=TORN|accessed=15 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070323204416/http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/04/040504lotrwetafalconer.html|articlename=The Making of the Weta "Book Cards": An Interview With Weta Workshop's Daniel Falconer|dated=5 April 2004|website=Decipher.com (archived)|accessed=15 October 2013}}</ref> He is briefly seen in the film at Aragorn's coronation when Arwen is revealed.

'''[[2006]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the [[War of the Ring]]. Together with [[Glóin]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], Glorfindel fights in several places in northern [[Eriador]] and [[Rhovanion]]. He is voiced by [[Jason Carter]], and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]]''. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of [[Arvedui]].

'''[[2007]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Glorfindel is featured in an extended flashback sequence depicting the [[War of the Last Alliance]]. During this time, he is the leader of the Bright Company, a group of [[High Elves]] who fighting to rid [[Middle-earth]] of [[Sauron]]'s evil long before that war and who continue their duty long after.
:In the present day, Glorfindel can be found in Rivendell just south of the [[Rivendell|Last Homely House]]. He is involved in the campaign against [[Angmar]] during the main story and also talks to the player after defeating the [[balrog]] Thaurlach. Glorfindel disappears in the final weeks of the [[War of the Ring]] and the player tracks him across Middle-Earth to summon him to the Council of Elf-Lords between [[Thranduil]], [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. He joins the procession that escorts Lady [[Arwen]] to [[Minas Tirith]] for her wedding; along the way Glorfindel and [[Elrond]] assist [[Gandalf]] and the player in uncovering a mystery within the [[Gladden Fields]].

'''[[2012]]: ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game]]'':'''
:Glorfindel is purchasable as an optional player character in DLC character pack 2 for use in free play and on the open world. He is portrayed with light tan hair (rather than yellow blond like Legolas), wears an outfit which is a mix of light blue robe parts and silver armour whilst wearing a light blue cape. He wields a bow of the Galadhrim and also carries a golden Elvish longsword (all Elvish longswords appear gold in the game). Glorfindel is one of the most proficient fighter characters in the game.

'''[[2022]]4- ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
:According to the showrunners, Glorfindel will make an appearance in a later season of ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]''.<ref>{{webcite|author=Adam B. Vary, Jordan Moreau, Jennifer Maas|articleurl=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/rings-of-power-season-2-trailer-sauron-comic-con-1236080231/|articlename=‘Rings of Power’ Season 2 Trailer: A New Fellowship Forms to Battle Sauron in ‘Lord of the Rings’ Prequel|dated=26 July 2024|website=[https://variety.com Variety]|accessed=}}</ref>

====Collectibles====
[[Gentle Giant]] produced a ''Glorfindel Mini Bust'' for [[Comic-Con 2007]], based on Glorfindel's appearance in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II|EA's ''The Battle for Middle-earth II'']].

{{References}}
{{Councilofelrond}}
{{HousesofGondolin}}
[[Category:Calaquendi]]
[[Category:Characters in The Book of Lost Tales]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:First Age characters]]
[[Category:Gnomish names]]
[[Category:Gondolindrim]]
[[Category:Noldor]]
[[Category:Noldorin names]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Glorfindel]]
[[fi:Glorfindel]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/elfes/noldor/glorfindel]]

File:Luis Bermejo - Glorfindel.jpg

2026-06-02T06:34:32Z

Paccyd33: Paccyd33 uploaded a new version of File:Luis Bermejo - Glorfindel.jpg

File:Luis Bermejo - Glorfindel.jpg

2026-06-02T06:01:29Z

Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information |description = Illustration of the Glorfindel from ''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book), volume 2 |date = |medium = |tolkienart = |author = Luis Bermejo |source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/ |license = }} {{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}} Category:Images by Luis Bermejo Category:Images of Glorfindel

Battle of Moria

2026-06-02T02:25:51Z

Paccyd33: Redirected page to Battle of Azanulbizar

#REDIRECT [[Battle of Azanulbizar]]

Andúril

2026-05-30T09:44:57Z

Paccyd33:

{{disambig-more|Andúril|[[Andúril (disambiguation)]]}}
{{object infobox
|name = Andúril
|image = Artigas - Anduril Flame of the West.jpg
|caption = ''Andúril, Flame of the West'' by [[:Category:Images by Artigas|Artigas]]
|pronun = {{respell|an|doo|ril}}
|othernames = ''Flame of the West''
|location =
|owner = [[Aragorn]], [[Eldarion]], [[High King of the Dúnedain|High Kings of the Dúnedain]]
|type = Weapon
|appearance = Long sword
|creator = Elven-smiths, reforged from [[Narsil]] (created by [[Telchar|Telchar of Nogrod]])
|created = {{TA|3018}}
|createdlocation = [[Rivendell]]
|destroyer =
|destroyed =
|destroyedlocation =
|notablefor =
}}
<center>{{Quote|Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.|[[Riddle of Strider]]}}</center>
'''Andúril''' was the name for the sword '''[[Narsil]]''' after its reforging in [[Third Age 3018]] for [[Aragorn]], the heir of [[Isildur]].

==Appearance==
Its blade had engraved the designs of [[Seven Stars]] between the rayed [[Sun]] and the crescent [[Moon]],<ref name=South>{{FR|South}}, at the beginning of the chapter in Rivendell</ref> symbols of [[Elendil]], and his sons [[Anárion]] and [[Isildur]]. It also had many [[cirth]]. The sword was very bright, with the light of the sun making it shine red, and in the light of the moon it shined cold.<ref name=South/> Later, it was given an Elven [[Andúril's sheath|sheath]] with a tracery of flowers and leaves wrought of silver and gold and the name Andúril and the lineage of the sword set in elven runes formed of gems.<ref name=Farewell>{{FR|Farewell}}, at the beginning of the chapter in Lórien</ref>

==History==
Narsil was a symbol of the kingship of [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], but was broken at the end of the [[Second Age]]. Its fragments remained an heirloom for the [[Kings of Arnor]], and the [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]].

[[Boromir]], son of the [[Stewards of Gondor|Steward of Gondor]], travelled to [[Rivendell]] for the [[Council of Elrond]] because of the prophetic dream of his brother [[Faramir]]. The dream told him to "[[seek for the Sword that was broken]]".<ref name="CoE">{{FR|Council}}</ref>
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|left|"The Reforging of the Sword" by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
Finally, after three thousand years, when [[Aragorn]] set out for the [[War of the Ring]], Narsil was reforged by Elven smiths of Rivendell, and Aragorn renamed it "Andúril".

Aragorn carried the sword during his journey south as part of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], and fought with it, the '''Sword That Was Broken''' or the '''Sword Reforged'''. In his departure of [[Lothlórien]], the first of the [[Gifts of Galadriel]] was [[Andúril's sheath]], specially made for it.<ref Name=Farewell/>

Aragorn often used the sword to help establish his credentials as the [[Heir of Isildur]] and the throne of Gondor.<ref>{{TT|Riders}}, when he met Éomer</ref><ref name=King>{{TT|King}}, when he was about to enter the Golden Hall</ref>

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Anduril.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Andúril'' means "Flame of the West" in [[Quenya]],<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 34 (form: ''Andūril'')</ref> composed of ''[[andúnë]]'' ("west") and ''[[ril]]'' ("brilliance"). "West" here refers to [[Númenor]].

==Inspiration==
Broken swords that are reforged are also seen in the ''Volsungasaga'' and the ''Nibelungenlied''.<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.tolkiensociety.org/app/uploads/2016/11/Anglo-Saxon-Part-2.pdf|articlename=''Tolkien Society Anglo-Saxon Study Pack 2''|dated=2014|website=TS|accessed=4 January 2020}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Andúril.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:Ron Chironna - Palantir of Orthanc.jpg|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:Noble Collection - Andúril.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Andúril.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Irvin Rodriguez - Andúril, Flame of the West.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>
'''[[1978]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Narsil is reforged after Rivendell, though this reforging is not shown. Neither Narsil nor Andúril are named.

'''[[1981]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Narsil is reforged after Rivendell, and Aragorn carries Andúril thereafter.

'''[[2001]]: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Because of Aragorn's ''warrior''-persona in this video game, Andúril merely serves as a melee weapon upgrade after Rivendell.<ref name="Veugen">Connie Veugen, "'A Man, lean, dark, tall': Aragorn Seen Through Different Media", published in ''[[Reconsidering Tolkien]]'' (edited by [[Thomas M. Honegger]] ([http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf read in PDF]))</ref> Aragorn does not use the broken sword at any point prior. Notably, the sword's blade is constantly illuminated; it glows red during the day, and blue at night. In the game's credits, artist Jason Rosenstock is explicitly mentioned as the designer of Andúril.<ref>[[Vivendi]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', User Manual, page 22, "Aragorn Sword Design"</ref>

'''[[2001]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Narsil remains broken and Andúril is not reforged in the Fellowship of the Ring movie. Shards of Narsil are kept on a display in [[Rivendell]].

'''[[2002]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:In ''[[The Two Towers]]'', when asked by [[Háma]] to disarm outside [[Meduseld]], Aragorn is very reluctant, saying that normally he would give up his weapon, "if I bore now any sword but Andúril".<ref name=King/> This scene and dialogue is omitted from the film on the grace that the sword Aragorn surrenders there was not Andúril.

'''[[2003]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Andúril is not forged from the shards of Narsil until late in the third film. [[Elrond]] had the sword reforged only after [[Arwen]]'s pleading. He then took the sword to Aragorn in the camp of the [[Rohirrim]] at [[Dunharrow]]. Aragorn's acceptance of the sword, along with his decision at that time to take the [[Paths of the Dead]], showed his willingness to accept his destiny of becoming king.

:In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition)|extended edition]], the [[Mouth of Sauron]] refers to the blade as Elvish; this could either be a reference to its reforging or a mistake on behalf of the writers.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Peter Jackson]], [[Fran Walsh]], [[Philippa Boyens]] (adaptors), [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (extended edition)]], "[[The Mouth of Sauron (scene)|The Mouth of Sauron]]"</ref>
:Design-wise, Andúril does not differ significantly from its predecessor, Narsil. The only notable difference is the Elvish inscription running up the length of the blade.

'''[[2003]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Andúril is represented as a permanent upgrade called "Andúril's Fury" for Aragorn, who is represented as a hero unit. It makes his sword glow white as well as increasing his damage greatly, with bonus damage against enemy Heroes, Wraiths, and the Nazgûl.

'''[[2007]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The reforging of Narsil is experienced by the player in the quest arc called "The Blade that was Broken". The player sets out to find the last of the Silithair, shining adamants crafted by Elves of the house of [[Fëanor]] in days of old, in order for the Elven smiths of Imladris to reforge the sword into Andúril.<ref>[http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Quest_Arc:The_Blade_That_Was_Broken Quest Arc: The Blade That Was Broken], Lorebook, lotro.com</ref>

{{References}}
{{Weapons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Anduril}}
[[Category:Quenya names]]
[[Category:Swords]]
[[de:Andúril]]
[[fr:encyclo:artefacts:armes:anduril]]
[[fi:Andúril]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Andúril.jpg

2026-05-30T09:43:07Z

Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information |description = Aragorn with Andúril |date = November 15 1978 |medium = |tolkienart = |author = |source = https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=787621222719934&set=pb.100044161912898.-2207520000&type=3 |license = }} {{Fairuse-Warnerbros}} Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) Category:Images of horses Category:Images of Aragorn Category:Images of Andúril

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = [[Aragorn]] with [[Andúril]]
|date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author =
|source = https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=787621222719934&set=pb.100044161912898.-2207520000&type=3
|license =
}}
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of horses]]
[[Category:Images of Aragorn]]
[[Category:Images of Andúril]]

Éored

2026-05-30T07:17:40Z

Paccyd33:

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Riders of Rohan.jpg|thumb|250px|''The Riders of Rohan'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
An '''Éored''' was a division of the [[Rohirrim]] consisting of a considerable body of men, fully trained for war, who might serve for a specific term or sometimes as a permanent group. In the early history of [[Rohan]], the number could vary, but in the days of King [[Folcwine]], a "full Éored" was defined as 120 men (including its captain) and was one hundredth part of the Full Muster of the Riders of the Mark."<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, note 36</ref> In times of war each [[First Marshal of the Riddermark|Marshal of the Mark]] had as part of his "household" an Éored ready for battle that he could use at his own discretion. If the king were riding to war, his Éored was called "the King's Company".<ref>{{UT|Isen}}, Appendix (ii)</ref>

In {{TA|1899}}, when King [[Calimehtar (King of Gondor)|Calimehtar]] of [[Gondor]] fought the [[Wainriders]],<ref>{{App|TA}}</ref> his cavalry joined with a great Éored led by [[Marhwini]] to attack the enemy in the flank and rear (this was when an Éored did not have a strictly determined size).<ref>{{UT|Cirion}}, ''The Northmen and the Wainriders''</ref>

In {{TA|3019}}, the Éored that [[Éomer]] used to pursue the [[Orcs]] to the border of [[Fangorn Forest]] had 120 men - [[Legolas]] counted 105 and Éomer stated that 15 men had been lost (and 12 horses).<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref> Later, when King [[Théoden]] rode to [[Minas Tirith]], [[Elfhelm]] commanded the Éored in which [[Dernhelm]] (and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]) rode.<ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The word "''Éored''" actually was used by the [[Old English|Anglo-Saxon]]s to denote a division.

{{References}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eored}}
[[Category:Armies]]
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[de:Éored]]
[[fi:Éored]]

Bree-landers

2026-05-30T07:10:15Z

Paccyd33:

{{Quote|The [[Big Folk]] and the [[Little Folk]] (as they called one another) were on friendly terms, minding their own affairs in their own ways, but both rightly regarding themselves as necessary parts of the Bree-folk.|[[At the Sign of the Prancing Pony]]}}
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Bree-landers.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Bree-landers in ''[[The Prancing Pony]]'' - [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]]]
The '''Bree-landers''' or '''Bree-folk''' were the peoples who inhabited the [[Bree-land]], [[Men]] and [[Hobbits]] who lived peaceably side by side. These two races, identified individually as the [[Bree-hobbits]] (the [[Little Folk]]) and the [[Men of Bree|Bree-men]] (the [[Big Folk]]).<ref name="pony">{{FR|I9}}</ref>

Their main settlements were four communities scattered around the [[Bree-hill]]: [[Bree]] itself, [[Staddle]], [[Combe]] and [[Archet]].

==History==
The Men who would eventually become them were among the first to come west during the [[Elder Days]]. They would evidently stay in the area, as when the Numenoreans returned to Middle-earth in the Second Age, they found the Bree-landers still present.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}, p. 195</ref>

Bree-hobbits similarly had an unclear origin, but tended to regard themselves as the oldest colony of hobbits in the world. They would settle in Staddle for the most part, though some would live in Bree proper as well. The two races of Hobbits and Men lived peacably with each other, but generally tended to mind their own business.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}, p. 196</ref>

After the War of the Ring and the refounding of [[Arnor]], the Bree-landers became subjects of King [[Aragorn|Elessar]], who had once operated in the area under the name of Strider.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}, p. 1301-1302</ref>

==Culture==
They were a generally friendly folk, at least until the upheavals brought about by the [[War of the Ring]]. They had some dealings with the [[Shire-hobbits]], though the road between Bree and their 'colony' of the Shire was less traveled by the late [[Third Age]].

Bree measured time with the [[Bree Calendar]]<ref>{{App|Calendars}}</ref> which is obviously a Hobbitish localization of the [[King's Reckoning]].<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Andreas Moehn]]|articlename=The Reckoning of Time|articleurl=http://lalaith.vpsurf.de/Tolkien/Time.html|website=Lalaith}}</ref>

They maintained their own dialect of [[Westron]]. The "Bree-dialect" did not use words like "history" and "geography" much<ref name="pony" /> betraying a disinterest in lore and the outside world.

{{References}}
[[Category:Arnor]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[fi:Briin ihmiset]]
[[Category:Bree-land]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Bree-landers.jpg

2026-05-30T07:09:19Z

Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information | description = Bree-landers in The Prancing Pony | date = November 15 1978 | medium = | tolkienart = | author = | source = https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1037370094411711 | license = }} {{Fairuse-Warnerbros}} Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) Category:Images of Men Category:Images of Hobbits Category:Images of The Prancing Pony

== Summary ==
{{Information
| description = [[Bree-landers]] in [[The Prancing Pony]]
| date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
| medium =
| tolkienart =
| author =
| source = https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1037370094411711
| license =
}}
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[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of Men]]
[[Category:Images of Hobbits]]
[[Category:Images of The Prancing Pony]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Gandalf.jpg

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[[Category:Images of Gandalf]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg

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Frodo Baggins

2026-05-30T06:41:42Z

Paccyd33:

{{short description|Ring-bearer of the Third Age}}{{header image|shire}}
{{Disambig-two|the Ring-bearer|son of [[Samwise Gamgee]]|[[Frodo Gardner]]}}
{{infobox character
| ribbonid = test
| ribboncolor = #90a26f
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Frodo Baggins
| image=Matt Stewart - Frodo Baggins.webp
| caption="Frodo Baggins" by [[Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[#Other names|See below]]''
| titles=
| position=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Crickhollow]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=53
| notablefor=Bearing the [[One Ring]] to the land of [[Mordor]], and bringing it to the [[Cracks of Doom]]
| family=[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]
| parentage=[[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]]
| siblings=
| spouse=Never married
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than some Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| hair=Brown<ref group="note">In the chapter "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]", [[Nob]] says to Frodo: "And I made a nice imitation of your head with a brown woollen mat"</ref>
| skin=Fairer than most Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=[[Mithril coat]], [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]]
| weapons=[[Sting]]
| steed=[[Strider (pony)|Strider]]
}}

{{quote|And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, [[Hador]], and [[Húrin]], and [[Túrin]], and [[Beren]] himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them.|Elrond to Frodo Baggins in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

'''Frodo Baggins''' was a [[Hobbits|hobbit]] of the [[Third Age]], the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. During this epic quest, he bore [[the One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]] and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other [[Hobbits|Halfling]] throughout [[Middle-earth]]. He is also peculiar for being, as a [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], one of the only three Hobbits to be granted passage from Middle-earth to [[Aman]], the [[Undying Lands]].

==History==
===Childhood and youth===
Frodo, child of the respectable [[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]], was born on [[22 September]] of {{TA|2968}}. After his parents died in a boating accident in {{TA|2980|n}}, Frodo went to live in [[Brandy Hall]] with his mother’s relatives, the [[Brandybucks]]. He grew up under the guardianship of the [[Master of Buckland]] [[Rorimac Brandybuck|Rorimac "Goldfather" Brandybuck]], who was his maternal uncle. Frodo was caught several times stealing [[mushrooms]] from [[Farmer Maggot]], who, on the last incident, thrashed Frodo and set his three dogs to chase Frodo from [[Bamfurlong]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. Frodo was terrified of them afterwards.<ref>{{FR|14}}: "''though I daresay the beasts knew their business...''"</ref>

Frodo stayed in Buckland until his "uncle" [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] adopted him and took him in to live in [[Bag End]], Bilbo's house in [[Hobbiton]]. He enjoyed life with Bilbo, with whom he shared the same birthday - though others often called the old hobbit "queer." Bilbo taught him to read, and told him stories of the past, even giving him some instruction in the [[elvish]] tongue. Frodo was the only one Bilbo allowed to read [[There and Back Again|his memoirs]]. Bilbo made Frodo his heir, frustrating the attempts of the disagreeable [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Baggins]]es, who coveted the estate of Bag End.<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref>

The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the [[Water-valley]] and talked about adventure; they were sometimes seen by [[Wandering Companies]] of [[Elves]], though the hobbits did not see them. When they returned home, Bilbo would tell Frodo that the Road is like a massive river, and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

Frodo and Bilbo were comfortable and well off until {{TA|3001}}. At this time, Bilbo threw an enormous [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|party]] to celebrate his 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd, the date of Frodo's coming of age. At this party Bilbo gave his farewell speech, and made his long-planned "disappearance" and withdrawal from [[the Shire]]. Frodo, who had been informed beforehand of the "joke", as Bilbo called it, was spared the shock that afflicted the other assembled Hobbits. Frodo returned home as the new Master of Bag End, as per [[Bilbo's will]]. He was greeted there by [[Gandalf]], who informed him that, among other things, Frodo had inherited Bilbo's [[One Ring|magic ring]].

===Master of Bag End===
[[File:Eric Faure-Brac - Bag End.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Bag End'' by Eric Faure-Brac]]
Frodo took charge of distributing the presents Bilbo had left for the other hobbits, a long and tiring task. Then [[Gandalf]] the [[Wizards|wizard]], who had come for the festivities, warned Frodo not to use the magic ring, and to keep it secret and safe. Then he left, Frodo knew not where, with his mind full of curiosity about the ring. A suspicion was growing in the back of the Wizard's mind, but Gandalf did not yet know what it was.

Frodo, meanwhile, was quite well off. He continued honouring Bilbo every year along with his own birthday. He had also inherited some strange customs from Bilbo, like wandering by himself at nights far from home in the hills and woods under the starlight. His closest friends at this time were [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], also [[Folco Boffin]] and [[Fredegar Bolger]], and other cousins from the family of the [[Old Took]]. Like Bilbo, Frodo continued to look robust and energetic even in his forties, and dreamed of one day seeing mountains and wilderness; he often wondered what lay beyond the borders of the Shire, and as he grew older, he would travel further and further from home. His friends were worried, and suspected that he met [[Elves]] and other strangers that had begun to be more common sights in the Shire. These strangers bore strange tales of unrest from lands far-off.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Still, he lived in peace and respectability for seventeen years, until Gandalf returned with the dreadful revelation that the "magic ring" was really the [[One Ring]], weapon of [[Sauron]], a thing of evil power thousands of years old. Furthermore, the Dark Lord was now aware of its survival, and would be searching for it, as [[Gollum]] had revealed - under torture - that it was to be found in the Shire. After a long discussion and a test by fire, which revealed the [[Black Speech]] written upon the ring, the two agreed that Frodo would have to leave the Shire for his own safety. [[Samwise Gamgee]], the gardener, was selected to travel with him. Gandalf recommended Rivendell as a destination, as the road was likely safe and the valley well-protected. He told Frodo to take the alias [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] while abroad. Frodo was reluctant, but wisely followed the wizard's advice. He bought a house in [[Crickhollow]] as an excuse to head east.

Gandalf stayed for two months while Frodo worked out the details. At the end of that time the wizard left to "get some news", as rather disturbing tidings had come to his ears. He promised to be back for the farewell party. Meanwhile, Frodo was not aware that some of his closest friends were watching him - [[Fredegar Bolger|Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger]], his cousin [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin "Pippin" Took]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]], and Sam himself knew that Frodo and Gandalf were in some trouble concerning the Ring, and that Frodo was preparing for some adventure.

As autumn passed, Frodo was waiting for Gandalf, but did not return and Frodo grew quite anxious. Merry and Fatty drove the cart of Frodo's belongings ahead, while Frodo still waited for Gandalf. At the last possible day, he gave up waiting and departed with Pippin and Sam.

===Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Last Sight of Hobbiton.jpg|thumb|300px|''Last Sight of Hobbiton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Less than a day into their journey, Frodo, strangely nervous, requested that the threesome hide upon the approach of a [[Nazgûl|horseman]]. The rider was dressed in black, riding upon a black horse, and making queer sniffling noises. Frodo felt the urge to put on the Ring and vanish, but just as he was about to give in, the rider departed at a trot. Samwise then remarked upon the "[[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]" that had spoken to his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee]], some time earlier. This made Frodo wish that he had waited for Gandalf.

That night, they were again overtaken by a Black Horseman. This time it seemed to be able to sniff out their hiding place. But as it approached, it was driven away by the song of a group of [[Elves]]. Their leader, [[Gildor]], greeted the hobbits warmly, and lauded Frodo for his knowledge of their tongue. Frodo tried to get information from Gildor on the Black Riders, but the elf would tell him very little. Gildor foresaw that Frodo would have many dealings with the Riders in the future, and urged him to flee them whenever he met them. He and his party left the Hobbits before daybreak, while the three slept.
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Farmer Maggot's Hospitality.jpg|thumb|275px|''Farmer Maggot's Hospitality'' by [[the Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
The next day the threesome agreed to stay off the road. After a brief scare when Sam sighted a Rider, they worried about losing their way. That evening they heard a terrible wail, and Frodo distinguished words in it. Before long they came to [[Bamfurlong]], the property of [[Farmer Maggot]]. Although Pippin knew Maggot, Frodo recalled a scare he had received at a young age after caught stealing the farmer’s mushrooms, being threatened with the dogs. He froze when the dogs came forth from the house, but Maggot's hospitality soon won him over. When Maggot told of a Black Rider who had stopped at his house asking for "Baggins," and made several shrewd guesses, Frodo grew uncomfortable. Maggot took them to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in his wagon. There they joined up with Merry. As they were ferried across into [[Buckland]], they caught sight of a dark shape on the landing from which they had come.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
[[File:Miriam Ellis - Wake now, my merry friends!.jpg|thumb|250px|right|''Wake now, my merry friends!'' by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
When they reached the house in Crickhollow, the other hobbits revealed their knowledge of the One Ring and promised to stick with Frodo on the road to [[Rivendell]]. The next morning, leaving Fatty to housesit, they passed into the [[Old Forest]]. In time they were driven by the trees down to the [[Withywindle]], where they were ensnared by [[Old Man Willow]]. Rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]], the hobbits came to his house. There they met Tom's wife, [[Goldberry]], and Frodo was moved to poetry over her loveliness. He was interested in Bombadil himself, and several times tried to learn who he was. That night he dreamed of a white-haired figure on a pinnacle of stone, borne away by an eagle.

The next day Frodo tried on the Ring, after finding it had no effect on Bombadil. Not subject to the Ring’s power, Tom nevertheless could see Frodo. That night Frodo dreamed once more, a dream he never forgot.

{{Blockquote|Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]"}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After bidding Tom and Goldberry farewell, the Hobbits went on and traveled through the [[barrow-downs]]. Becoming lost in the mist, they were taken by the [[barrow-wights]], Frodo last of all. Frodo woke in the barrow to find the barrow-wight bending over his three friends. He rose and in a tremendous act of bravery and resilience took a sword and smote off the wight's hand. Then he summoned Bombadil with a [[Ho! Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo!|song]] Tom had taught him. Bombadil drove the wight away and helped Frodo wake the others. Tom gave the hobbits ponies and escorted them all to the road before turning his face back toward the Withywindle. The hobbits continued along the road to Bree, where they took lodging at [[The Prancing Pony]] inn as Bombadil had recommended, with Frodo registering under the name of [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] as Gandalf had suggested.

===Strider and Weathertop===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Strider in The Prancing Pony.jpg|thumb|200px|''Strider in The Prancing Pony'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
While Merry went out to take a walk in the night air, the other hobbits came down to the common-room and were introduced by the landlord [[Barliman Butterbur]] to the gathering, Frodo under his alias. Frodo asked if Gandalf was present in Bree, only to learn that he had not yet arrived. While Pippin and Sam enjoyed the drink and conversation, Frodo remained withdrawn, soon falling into conversation with a curious [[Rangers of the North|ranger]] called [[Aragorn|Strider]], who gave him a warning about letting his friends talk to much. Pippin began to tell about [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Birthday Party]], and Frodo, at Strider’s encouragement and in an attempt to prevent the name of Baggins from being raised, began to sing ''[[The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late]]''. This proved popular with the gathering, but unfortunately, as Frodo relaxed, he fell from the table and the Ring slipped on his finger, causing him to vanish.
[[File:Donato Giancola - New Friendship.png|thumb|left|''New Friendship'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
Frodo crawled over to Strider's corner and slipped off the Ring, and said that he had rolled quickly to the side. The suspicious Breelanders, however, grew angry or frightened, and eventually all left the common-room. Frodo and his comrades retired to their room, where they found Strider waiting to talk to them. Strider was honest and blunt, telling what he had overheard and what he knew of them, as well as warning them of the Black Riders and traitors in Bree. He urged them to accept his aide by inviting him into the company. Frodo was leaning to believe the ranger when Butterbur broke in, giving Frodo the long-awaited letter from Gandalf, undelivered by Butterbur’s forgetfulness. After some little bit of light was shed on the situation to the innkeeper, he swore to help the hobbits in any way he could, as a friend of Gandalf and one very much afraid of Mordor. Frodo, reading the letter, learned that Gandalf recommended Strider as one to whom Frodo could go for help. After some further debate, Frodo agreed to let Strider lead them to Rivendell.
[[File:John Howe - Against the Shadow.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Against the Shadow'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Strider arranged for a deception, by moving them to a different room. The next morning, their ponies were gone and the room was ravaged. Butterbur paid for a [[Bill the Pony|replacement pony]], and the four hobbits and ranger set out into the Wilds. They passed through [[Chetwood]] and [[Midgewater Marshes]], and finally to the [[Weather Hills]] before coming up to [[Weathertop]]. Black Riders were sighted from the top of the cairn, and Strider counselled to remain where they were. Shortly after the Black Riders came, and Frodo was stricken down. In desperation he put on the Ring and saw the [[Nazgûl]] in their true forms. Frodo then tried to attack in [[Varda|Elbereth]]’s name, but their leader, the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a [[Morgul-knife]], before being driven away by Strider.

===Weathertop to Rivendell===
[[File:Yulia Alekseeva - Asfaloth.jpg|thumb|300px|''Asfaloth'' by [[:Category:Images by Yulia Alekseeva|Yulia Alekseeva]]]]
Because of a piece of the knife embedded in his shoulder, Frodo started to become ill, so his companions hurried to take him to the [[Rivendell|House of Elrond]]. After journeying for 12 days, they were found by [[Glorfindel]], one of the [[Calaquendi|High Elves]], who was sent by Elrond to help Frodo after he heard of him from Gildor. Glorfindel, seeing that Frodo was starting to fade, put him upon his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and ordered him to go on when the Ringwraiths approached. Asfaloth outran the steeds of the Nazgûl and bore Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, who was on the brink of becoming a [[Wraiths|wraith]], turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. The Riders, were driven into the [[Bruinen|River]] by Glorfindel, Strider and the three hobbits, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> As a sign that Frodo was shifting to the [[Wraith-world]], he could see the [[Unseen]] [[Light of Valinor|luminous form]] of Glorfindel.
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Hall of Fire.jpg|thumb|175px|''Hall of Fire'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
Unconscious, Frodo was carried inside Rivendell, where Elrond removed the fragment of the knife from his shoulder. He awoke two days later, mostly recovered, and was delighted to find that Gandalf had arrived. Frodo's recovery was celebrated with a feast during which he met [[Glóin]] and asked concerning the [[Dwarves of Erebor]]. Afterwards, Elrond led his guests to the [[Hall of Fire]], where Frodo found Bilbo, whom he hadn't seen in seventeen years. Bilbo asked to see the Ring and was saddened to see Frodo's negative reaction. The two hobbits then enjoyed talking about Bilbo's [[Translations from the Elvish|works on lore]] and [[the Shire]].<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
{{seealso|Quest of the Ring}}
During the [[Council of Elrond]], it was decided that the Ring must be destroyed by casting it into the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Frodo volunteered to be the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and a [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] was formed to protect him; the fellowship included Gandalf, Aragorn (Strider's real name), [[Boromir]] of [[Gondor]], [[Legolas]] of the [[Woodland Realm]], [[Gimli]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and Frodo's friends Sam, Merry and Pippin.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Before their departure, Bilbo gave Frodo his sword, [[Sting]], and his [[Mithril-coat]] to protect him on the perilous journey to [[Mount Doom]] that lay ahead.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo stabbing the cave-troll.png|thumb|250px|Frodo stabbing a cave-troll in Moria - [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]]]
On [[December 25]], the fellowship left Rivendell, and headed south along the west side of the [[Misty Mountains]]. They attempted to cross them by the Redhorn gate, but were thwarted by a fierce blizzard <ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> and had to go back. After surviving a [[Wargs|Warg]] attack, Gandalf persuaded the company to go through the abandoned [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] kingdom of [[Moria]]. Just before entering Moria, Frodo was attacked by the [[Watcher in the Water]] and barely escaped. During the journey through Moria, Frodo began to suspect that something was tracking them. Later, inside the [[chamber of Mazarbul]], the Fellowship was attacked by [[Orcs]], and Frodo was struck by an Orc spear but was saved by the mithril coat he wore. The company escaped the chamber, and were close to exiting Moria, when [[Durin's Bane]] appeared and pursued them to the [[bridge of Khazad-dûm]] where Gandalf held him off so the rest of the Fellowship could escape. After breaking the bridge, both he and the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] fell and disappeared into the chasm below, after which Aragorn took over as leader.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Walsh - The Mirror of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''The Mirror of Galadriel'' by [[Stephen Walsh]]]]
Eventually they reached [[Lothlórien]], and were housed by the elves at [[Caras Galadhon]]. During their rest there, [[Galadriel]] allowed Frodo and Sam to look into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]], in which they saw many things.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> When leaving the Woods, Galadriel gave Frodo a [[Phial of Galadriel|vial]] with light from the [[Silmaril]] of [[Eärendil]].<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Good Sense Revolts.jpg|thumb|250px|right|''Good Sense Revolts'' by [[John Howe]]]]
They travelled down the [[Anduin]] river in boats given to them by the elves. On their trip down the river, Frodo confirmed his suspicion that they were being trailed by Gollum. At [[Amon Hen]], the Ring's corrupting power caused Boromir to try to take the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on. Seeing the corrupting influence of the ring on Boromir, he then decided to leave the Fellowship and go on alone, but he was thwarted in this when Sam discovered him attempting to cross the [[Nen Hithoel]], and insisted on accompanying him.

===Emyn Muil to Ithilien===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Through the Marshes.jpg|thumb|350px|left|''Through the Marshes'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The two companions reached [[Amon Lhaw]] and toiled through the [[Emyn Muil]]. Soon after, they found Gollum following them, and they captured him with the [[Elven rope]].

Frodo decided to trust Gollum to be their guide. He led the Hobbits out of the Emyn Muil and through the [[Dead Marshes]]. During their route, they were delayed several times by a [[Nazgûl]] flying on a [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. The Hobbits reached [[Carchost]], the western [[Towers of the Teeth|Tower of the Teeth]], where Frodo had intended to enter Mordor, but Gollum persuaded Frodo to follow him to a safer entrance, the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]. During the next night's march they passed into [[North Ithilien]], and by daylight of [[March 7]] they reached the stream of [[Henneth Annûn]].
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Faramir.png|thumb|right|''Faramir'' by [[the Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
Their camp fire attracted the [[Rangers of Ithilien]], and their leader, [[Faramir]] (Boromir's brother), considered them spies and questioned Frodo concerning their errand, who recounted the journeys of the Fellowship, but said nothing about the Ring. Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement. Faramir blindfolded the Hobbits and led them to Henneth Annûn, a secret Gondorian outpost, and questioned them further in private. After a meal, Sam accidentally revealed that Frodo had the Ring, but Faramir denied its lure, and thus gained the trust of the hobbits.

During the night, Faramir called Frodo and Sam to him, and showed them Gollum, who had found his way to Henneth Annûn, and (ignorant of their presence) was hunting for [[fish]]. Faramir, suspecting that Frodo had lied about Gollum's involvement in their quest, threatened to kill him for fear that he might reveal the location of their outpost to the enemy. Frodo confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, and begged Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released the three travellers, warning them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.

===Entering Mordor===
[[File:John Howe - Shelob About to Leap on Frodo.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Shelob About to Leap on Frodo'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After two marches they came to the valley of the [[Morgulduin]] and continued east. On the "[[Dawnless Day]]" Gollum lead them east to the [[Southward Road]] and reached the [[Cross-roads]] just as the sun was setting.<ref>{{TT|Journey}}</ref> They reached just opposite the north-facing gate of [[Minas Morgul]] and they saw the Morgul-host march forth.

In that night they ascended the [[Straight Stair]] and reached the top of the [[Winding Stair]] at dawn of [[March 11]] where they were woken by Gollum. He led the up the to the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]]. Inside the tunnel Gollum betrayed Frodo and Sam to [[Shelob]] the [[Spiders|spider]], who stung Frodo after he left the tunnel. Sam saved Frodo from being eaten by Shelob, but thought him dead and took the Ring from him, resolving to continue the Quest alone. However Frodo (who was still alive) was captured by Orcs and taken to the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

===Cirith Ungol to Mount Doom===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - At the Cracks of Doom.jpg|thumb|250px|''At the Cracks of Doom'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Learning of this, Sam rescued Frodo and on early [[March 15]] the Hobbits escaped and jumped into the ravine west of the [[Morgai]] and crossed the valley. The next day they attempted to climb the Morgai, but had to retrace their steps and reached the north end of the valley, and on [[March 18]] they set out on the road that ran to the [[Carach Angren|Isenmouthe]]. There they were overtaken by an Orc troop and had to follow their trot.

As Sauron's troops moved at night, the hobbits continued their journey in daytime towards Mount Doom. During the morning of [[March 25]] they reached the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] where, at the last moment, Frodo, under the influence of the Ring, claimed it as his own. However, at that moment he was attacked by [[Gollum]], who seized the Ring and then fell into the fire with it, thus destroying the Ring.

By then, this pressure of the ring reached its maximum, which was impossible, "especially after long possession, months of increasing torment, and when starved and exhausted." Frodo had done what he could, and by then he was simply incapable of making a conscious decision to destroy the Ring.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

===Return home===
[[File:John Howe - The End of All Things.jpg|thumb|250px|''The End of All Things'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Frodo and Sam were rescued by [[Gwaihir]], [[Landroval]] and [[Meneldor]] and taken to [[Ithilien]]. After being healed and having rested for a month, the Ring-bearers were honoured on the [[Field of Cormallen]]. The following months the Hobbits witnessed the coronation of their companion Aragorn as King Elessar, and were present at his marriage to [[Arwen]] that summer. Arwen renounced her [[immortality]] and gave to Frodo her place to sail into the [[Uttermost West|West]]. She also gave to Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace that she claims would aid him when he remembers the fear and darkness of the toll the ring took on him.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

Frodo and his company left Minas Tirith on [[July 19]] for [[Edoras]] and the funeral of King [[Théoden]], then set out for the [[Hornburg]] and eventually [[Isengard]]. They parted there from Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.

After overtaking Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], they reached the [[Mountains of Moria]]; and when they approached [[Lothlórien]], [[Celeborn]] and Galadriel parted from their company. The hobbits, with Gandalf and other Elves, reached Rivendell on [[September 21]], where Frodo met Bilbo once again.
[[File:Miriam Ellis - Homeward Bound from The Prancing Pony Inn.jpg|thumb|250px|''Homeward Bound from The Prancing Pony Inn'' by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
They stayed there until [[October 5]] and eventually visited the ''Prancing Pony'' in Bree before reaching the Shire. At the Buckland Gate Gandalf left them to go and have a talk with Tom Bombadil. Once in the Shire, they reached [[Frogmorton]] where they were arrested. The next day they reached [[Bywater]] where they defeated the [[ruffians]] who had overtaken their land. The leader of the ruffians was revealed to be Saruman, and Frodo decided to let him live, even after he had tried to stab him with a knife. But Saruman did not live much longer, for his servant, Wormtongue, killed him himself (before being killed by the hobbits), thus ending the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later years===
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|220px|''Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
Over the next two years, the travellers reordered the Shire and their lives; but Frodo was still troubled by his wounds, falling ill every [[13 March]] and [[6 October]], clutching the white gem in a manner reminiscent of the One Ring. Frodo served as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] until [[Will Whitfoot]] was restored in {{SR|1420}}.<ref name="chief">{{App|Chief}}</ref> Having no family of his own, Frodo left his estate ([[Bag End]]) and passed on the [[Red Book of Westmarch|Red Book]] to Samwise Gamgee, who named [[Frodo Gardner|his son]] after Frodo.

On [[September 21]] of {{TA|3021}} Frodo set out for the [[Grey Havens]]. Going south to Woody End he met the [[Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings]], Elrond, Galadriel, and Bilbo. On [[September 29]] they came to the firth of [[Lhûn]] where Gandalf awaited them, and on the [[White Ship]]<ref name="chief" /> they crossed the [[Straight Road]] into the West. Frodo would spend the rest of his days in "a period of reflection and peace" on [[Tol Eressëa]], giving him the opportunity to truly understand his position in [[Arda]] before passing beyond the [[Circles of the World]].<ref>{{L|246}}: "a gaining of a truer understanding of his position..."</ref><ref>{{L|297}}</ref><ref>{{L|325}}</ref>

==Legacy==
According to [[Elanor Gardner]], Sam followed Frodo across the sea on September 22, 1482 following the death of his wife [[Rose Cotton|Rose (née Cotton)]].<ref>{{App|B5}}: "''Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor...''"</ref>

At some point well into the [[Fourth Age]], the words "''Frodos Dreme''" appeared scrawled at the head of a poem, [[The Sea-Bell]], within the Red Book, possibly derived from the nightmares that Frodo had before passing into the West.<ref>{{AB|Preface}}: "''It is the latest piece and belongs to the Fourth Age...''"</ref>

==Characteristics==
The only real description of Frodo's appearance was given only once by Gandalf in his letter to Barliman Butterbur, in which he was declared a "stout fellow with red cheeks, taller than some (hobbits), and fairer than most", with a cleft chin, a bright eye, and a perky personality.<ref name="Strider" /> Although Frodo was apparently fairly stout before his journey, he seemed to have lost a significant amount of weight on his trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.<ref name="Meetings" /> Also, at a later point, Sam remarked that Frodo was "too thin and drawn" for a hobbit.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>

Frodo carried a small Elven sword called [[Sting]] and wore a coat of Dwarven mail made of ''[[mithril]]'' under his clothes, both given to him by Bilbo. In [[Lothlórien]], [[Galadriel]] gave Frodo, along with all of the Fellowship, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], which allowed the wearer to blend in with his natural surroundings, and, to Frodo alone, the [[Phial of Galadriel]], a small crystal phial in which light from the [[Star of Eärendil]] had been captured, to aid him on his quest.

Before Frodo returned to the Shire after the Quest of the Ring was completed, Arwen Evenstar, wife of Aragorn and daughter of Elrond, gave Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace to wear around his neck.

Frodo is said to have shown great "skill with foreign sounds" and probably could pronounce [[Elvish]] correctly, more than other Hobbits (who pronounced long Elvish vowels as diphthongs).<ref>{{App|Vowels}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Frodo Baggins'' is an English translation of his [[Westron]] name '''[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]]'''. The name ''Maura'' has the element ''maur-'' (wise, experienced), which Tolkien equated to the Germanic element ''frod-'' of the same meaning. Frodo's name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''[[Iorhael]]''''' ("old-wise") although in some instance he is mentioned as '''Daur''' (probably [[lenition|lenited]] form of ''[[taur]]'').

''Frodo'' is a real name, which comes from the Gemranic tradition with ''Fróda'' being its [[Old English]] form. It is obviously connected with the Old English word ''fród'', which means "wise by experience", but it was connected mythologically with legends of the Golden Age in the North.<ref>{{L|168}}</ref>

In the German translation he is called ''Frodo Beutlin'', in Spanish, ''Frodo Bolsón'', in French, ''Frodon Sacquet'', or ''Frodo Bessac'' (in the latest translation of the books), in Norwegian, ''Frodo Lommelun'', in Danish, ''Frodo Sækker'', in Faroese, ''Fróði Pjøkin'', in Finnish, ''Frodo Reppuli'', in Swedish, ''Frodo Secker'', in Portuguese, ''Frodo Bolseiro'', in Czech, ''Frodo Pytlík,'' and in Dutch, ''Frodo Balings''. In one of three Polish translations he is called ''Frodo Bagosz'', but he keeps his original name in the other two.

===Other names===
*Frodo Baggins - ''fród'' means "wise by experience" in [[Old English]]. Baggins may have been a reference to [[Bag End]] or may come from "bagging" which means "eating between meals" in northern England.
*[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]] - the [[Hobbitish]] name for Frodo.
*[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] - he bore the [[One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]].
*[[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] - given to him by [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]].
*[[Mr. Underhill]] - used during his stay in [[The Prancing Pony]] to conceal his identity.
*The Halfling - a name used for him from [[Boromir]]'s dream. Also a title given to him in [[Gondor]] after he accomplished the [[Quest of the Ring]].
*[[Master]] - given to Frodo by both [[Samwise Gamgee]] as Sam was his gardener, and [[Gollum]], as Frodo was the Master of the Precious.
*Nine-fingered Frodo/Frodo of the Nine Fingers - given to Frodo after Gollum bit off his finger.
*Deputy Mayor of [[Michel Delving]] - he was the Deputy from November {{TA|3019|n}} through Mid-Year's Day in {{TA|3020|n}}.
*[[Taur|Daur]] - which translates to "noble" and was given to Frodo at the [[Field of Cormallen]].
*[[Iorhael]] - the [[Sindarin]] name for Frodo which comes from ''[[iaur]]'' meaning "old" and ''[[sael]]'' meaning "wise".

*[[Bingo Baggins]] - Frodo's name in the early drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.
*''Bronwe athan Harthad'' - name given to Frodo by Gandalf in an early version of the ''[[Many Partings]]'' chapter, meaning "Endurance beyond Hope".<ref>{{SD|VII}}: "''the bards and the minstrels should give them new names...''"</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | |BAL|y|BER| |BAL=[[Balbo Baggins]]|BER=[[Berylla Baggins|Berylla Boffin]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree|MUN| | | |LAR|y|TAN|MUN=[[Mungo Baggins]] (grandfather of Bilbo)|LAR=[[Largo Baggins]]|TAN=[[Tanta Hornblower]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |,|-|-|-|v|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | |DOR| |DRO|y|PRI| |DUD|DOR=[[Dora Baggins]]|DRO=[[Drogo Baggins]]|PRI=[[Primula Brandybuck]]|DUD=[[Dudo Baggins]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!|}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |FRO| | | |DAI|~|GRI|FRO='''Frodo Baggins'''|DAI=[[Daisy Baggins]]|GRI=[[Griffo Boffin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="170px" heights="170px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo in Lothlórien.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:Frodo Rankin Bass.png|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I]]''
File:Cortney Skinner - Free to Choose.png|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo at the Grey Havens.png|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:SBG - Frodo mounted.gif|''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Jake Murray - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game]]''
File:LEGO - Frodo Baggins.png|''[[Lego|LEGO]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Frodo Icon.jpg|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'
File:John Howe - Frodo Baggins.png|''[[War of the Ring: The Card Game]]''
File:Randy Gallegos - Breaking of the Fellowship.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Christopher Guard]]. [[Sharon Baird]] was the model for Frodo in the live-action recordings Bakshi used for rotoscoping.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Orson Bean]], who had previously played Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by [[Elijah Wood]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Elijah Wood]] reprises his role as Frodo Baggins.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> He has a conversation with Bilbo on the day of his 111th Birthday, before setting off to the woods to wait for Gandalf.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:Frodo was played by Taneli Mäkelä.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Oliver Burt]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Frodo is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is voiced by [[Ian Holm]].

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by Matthias Haase.

'''1992: [[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|''Tales from the Perilous Realm'' (1992 radio series)]]:'''
:In two episodes telling of the meeting of Frodo and [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Nigel Planer]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:In the first of the three series (seasons), based on ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', the voice of Frodo is provided by Dušan Cinkota. Cinkota was unable to reprise his role after the first series, and the role of Frodo was recast with Ľuboš Kostelný for the second and third series (based on ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'').

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is one of the playable characters; his story doesn't significantly differ from the book. He is voiced by [[Steve Staley]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is present in all missions from Sam's perspective: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom. Completing the game allows to replay those missions from Frodo's perspective.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Frodo is a "Hero" unit of the Free People; his ability to use the Ring and turn invisible makes him ideal for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Frodo and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Frodo is first met in Rivendell, preparing for departure. Later, he is found on Cerin Amroth in Lothlorien, weary from the loss of [[Gandalf]]. From [[Amon Hen]] onwards, player experiences Frodo's journey in a series of Session Plays, alternatively playing as either Frodo, Sam or [[Gollum]]. The player meets Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]], he later gives a speech at [[Aragorn]] and [[Arwen]]. A Hobbit actor portrays Frodo Baggins in a Hobbit-made theater play "The Disappearance of Mad Baggins". Notably, the player is not told about Frodo's mission for a very long time, with [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]] and others only saying that it is "of great importance".

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Frodo is mentioned as '''"Frodo the Ringbearer"''', one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]], in the introduction of the game. In [[The Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] tells that he is waiting on a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] with [[The One Ring|an important burden]], this refers to Frodo and the One Ring.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'', ''Prologue''</ref>
:Later in the game, Frodo appears in [[Rivendell]], but interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

==See also==
*[[Timeline of Frodo Baggins]]

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Baggins Family]]
| born=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[22 September]], {{TA|3001}} - [[13 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[14 March|14]] - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Gollum]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Baggins]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Frodo Beutlin]]
[[fi:Frodo Reppuli]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:bessac:frodo bessac]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo in Lothlórien.jpg

2026-05-30T06:41:21Z

Paccyd33: Paccyd33 moved page File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo Baggins.jpg to File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo in Lothlórien.jpg without leaving a redirect

== Summary ==
{{Information
| description = [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
| date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
| medium =
| tolkienart =
| author =
| source = https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/1988398905286160863/photo/3
| license =
}}
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of Frodo Baggins]]

The One Ring

2026-05-30T06:27:55Z

Paccyd33:

{{cleanup}}
{{disambig-more|The One Ring|[[The One Ring (disambiguation)]]}}
{{Object infobox
|name = The One Ring
|image = Michele Mantoani - One Ring to Rule Them All.jpg
|caption = "One Ring to Rule Them All" by [[:Category:Images by Michele Mantoani|Michele Mantoani]]
|pronun =
|othernames = Ruling Ring, Master-ring, Great Ring, the One, Ring of Rings, Ring of Power, Ring of Doom, Isildur's Bane, the Burden, Precious
|location =
|owner = Primarily: [[Sauron]], [[Isildur]], [[Gollum]], [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] and [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
|type = Weapon/item of jewellery
|appearance = Plain gold ring with [[Black Speech]] inscription made visible by heat
|creator = [[Sauron]]
|created = c. {{SA|1600}}
|createdlocation = [[Mount Doom]]
|destroyer = [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]/[[Gollum]]
|destroyed = {{TA|3019}}
|destroyedlocation = [[Mount Doom]]
|notablefor =
|gallery = the One Ring
|audio = [[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - The Ring Verse.mp3]]
|audiocaption = ''The Ring Verse'', recited by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]].
}}
{{Quote|Now the Elves made many rings; but secretly Sauron made One Ring to rule all the others, and their power was bound up with it, to be subject wholly to it and to last only so long as it too should last.|''[[The Silmarillion]]'', "[[Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age]]"}}

The '''One Ring''' was an ancient artifact created by the [[Dark Lord]] [[Sauron]] in the [[Second Age]] for the purpose of ruling over the [[Free peoples]] of [[Middle-earth]], mainly the [[Elves]].

It was also known as the '''Ruling Ring''', '''Great Ring of Power''' and '''Isildur's Bane''' (due to it causing the death of [[Isildur]]). In the [[Black Speech]] text of the [[Ring Verse]], it is referred to as '''Ash Nazg'''.<ref name=council/>

==History==
===Origin and creation===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Forging of the One.jpg|thumb|left|''The Forging of the One'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
During the [[Second Age]], the Dark Lord [[Sauron]] persuaded [[Celebrimbor]] and his people, the [[Elves|Elven]] smiths of [[Eregion]], to forge the [[Rings of Power]]. Secretly, Sauron returned to [[Orodruin]] and forged the One Ring in its fires.<ref name=RoP>{{S|Rings}}</ref>

It was made as the Master Ring, the One Ring which would control all the others, and thereby dominate their bearers. Sauron allowed much of his will and power to go into it.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|I2}}</ref><ref>{{RK|Debate}}</ref> Thus, he was at his most powerful when wearing the Ring; and although his power did not diminish if he was not in possession of it,<ref name=L131/> he would lose the ability to have a physical form once it was destroyed.<ref>{{L|200}}</ref>

Although it appeared to be made of simple gold, the Ring was virtually impervious to damage, and could only be destroyed in the very fires where it had originally been forged - [[Orodruin]].<ref name=council>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

===Dark Years===
When Celebrimbor and the other Ring-bearers realized Sauron's treachery, they took off their Rings, as while they were wearing them, Sauron knew where they were, and went to war with him. This war, the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]], destroyed Eregion and devastated much of Eriador. Sauron conquered and was able to claim all the Rings of Power (except the [[Three Rings|Three]]) and distribute them.<ref name=RoP/> During the era known as the [[Dark Years]], Sauron became master of almost all of Middle-earth beyond the coasts and was known as the [[Dark Lord]] of [[Mordor]]. He raised [[Barad-dûr]] near [[Mount Doom]], constructed the [[Black Gate]] of Mordor to prevent invasion, and raised massive armies of [[Orcs]], [[Trolls]], and Men, chiefly [[Easterlings]] and [[Haradrim|Southrons]].

The power of the Ring allowed Sauron to link it with some of his works, such as [[Barad-dûr]].<ref name=council/> By the One Ring's influence he controlled the [[Nine Rings]] which had been given to nine mortal Men, who were corrupted and turned into the [[Nazgûl]], his chief servants. However, he was unable to control the [[Seven Rings]] of the [[Dwarves|Dwarf-lords]], because of their different, more hearty nature and natural resistance against domination by others—instead, the Rings increased the greed of the dwarves.<ref name=RoP />

Sauron's rise offended the arrogant [[Númenóreans]], who attacked him with great force of arms. The forces of Sauron fled the onslaught, and Sauron realized that he could not overcome the Númenòreans through military might. Sauron allowed himself to be taken as a hostage to Númenor by King [[Ar-Pharazôn]]. There, he quickly grew from captive to adviser. The King obviously knew nothing about the Ring and its significance<ref name=L211/> and Sauron corrupted many Númenóreans using the power of the Ring,<ref name=L211>{{L|211}}</ref> eventually convincing the king to rebel against the [[Valar]]. This resulted in the [[Downfall of Númenor]]. Sauron was diminished in the destruction and his spirit (presumably with the Ring<ref name=L211/>) fled back to Mordor, where he slowly rebuilt his strength.

===First defeat of Sauron===
When the [[Faithful]] Númenóreans founded the [[Realms in Exile]], Sauron began an offence against [[Gondor]], which was one of those realms; the Elves and the Númenóreans formed the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]] against Sauron, who was vanquished by [[Elendil]] and [[Gil-galad]]. Prince [[Isildur]] then cut the Ring from Sauron's finger and took it for himself.

[[File:Anke Eißmann - The Ring has moved on.jpg|thumb|''The Ring has moved on'' by [[Anke Eißmann]]]]
Isildur was corrupted by his great desire for the Ring and took it for his own, instead of destroying it as should have been done. Though he bought it "with great pain", Isildur considered the Ring a most precious heirloom of his house, and documented its properties upon the [[Scroll of Isildur|scroll he wrote]] in [[Minas Tirith]].<ref name=council/> He kept it secret even from his sons, except [[Heir of Isildur|his Heir]] [[Elendur (son of Isildur)|Elendur]] whom he trusted most.<ref name="Gladden">{{UT|Gladden}}</ref> While wearing it around his neck as he travelled back to [[Arnor]], his party was attacked by a group of [[Orcs]] during the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]. Isildur jumped into the [[Gladden River]] to escape, but the Ring betrayed him, and in an attempt to return to its master, it slipped off his finger.<ref name=shadow/> Isildur was revealed to the Orcs when he climbed out of the river, and he was shot. Although this happened as an attempt to return to Sauron,<ref name=shadow/> the Orcs did not find the Ring, as it was lost in the [[Gladden River]].

The true fate of the One Ring was unknown for many years. To the North, the Ring would be known as "'''Isildur's Bane'''" for the role it played in causing his death.<ref>{{FR|II2}} p. 317</ref>

===Finding===
The Ring remained hidden in the riverbed for over two millennia, despite [[Saruman]]'s many attempts to locate it, until it was discovered on a fishing trip by a [[Stoors|Stoor]] named [[Déagol]]. Once again, the Ring's evil powers acted upon Déagol's friend and relative, [[Sméagol]], who murdered Déagol and took the Ring for himself. Over many ages, Sméagol was changed by the Ring's influence into the creature called [[Gollum]] (which is what he called himself, as it was similar to a sound he made). The Ring manipulated Gollum into settling in the [[Misty Mountains]] near [[Mirkwood]], near a [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains|colony of Orcs]], where Sauron was beginning to resurface. But Gollum was too small and never left his deep pool so the Ring stayed with him for centuries. It was 500 years later, in the Third Age, when the "Necromancer" awoke once more in Mirkwood, sending his dark thoughts, and the Ring, wishing to be discovered by a new keeper and so find its way back to its Master, fell off Gollum's finger<ref name=shadow/> as he was returning from hunting a [[Orcs#Orcs and Goblins|Goblin]].
[[File:David T. Wenzel - Bilbo finds the One Ring.jpg|thumb|''Bilbo finds the One Ring'' by [[David T. Wenzel]]]]
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Riddle Game.jpg|left|thumb|''The Riddle-game'' by [[Darrell Sweet]]]]
The Ring was discovered a few hours later lying on the floor of a tunnel by a hobbit, [[Bilbo Baggins]], who had been separated from his party of Dwarves and become lost in the caverns of the Misty Mountains, near Gollum's lair. After losing the [[Riddle-game]] to Bilbo, Gollum sneaked off to fetch his "[[Precious]]" (as he always called the One Ring), so that he could kill Bilbo and eat him. But when Gollum arrived at his island, he found that the Ring was missing, and he let out a great wail. Deducing from Bilbo's last question--"What have I got in my pocket?"—that Bilbo had taken it, Gollum chased the hobbit through the caves, not knowing that Bilbo had discovered the Ring's powers of invisibility and was following him to the cave's exit. Bilbo escaped Gollum and the Orcs who inhabited the Misty Mountains by remaining invisible (although he lost a few of his nice brass buttons.) But it seems that the Ring once more tried to betray its new master and slipped from his finger, allowing the pursuing goblins to see him.<ref name=Riddles>{{H|5}}</ref>

When he told the story to the [[Dwarves]] and Gandalf, however, he left the Ring out of the story. But Bilbo was aware that Gandalf suspected the presence of his magic Ring. Later on Bilbo was forced to tell the Dwarves about the Ring, to preserve their lives and continue their journey to Erebor.

Gollum, meanwhile, eventually left the Misty Mountains to track down and reclaim the Ring. He wandered for decades, only to be captured and interrogated by Sauron himself, to whom he revealed the existence of Bilbo and the Shire.
[[File:Nia Kovalevski - The Ring.jpg|thumb|''The Ring'' by [[:Category:Images by Nia Kovalevski|Nia Kovalevski]]]]

===Frodo's quest and destruction===
In {{TA|3001}}, following Gandalf's counsel, Bilbo gave the Ring to his nephew and adopted heir [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]. This first willing renunciation of the Ring in its history sparked the chain of events which eventually led to its unmaking. Gandalf was suspicious about the effect it had on Bilbo and went to [[Minas Tirith]] and found Isildur's account on the Ring, being lost since his death. He returned to [[Hobbiton]] and tested Frodo's Ring in fire, only to confirm his fears since the letters described by Isildur appeared upon it.

By this time Sauron had begun to regain his power, and the [[Barad-dûr|Dark Tower]] in Mordor had been rebuilt. The [[War of the Ring]] had begun. Gandalf urged Frodo to carry the Ring to [[Rivendell]] where the Wise would decide their actions. Despite Gandalf's warnings, Frodo did wear the Ring several times during his journey. On [[Weathertop]] he was tempted by the Ring to wear it and evade the Ringwraiths, only to make him more visible to them and to be wounded by a [[Morgul-knife]].

In order to prevent the recapture of the Ring, Frodo and eight other [[Fellowship of the Ring|companions]] set out from [[Rivendell]] for Mordor in an attempt to destroy the Ring in the fires of [[Mount Doom]]. During the quest, Frodo gradually became more and more susceptible to the Ring's power, and feared that it was going to corrupt him. When he and Sam discovered that Gollum was on their trail and "tamed" him into guiding them to Mordor, he began to feel a strange bond with the wretched, treacherous creature, seeing a possible future of himself that he felt he had to save in order to save himself. Gollum gave in to the Ring's temptation, however, and betrayed them to the spider [[Shelob]] who stung Frodo. Believing Frodo to be dead, Sam bore the Ring himself for a short time, and glimpsed its power, although he never gave in to it.

Sam rescued Frodo from a band of Orcs at the Tower of [[Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him, but feared that the toll it was taking was too great; it nearly was. Although Frodo and Sam, followed by Gollum, eventually arrived at the [[Cracks of Doom]], Frodo decided to keep the Ring for himself and wore it rather than destroy it, evincing its corruptive nature. Seeing Frodo's footprints, Gollum pounced on the invisible Frodo and bit off the finger wearing the Ring. Having retrieved his long-lost "precious", Gollum rejoiced before tripping over the edge and falling into the lava pit with the Ring in hand, finally destroying it. The Ring's loss resulted in the permanent disembodiment of Sauron's spirit (''[[ëalar|ëala]]'') and crumbling of his structures, including [[Barad-dûr]] and the [[Black Gate]].

==Characteristics==
===Appearance===
Physically the Ring resembled a geometrically perfect circle of pure gold, this perfection and purity being part of its allure. Unlike the lesser Rings, it bore no gem. It seems to have been able to expand and contract, in order to fit its wearer's finger or slip from it treacherously. Its identity could be determined by a simple (though little-known) test: when heated in fire, fine lines of fire, forming a script, would appear running along on the inside and outside of the Ring.<ref name=shadow/> The letters were an [[Ring Verse|inscription]] in [[Tengwar]] of the [[Black Speech]] of Mordor, citing a section of poetry from part of its lore:
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - One Ring inscription.png|right|300px]]

{{blockquote|Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.}}

Which translates to:

{{blockquote|One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.}}

===Effects===
[[File:Roger Thomasson - The One Ring.jpg|thumb|left|''The One Ring'' by [[Roger Thomasson]]]]

Like all Rings of Power, the One Ring enhanced the natural powers of its bearer, and it could also be used to decelerate decay and change in the world.<ref name=L131>{{L|131}}</ref> But unlike the other rings, the One Ring was forged by Sauron alone without any Elvish assistance<ref name=RoP /> and was entirely evil. A person who bore the Ring could more easily dominate and command others; for instance, Sauron used this power to help convince the Númenóreans to attack [[Valinor]],<ref name="L211"/> and Boromir desired to use this power to gain loyal subjects who would attack Mordor.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> The Ring also allowed its bearer to see and control the thoughts of anyone who wore any other Ring of Power.<ref name=RoP />

When [[Men]] wore the Ring, they would be partly "shifted" out of the physical realm into the [[wraith-world]]. A side effect (but usually the first noticed) of the Ring was that it made the wearer invisible to most inhabitants of the physical realm (but highly visible to the [[Nazgûl]]), it dimmed the wearer's sight, and it sharpened his hearing. When Men wore the ring, only their faint and shaky shadow could be seen, and only in the full light of the sun.<ref name=Riddles /> This "shadow world" was the world which Wraiths inhabited, but also where the [[Calaquendi]] (Elves of Light) lived at the same time as the normal world and held great power, as was evidenced by [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] viewing [[Glorfindel]] at the Ford of [[Bruinen]] near [[Rivendell]]<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> and later explained by [[Gandalf]].<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref> If a bearer managed to consciously subdue the Ring's will with his own, he could wield the powers that Sauron had before he lost the Ring; notably, he could control the will of others.

Part of the nature of the Ring was that it slowly and inevitably corrupted its wearer, regardless of any intentions to the contrary. Whether this was specifically designed into the Ring's magic or was simply an artefact of its evil origins is unknown. (Sauron might be expected to endow his One Ring with such a property, but he probably never intended anyone besides himself to wear it. It may be a side-effect of the portion of Sauron's will that lies within the Ring, influencing the wearer.) Part of its essential deceit was filling minds with imaginations of supreme power<ref>{{L|246}}</ref> For this reason, the Wise, including [[Gandalf]], [[Elrond]] and [[Galadriel]], refused to wield it in their own defence, but instead determined that it must be destroyed.

It appears that Hobbits, being more pure of heart than Men and far less powerful than Elves, were the ideal vessels to resist its seductive power; this explains why Frodo and Bilbo bore it for long periods of time with very little ill effect; while Sam wore it, his mind was filed with fantasies of him as a hero marching to the overthrow of Barad-dûr with a flaming sword and Gorgoroth turning into a garden with flower and trees that grew fruits, but he rejected them;<ref>{{RK|Tower}}, p. 901</ref> even Gollum had not turned into a Wraith after 500 years of bearing the Ring.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2463, p. 1087</ref><ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 25, p. 1094</ref>

Its power to lust was so great that it was impossible for anyone (even Sauron) to try to injure it<ref name=L131/> although unbreakable by itself.

The enigmatic [[Tom Bombadil]] was unaffected by the Ring, or rather, the Ring had no effect on him. This may be explained in many ways. (See the [[Tom Bombadil/Nature|article on Tom Bombadil]], which includes some theories.)

While in possession of the Ring, Sam encountered two different groups of Orcs. Finding he could understand their speech, he speculated that this was made possible by the Ring.<ref>{{TT|Choices}}, p. 735</ref> However, it is possible that both groups were using the [[Common Tongue]].<ref>{{App|Other}}, ''Orcs and the Black Speech.'', p. 1131</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
While writing the first drafts of ''[[A Long-expected Party]]'' (December [[1937]]), Tolkien already had decided to link the finding of the Ring with the mysterious figure of the "[[Necromancer]]" of ''The Hobbit''. In those drafts Bilbo would be unable to let go the Ring, so on a holiday leaves the Ring to his son, "[[Bingo Baggins]]" as a parting gift, and then disappears. Bingo keeps the Ring hoping it will lead him to his father. Gandalf explains that they can "cheat" the Ring to guide them to Bilbo, if he also does the same, hence stages a "Farewell party".<ref>{{RS|1Iv}}</ref>

In order to counter the notion that ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' was inspired from [[wikipedia:World War II|World War II]], Tolkien himself provided a "what if" scenario in the Foreword to ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' that shows what would happen should the Ring be used against [[Sauron]]. Tolkien explained that if he had WWII in mind, then the [[Free peoples]] would enslave Sauron with the power of the Ring against him, and occupy [[Mordor]]. [[Saruman]] (whose treachery would remain secret) would then use the Ring-lore found in Mordor to create a Great Ring of his own with which to challenge the self-styled Ruler of [[Middle-earth]].<ref>{{FR|Foreword}}</ref>

==Inspiration==
Tolkien scholar [[John D. Rateliff]] has at length discussed five different rings of invisibility which occur in works that predate Tolkien's:
*Plato's [[Wikipedia:Ring of Gyges|Ring of Gyges]] (ca. 390 BC),
*the magic ring in [[Wikipedia:Chrétien de Troyes|Chrétien de Troyes]]' ''[[Wikipedia:Yvain, the Knight of the Lion|Yvain, the Knight of the Lion]]'' (ca. 1177);
*[[Wikipedia:Angelica (character)|Angelica]]'s ring, of French Renaissance literature;
*the Fairy's ring appearing in the tale "The Enchanted Ring" (by [[Wikipedia:François Fénelon|François Fénelon]]) in [[Wikipedia:Andrew Lang|Andrew Lang]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Andrew Lang's Fairy Books|The Green Fairy Book]]'' (a collection of fairy-tales referred to by Tolkien in his [[On Fairy-Stories|Andrew Lang lecture]]);<ref group=note>The "Fairy's ring" was first noted by [[Douglas A. Anderson]]. Cf. {{HM|AH}}, p. 133.</ref>
*the witch-maiden's ring in an Estonian folktale (ca. 1866) from the ''[[Wikipedia:Kalevipoeg|Kalevipoeg]]'', translated as "[[Wikipedia:The Dragon of the North|The Dragon of the North]]" in ''[[Wikipedia:Andrew Lang's Fairy Books|The Yellow Fairy Book]]'' (1894).

Rateliff's proposes that the ring most likely to have provided an inspiration for Tolkien is a version of Chrétien's tale, namely Owein's ring in the [[Welsh]] ''[[Wikipedia:Three Welsh Romances#Owain, or the Lady of the Fountain|Owain, or the Lady of the Fountain]]''. He also regards the rings in Fénelon's and Plato's stories as possible influences, but concludes that: "''the primary influence on Frodo's ring is in fact'' The Hobbit ''itself: here, as so often, Tolkien is his own main source''".<ref>{{HM|HHO}}, pp. 176-182</ref>

It has also been suggested that the One Ring may have been inspired by the [[Wikipedia:Ring of Silvianus|Ring of Silvianus]] and its inscribed curse. The hypothesis is based on Tolkien gaining knowledge about the Ring of Silvianus through the archaeologist [[Wikipedia:Mortimer Wheeler|Mortimer Wheeler]], for whom Tolkien wrote the text "[[The Name 'Nodens']]".<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.lotrplaza.com/showthread.php?55657-A-Ring-with-a-Curse&p=563861#post563861|articlename=A Ring with a Curse|dated=|website=Plaza|accessed=10 April 2013}}</ref> However, Tolkien scholars [[Wayne G. Hammond]] and [[Christina Scull]] have pointed out that there is no "''evidence, or good reason to believe, that Tolkien was inspired by the Roman ring''".<ref>{{webcite|author=[[Wayne G. Hammond]], [[Christina Scull]]|articleurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406192552/https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mythsoc/conversations/topics/24198|articlename=Re:Tolkien and Nodens in the news this morning (message 24198)|dated=9 April 2013|website=Mythsoc|accessed=20 July 2023}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo offering Galadriel the Ring.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
The Return of the King (1980 film) - The One Ring.png|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
LOTR-vol2-ring1.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings, Vol. II: The Two Towers]]''
The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo fingering the One Ring.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
The Hobbit (2003) One Ring.JPG|[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]
The Lord of the Rings War in the North - One Ring3.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
Lego One Ring.png|''[[Lego|LEGO]]''
Magic_the_Gathering_LTR_OneRing.webp|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>

'''[[1978]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:In the scene in [[Bag End]], [[Gandalf]] asks [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] whether he can see any markings on the Ring and Frodo confirms it is a plain ring lacking any. Gandalf throws it in the fire and recites the [[Ring-verse]] when it is taken out but the markings are never shown or explained.

'''[[1977]]: ''[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|The Hobbit]]'':'''
:In accordance with the novel, [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] finds the One Ring in [[Gollum]]'s cave. However, in a departure from the book, [[Gandalf]] reveals that he knows of Bilbo's ownership of the Ring and that it is indeed the One, thus setting the scene for an adaptation of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. For some reason, a loud "vwoop!" sound is heard whenever the Ring is put on.<ref>''The Hobbit (1977 film)''</ref>

'''[[1980]]: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'':'''

:The One Ring is unchanged from its appearance in the Rankin/Bass adaptation of ''[[The Hobbit]]''. In the [[Mount Doom (chapter)|Mount Doom scene]], oddly enough, the Ring itself can be seen even when [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] is invisible, allowing it to be easily located by Gollum with the result of him biting it off of Frodo's finger almost immediately.<ref>''The Return of the King (1980 film)''</ref>

'''[[2001]]-[[2003|3]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''

:The One Ring is voiced by [[Alan Howard]]. It is first mentioned in the Prologue narrated by [[Galadriel]] as the Ring that would rule all of the other [[Rings of Power]], and is portrayed, in accordance with the book, as a simple gold band which gains [[Ring Verse|fiery letters]] on the surface when exposed to fire (these letters being identical to those illustrated in the book). In the sequence of the [[Siege of Barad-dûr]], Sauron channels the power of the Ring into his mace, sending many [[Last Alliance]] soldiers flying with every swing. It seems to have the ability to grow or shrink to fit the finger of whomever its master is, a trait touched upon in the novel, and is able to speak, albeit unintelligibly, into the mind of its bearer.<ref>''The Lord of the Rings (film series)</ref>

'''[[2011]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The One Ring is shown in the introduction of the game. In [[the Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] refers to Frodo and the Ring as a "Hobbit with an important burden".<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''[[2012]]-[[2014|14]]: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The One Ring is first seen by Bilbo when it falls out of Gollum's pocket while the former is strangling a small [[Goblin]]. It is consistent in its appearance in the 2001-3 film series as a simple gold band. While wearing it, Bilbo gained the ability to understand the speech of the [[spiders]] of Mirkwood.<ref>''The Hobbit (film series)</ref>

==See also==
* [[Gwaith-i-Mírdain]]
* [[Rings of Power]]
* [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]
* [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]]
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''

{{References|Notes}}

{{Rings}}
{{Ringbearers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:One Ring, The}}
[[Category:Evil]]
[[Category:Rings and jewels]]
[[de:Der Eine Ring]]
[[fr:encyclo/artefacts/bijoux/anneaux/anneau unique]]
[[fi:Sormusten Sormus]]

Witch-king

2026-05-30T06:24:28Z

Paccyd33:

{{infobox character
|name = Witch-king of Angmar
|image = Melissa Hitchcock - The Black Captain.jpg
|caption = "The Black Captain" by [[:Category:Images by Melissa Hitchcock|Melissa Hitchcock]]
|pronun =
|othernames = Black Captain, Chief of the Nine, [[Dwimmerlaik]]
|titles = King of Angmar Lord of Minas Morgul
|position = Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]
|location = [[Angmar]] [[Minas Morgul]]
|affiliation = [[Nazgûl]] [[Eye of Sauron]]
|language = [[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
|birth = Before {{SA|2251}}
|birthlocation = Unknown
|rule = {{TA|1300}} - {{TA|1975|n}} (in Angmar) {{TA|2002}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (in Minas Morgul)
|death = [[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}
|deathlocation = [[Pelennor Fields]]
|age = 4209+
|notablefor = [[Arnor#The Fall of Arthedain|Fall of Arnor]] Establishing [[Angmar]] Fall of [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Osgiliath]] Deaths of [[Eärnur]], [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], and [[Théoden]] Stabbing [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
|parentage =
|siblings =
|spouse =
|children =
|people = [[Men|Man]] (early) [[Wraiths|Wraith]] (later)
|gender = Male
|height = Tallest of the Nazgûl
|hair = Gleaming
|eyes = Fiery red
|clothing = Crown
|weapons = [[Morgul-knife]]; [[Black Breath]]; A great black mace
|steed = Black horse; [[Fell beasts|Fell Beast]]
|gallery = the Witch-king
}}
{{Quote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}
The '''Witch-king of Angmar''' was the chief of the [[Nazgûl]], King of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]]'s great captain in his wars. A [[Wraiths|wraith]], the Witch-king of Angmar was nearly indestructible, a terrifying warrior, and a cunning strategist.

==History==
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - The King of Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|left|''The King of Nazgûl'' by [[:Category:Images by Catherine Karina Chmiel|Catherine Chmiel]]]]
Some time after Sauron seized the [[Rings of Power]] in the [[Sack of Eregion]], {{SA|1697}} he gave [[Nine Rings|nine of them]] to [[Men|Mannish]] kings, sorcerers and other warriors.<ref>{{S|Rings}}, p. 289</ref> With the power of their rings, the Nine achieved glory and grew wealthy, but they eventually started hating life as they were slowly drawn under Sauron’s dominion. In the end, they all became the dreadful [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]].

The one later known as the Witch-king<ref group="note">According to the [[Oxford English Dictionary]] the oldest meaning of ''witch'' is "a man who practices witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer, wizard"</ref> was a sorcerer,<ref>{{FR|Council}}, p. 257</ref><ref name="RK|Siege">{{RK|Siege}}, p. 819</ref> probably<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 20 citing from J.R.R. Tolkien's manuscript of ''Nomenclature'' "he was probably (like the Lieutenant of Barad-dur [the Mouth of Sauron]) of Numenorean descent"</ref> one of the unnamed three lords of [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] race, who accepted one of the Rings of Power.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> He first appeared in the histories as a Ringwraith in {{SA|2251}}. Being the most powerful of the Nazgûl, he became their chief and the most feared servant of his master Sauron.

When [[Mordor]] fell in {{SA|3441}}, the Nazgûl vanished into the shadows and were not heard of again for a long time.<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 3441, p. 1084</ref>

===Early power in Angmar===
More than a thousand years later, in c. {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]], [[Sauron]] began to rebuild his power in [[Dol Guldur]]. In c. {{TA|1300|n}} his Nazgûl also reappeared and the Witch-king established his realm, [[Angmar]], in the north.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1300, p. 1086</ref> His capital was [[Carn Dûm]], on the northernmost peak of the [[Misty Mountains]]. He summoned men, [[orcs]] and other creatures of evil inclination to his banner. No one knew that he was actually a servant of the long-dormant [[Sauron]] and few that he was a wraith.<ref name="Malvegil">{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Malvegil, p. 1040</ref>

In the north, disunity plagued the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Arnor]]. They had divided into three kingdoms: [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]] and [[Arthedain]], and were constantly at war with one another.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', p. 1039</ref> The Witch-king saw the North-kingdom of Arnor as more vulnerable than the South-kingdom of Gondor.<ref name="Malvegil" /> He played upon their opposition, sending in infiltrators and taking over the hearts of the men of that land. By {{TA|1349|n}}, the government of Rhudaur was controlled by men secretly in his service,<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Malvegil]], pp. 193-194</ref> and he secretly aided them in their wars against the other kingdoms.<ref name="Argeleb">{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Argeleb I]], p. 194</ref> He then struck at a time of great hostility among the three, in {{TA|1409|n}}. Rhudaur in the east fell first, and most of the Dúnedain there were hunted down and slaughtered by sorcerers.<ref name="Arveleg">{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Arveleg I]], p. 194</ref> Cardolan was ravaged and its [[last prince of Cardolan|last prince]] slain;<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "Fog on the Barrow-downs", pp. 144-5; Index, 'Cardolan, [[Last prince of Cardolan|last prince of]]'</ref> the tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]], held by the men of Arthedain, was placed under siege. King [[Arveleg I]] was slain and the tower was destroyed, but the coveted ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|palantír]]'' escaped in the hands of the surviving men of Arthedain and was brought to [[Fornost]].<ref name="Palantiri16">{{UT|14a}}, Note 16, p. 413</ref>

The Witch-king continued to press the men of Arthedain, laying siege to Fornost, and he might have taken over all of Arnor in that one offensive. But [[Araphor]], the 18-year-old son of Arveleg, came to leadership and, with the help of the ancient elf [[Círdan]] of [[Lindon]], repelled the Witch-king’s forces at Fornost and the [[North Downs]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Araphor, p. 1040</ref> [[Elrond]] brought an army of [[Elves]] from [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]], and the Witch-king was pushed back and subdued.

===Twilight of Angmar===
The Witch-king sat silent in Carn Dûm, rebuilding his armies and preparing for a final assault on [[Arthedain]], last of the Arnorian kingdoms. The [[Great Plague]] came and went in {{TA|1636|n}}, taking with it the last of the Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]]. The Witch-king sent [[barrow-wights]] to inhabit the barrows in [[Barrow-downs|Tyrn Gorthad]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Argeleb II, p. 1041</ref> In {{TA|1974|n}}, he felt that his power was sufficiently restored to begin the advance.

His attack was sudden, but not unexpected. King [[Arvedui]] sent a message to King [[Eärnil II]] of [[Gondor]] the year before, but help did not arrive in time. [[Fornost Erain]] fell, and the Witch-king took up residence there in the palace.<ref name="Eärnil">{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnil II, p. 1051</ref> Arvedui held out as best as he might on the [[North Downs]], but at last fled north with the treasured ''[[palantíri]]'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]]. He would not return, for he perished in a shipwreck in {{TA|1975|n}}. With him the ''palantíri'' were lost forever in the icy seas of [[Forod]]. The already-diminished North-kingdom ended, and [[Arnor]] fell.<ref name="Arvedui">{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Arvedui and entry for Chieftain Aranarth, pp. 1041-3</ref>

Meanwhile, a coalition in the south had formed. Eärnil sent his son, [[Eärnur]], north with a great fleet, all that Gondor could spare. They arrived at [[Lindon]] and joined with the folk of Círdan. Círdan summoned all that would come: surviving Dúnedain of Arnor and elves of Lindon.<ref name="Eärnil" /> Even a company of [[Hobbits|hobbit]] archers went to their aide.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Arvedui, p. 1042</ref> The Witch-king had grown overconfident and, instead of staying behind his fortifications, initiated the attack. The [[Battle of Fornost]] was fought on the plain between [[Nenuial]] and the North Downs. The Witch-king may not have anticipated the strength brought against him, but for whatever reason the alliance gained the upper hand. His army began to fall back toward Fornost, but Eärnur’s magnificent horsemen struck from the north and the Witch-king was routed.<ref name="Eärnil" />

He decided to flee to Angmar and the safety of Carn Dûm, but the cavalry, with Eärnur himself in the lead, overtook him. Moreover, the ranks of the allies swelled, as an army of elves from [[Rivendell]] came led by the mighty hero of old, [[Glorfindel]]. Angmar was purged of men and orcs, and all seemed lost for the Witch-king in the face of such numbers. But the Witch-king himself came at the last, robed and masked in black and riding a black horse, and attempted to kill Eärnur with his own hands. But Eärnur’s horse shied away and fled, and the Witch-king laughed. But Glorfindel came on his white horse, and faced with such power the Witch-king fled. He vanished into the shadows and no-one marked where he had gone.<ref name="Eärnil" />

Eärnur wanted to pursue, but Glorfindel held him back and made his famous prophecy.

{{Blockquote|He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|Glorfindel, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv)}}

===Lord of Minas Morgul===
[[File:Alan Lee - The Witch-king.jpg|thumb|250px|''The Witch-king'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The Witch-king escaped to [[Mordor]], and gathered the other Ringwraiths about him in {{TA|1980|n}}. Angmar and Carn Dûm were lost, and so in {{TA|2000|n}} the Ringwraiths began a [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|two-year siege]] of [[Minas Ithil]], eventually capturing the place and turning it into his residence. The wraiths sent an aura of fear in [[Gondor]], and much of [[Ithilien]] was deserted.<ref name="gondor" />

Eärnur succeeded his father as King of Gondor, and still held the Witch-king in especial hostility due to his humiliation at the Battle of Fornost. [[Third Age 2043|The year]] of his coronation the Witch-king sent him a taunting challenge, but [[Mardil]] the [[steward]] restrained Eärnur from rash action. [[Third Age 2050|Seven years later]] the challenge was repeated, and Eärnur rode with a small escort to Minas Morgul; none ever returned, and there was no longer a King in Gondor.<ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

After this the Witch-king bided his time. He and the Nazgûl built up their armies, including the terrible new orc-race of [[Uruks]]. In {{TA|2475|n}} he sent them out to capture [[Osgiliath]], which they did successfully. They were driven out by [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], who led campaigns to recapture Ithilien, but Osgiliath now lay completely in ruins and the region was left devastated and depopulated. Boromir was a great captain, and even the Witch-king feared him, but he was felled by a Morgul-wound and his rule was but twelve years.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}, entry for Steward Boromir, p. 1053</ref>

===Hunt for the Ring===
Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}, and sent three of his Ringwraiths to [[Dol Guldur]] (though the Witch-king was left in Minas Morgul). Then, by lucky chance, the creature [[Gollum]] was captured and interrogated. Under torture, the wretched creature revealed the tale of [[the One Ring]] and how it came to be in his possession. But from his words, Sauron misunderstood that the land of the hobbits who stole the Ring was on the banks of the [[Gladden River]], whence Gollum originally came from.<ref name="thirteen">{{UT|Hunt}}, p. 338-341</ref> Sauron sent the Nine, under the leadership of the Witch-king, invisible and uncloaked, to search for the Ring after the assault of Osgiliath.

[[Khamûl]], the Witch-king’s lieutenant, reported that he was unable to find the “[[the Shire|Shire]]” in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The Witch-king was determined to search north and west until Gollum was found, or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the events in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the Wise did not yet have possession of the Ring. He sent the Ringwraiths to [[Isengard]] in the form of [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], and as they passed through Rohan their terror was so great that many fled the land, believing the Riders heralded an invasion.

They arrived at Isengard too late to prevent the escape of the captured wizard [[Gandalf]]; Saruman realized he had been revealed as a traitor to both sides due to his transparent lust for the Ring, and having no chance of deceiving Sauron any further, fortified himself in Isengard. The Witch-king did not have enough power with him to assault Saruman in his great fortress. He demanded the Wizard come forth, but received only the voice of Saruman. Nonetheless cunning and wary, Saruman convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring were, and so the Nine went out in search of him.<ref name="thirteen" />

The Ringwraiths came upon the traitor called [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] and questioned him. The terrified man told them everything he knew; that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The Witch-king spared Wormtongue’s life, foreseeing that Wormtongue would bring ruin to Saruman. He divided his wraiths into four pairs, and went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found to their delight charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="thirteen" />
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Amon Sul.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Amon Sul'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
They came to [[Sarn Ford]], but the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] prevented them from crossing. The Rangers sent for their captain, [[Aragorn II]], as he was away, but defeating the Nazgûl was a task beyond the power of the Dúnedain, and may have been so even had Aragorn been present; the Ringwraiths attacked at night, capturing the ford and killing many of the Rangers. A few survivors fled northward to warn Aragorn of the wraiths' approach, but were pursued and slain or driven off into the wilds.<ref name="thirteen" /> The Witch-king sent three Ringwraiths under Khamûl into the Shire while he went east with the others.<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, September 22, p. 1091</ref> But they had come too late: the Ring had moved on in the hands of a hobbit, [[Frodo Baggins]].<ref name="Knife">{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

===Pursuit of the Ring===
Khamûl was unsuccessful, but brought word from the spy they had spared in Bree. The man had witnessed a vanishing act on Frodo's part, and had organized an attack on the inn. The Witch-king assumed that Frodo would head east to [[Rivendell]], and sent four wraiths to [[Weathertop]],<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 164-6</ref> the ruins of the tower he had destroyed long ago. He went south along the [[Greenway]] and discovered nothing. Gandalf followed them, but the Witch-king let him slip ahead, and attacked him on Weathertop. Gandalf escaped at dawn, and again the Witch-king divided his force and sent four after the wizard while he and Khamûl remained near Weathertop to watch it.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 167-8</ref>

The chieftain of the Dúnedain, Aragorn II, had become the guide of the hobbits, and led them to Weathertop, where they were spotted and attacked by the Ringwraiths led by the Witch-king. The Witch-king advanced on Frodo, and the terrified hobbit put on the Ring, seeing the wraiths as they truly were. The Witch-king was taller than the others, with long hair and a crown set on his helm. When Frodo resisted the wraith's approach, and invoked the name of [[Varda|Elbereth]], the Witch-king stabbed Frodo in the shoulder.<ref name="Knife" /> The tip of his [[Morgul-knife|blade]] broke off and remained in Frodo's shoulder.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, pp. 221-2</ref> Then Aragorn counterattacked with flaming brands.<ref name="Knife" /> The Witch-king departed with the other Nazgûl, believing that his objective was completed.

He resumed the pursuit quickly, though,<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', pp. 180-1</ref> and found that Khamûl had been driven from the [[Last Bridge]] by his old enemy [[Glorfindel]]. The Witch-king, who only had one companion with him, was likewise unable to confront him openly.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 194</ref> They regrouped and went south, rejoining with the other four. They managed to pick up the trail of the company of the Ring, and despite hindrance from Glorfindel and Aragorn managed to pursue Frodo alone on [[Asfaloth]]. The pursuit came to the [[Ford of Bruinen]], and there Frodo compelled the horse to stop. The Witch-king saw his defiance and laughed, breaking his sword with a movement of his hand. But the waters of the [[Bruinen]] rose at [[Elrond]]'s command, sweeping the Nine downstream.<ref name="fourteen">{{FR|Flight}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 195-6</ref>

===War of the Ring===
[[File:Angus McBride - Gandalf facing Witch-king.gif|thumb|''Gandalf facing the Witch-king'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
The Witch-king took the only surviving horse back to [[Mordor]], arriving there in December. In addition, help was sent to the other eight Nazgûl when they were on their way back.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from a manuscript of The Hunt for the Ring, p. 262</ref> In [[Minas Morgul]] they prepared for a grand invasion of [[Gondor]] at the order of their master. The Witch-king was given by Sauron added "demonic" force.<ref name="fifteen">{{L|210}}, p. 272</ref> On 10 March {{TA|3019|n}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 10, p. 1093</ref> the signal was given and Minas Morgul was emptied. The Witch-king rode at the head of the army clothed in black with a crown on his hooded head. As the Witch-king passed out of the gates of the dead city in the direction of Ithilien, he stopped, probably sensing the presence of [[the One Ring]], but he continued riding down the road after a while.<ref name="Stairs" />

The army from Minas Morgul commanded by the Witch-king was reinforced by regiments of [[Haradrim]] outnumbered the forces of [[Faramir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s son, who defended the fords over the river [[Anduin]] at [[Osgiliath]] ten times and soon managed to cross the river in a large numbers of floats and barges, which they had secretly built on the eastern side of Osgiliath on the eastern side of the river. As a consequence, Faramir retreated with his men to the [[Causeway Forts]] at the [[Rammas Echor]].<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}, p. 817</ref> The Rammas Echor was breached, and the [[Pelennor Fields]] were overrun. Other wraiths he sent out mounted on [[Fell beasts]]. Faramir was wounded by a dart and the [[Black Breath|black breath]], but his company was saved by a sortie. Then the Witch-king laid siege to [[Minas Tirith]] itself, sending fire and the heads of the dead Gondorians into the city via catapults. Then he launched the assault.

He sent [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] out first, accompanying it in person so as to be the first to enter the city. Three times Grond struck the gate, empowered by the sorcery of the Witch-king. The third time the Gate shattered in a flash of fire. The Witch-king passed into Minas Tirith, but was confronted by Gandalf on [[Shadowfax]]. Gandalf forbade him entry, but the Witch-king laughed and put on a show of power.

{{Blockquote|The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there came a deadly laughter. 'Old fool!' he said. 'Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!' And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

===Fall===
[[File:Alarie - Eowyn and the Witchking 2.jpg|thumb|left|''Éowyn and the Witch-king'' by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]]]
As Gandalf stood resolute before the Witch-king, the [[Rohirrim]] arrived. Thus he departed, mounting a fell beast and descending upon King [[Théoden]] who led the attack. [[Snowmane]], the King's horse, collapsed with a dart in the side, and Théoden was crushed beneath him. But the rider [[Dernhelm]] defied the Witch-king. The Witch-king threatened Dernhelm with a terrible death, but the rider revealed that she was a woman, [[Éowyn]], and the Witch-king remembered the words of Glorfindel. He hesitated, but then moved forward. Éowyn decapitated the fell beast, but the Witch-king rose and struck her down with his mace, breaking her shield-arm. Then the hobbit [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] stabbed him in the sinew of his leg with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|blade of Westernesse]] (though there was much pain in Meriadoc's arm afterwards), as he drew back to kill the woman. Then Éowyn rose and drove her sword through where his invisible head was, and the sword broke as his crown toppled. The Witch-king gave a great and horrible wail, perishing at last (in the [[Letters]] it is said he was “reduced to impotence”).<ref name="Pelennor">{{RK|Battle}}</ref>

So the prophecy of Glorfindel was fulfilled, for the Witch-king did not fall at the hands of a man, but that of [[Éowyn|a woman]]; and not by a [[Men|Man]] but [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|a Halfling]]. With his defeat, and the coming of Aragorn II in the black ships, the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost by Sauron.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The Witch-king was originally introduced in the story as the "Wizard King" during the development of [[The Council of Elrond]] chapter.<ref>{{TI|VI}}, p. 116</ref> He continues to be referred to under that name in outlines<ref>{{WR|3|VI}}, p. 326</ref><ref>{{WR|3|VIII}}, p. 359</ref> and a manuscript for the chapter [[The Siege of Gondor]] where Gandalf says that he is not only the captain of the [[Black Riders]], but a former member of his own [[Istari|order]] before "evil took him"<ref>{{WR|3|VI}}, p. 331</ref>.

In the early versions of the story, the "Wizard King" was planned to survive the Pelennor Fields battle and appear as the ambassador at the [[Black Gate]] instead of the [[Mouth of Sauron]].<ref>{{WR|3|VIII}}, pp. 361-362 and note 12, p. 364</ref> In early manuscripts the "Wizard King" even survived after [[Frodo]] has thrown the Ring in [[Sammath Naur]], blocking the door and saying: “Here we all end together”. At this point, either Sam appears at his back and stabs him from behind (with Sting?), or Frodo draws Sting, commands him to follow the Ring and drives him into the Fire.<ref>{{SD|1|Mordor}}, pp. 5-7</ref>

In the rare manuscript ''[[The Hunt for the Ring|The Hunt for the Ring: Time Scheme - Black Riders]]'', Tolkien speculates that the Witch-King might be afraid of Frodo, as he invoked [[Elbereth]] (a “name of terror for the Nazgûl”) and he could have slain the Barrow-wight.<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, "Flight to the Ford", p. 180</ref>

==Etymology==
While in modern English ''witch'' has mostly female connotations, referring to a hag or sorceress, in middle-English
''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_(word) wicche]'' had no gender distinction; the preference of ''witch'' for female persons (the males referred more usually as ''wizzards'') evolved later through the centuries. Tolkien uses the archaic, gender-unspecific meaning of the term, which was "a man who practises witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer or wizard".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 21 citing from the 'Oxford English Dictionary'</ref>

==Other names==
*Witch-king of Angmar<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnil II, p. 1050</ref> - "Witch" most likely coming from his background in sorcery, and "king" after his establishment of the realm of Angmar in 1300.
*Witch-lord of Angmar<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}, p. 5</ref>
*Sorcerer-King<ref name = "Letter131">{{L|131}}</ref>
*Captain of the Black Riders<ref name = "Letter131"></ref>
*Lord of the Nazgûl<ref>{{RK|Siege}}, p. 819 and p. 829</ref><ref>{{RK|Battle}}, pp. 839-40</ref>
*Lord of the Ringwraiths<ref>{{RK|Tower}}, p. 900</ref><ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 919</ref>
*Chieftain of the Ringwraiths<ref>{{UT|Black}}</ref>
*Lord of the Nine Riders<ref name="Stairs">{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 706</ref>
*King of the Nine Riders<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 708</ref>
*Wraith-lord<ref name="Stairs" />
*Wraith-king<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 707</ref>
*High Nazgûl<ref>{{TT|Choices}}, p. 738</ref>
*King of Minas Morgul<ref name="Eärnur">{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnur, p. 1052</ref>
*Lord of Morgul<ref name="Eärnur" />
*Morgul-lord<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 220</ref>
*Black Captain<ref>{{RK|Siege}}, p. 817 and p. 829</ref><ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 837</ref><ref>{{RK|Battle}}, p. 842</ref>
*Captain of Despair<ref name="RK|Siege" />
*[[Dwimmerlaik]]<ref name="Eowyn">{{RK|Battle}}, p. 841</ref>
*Lord of carrion<ref name="Eowyn" />
*Number One<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 925</ref>

==Inspiration==
An undead witch-king named ''Þráinn'' appears in ''[[:Wikipedia:Hrómundar saga Gripssonar|Hrómundar saga Gripssonar]]''. It is possible that this was Tolkien's source of inspiration.{{fact}}


The prophecy that the Witch-king would fall "not by the hand of man" and the fulfillment of the prophecy occurring as a technicality (being slain by a hobbit and a woman) bears a striking resemblance to the prophecy regarding the title character's death in Shakespeare's ''Macbeth'', where it was foretold that Macbeth will be slain "not by man born of woman" and is then killed by Macduff, born by caesarian section. Tolkien was familiar with the play, having reputedly taken inspiration for the Last March of the Ents from the same source (See article ''[[Ents]]'' for details).

==Portrayal in adaptations==
The Witch-king's true name is never given, and therefore among [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]], the Witch-king is often simply called ''Angmar'', after the name of the realm he founded and led. It is possible that he was one of the three [[Black Númenóreans]] Tolkien stated had become Nazgûl, or possibly [[Isilmo]], a Númenórean prince and father of Tar-Minastir. This possibility was adopted by the now defunct [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] game and [[Mithril Miniatures]] where he is named ''Er-Murazor'', a Númenórean prince and younger son of [[Tar-Ciryatan]].
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Witch-king on Fell beast.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Witch-King.jpg|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:Rob Alexander - The Witch King of Angmar.jpg|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Witch-king.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
File:Witchking ea rotk.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings online Shadows of Angmar - Witch-king 1.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Witch-king of Angmar.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Witch King Icon.jpg|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:Lego - Witch-king.jpg|''[[Lego|LEGO]]''
File:Shadow of War - The Witch King.png|''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]''
File:Andrea Piparo - Rise of the Witch-King.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''[[1978]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:During the Black Rider scenes, the Witch-king is shown with no distinction from the other [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]; all are robed in brown and black, and none seem to be able to talk clearly. Later, the Witch-king,<ref>''Twitter'', [https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/2036248745554375003 The Witch-King of Angmar. Original production cels from #LOTR are now back at our ebay shop] by [[Ralph Bakshi]]</ref> riding a [[Fell beast]] and wielding a mace, stalks [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Gollum]] in [[Dead Marshes|the Dead Marshes]].

'''[[1980]]: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is portrayed as a humanoid figure with no head. Red eyes glare under a golden crown. His dialogue is more or less as in the books, albeit in a strange electronic voice. After a stab from behind by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Éowyn]] beheads him. It is worthy of note that the Witch-king is seen with the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] as his emblem and faction, rather than the grim moon of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''[[2001]]-[[2003|03]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is called the "Witch-king of [[Angmar]]", the "Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]", and the "Greatest of the Nine" by [[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''; however, no other mention of the kingdom of Angmar itself is made. Also, in that film, there is no mention of [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy; there is only a claim among the enemy that "no man can kill" the Witch-king. Like the other Nazgûl, he is depicted as a humanoid figure shrouded in a hooded black robe; his only distinguishing feature is a mask-like spiked helmet with a huge mouth. His first mention is when Gandalf tells [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] while in Minas Tirith that the Dark Lord has not yet revealed his "deadliest" servant: the Witch-king, the one that "stabbed [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] on [[Weathertop]]".

:During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the Witch-king's army uses the ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] to break through the city gates early in the battle (after the failure of a lesser ram), and the Witch-king is not present to confront Gandalf as he is in the book. The confrontation takes place later, as Pippin and Gandalf race to the tombs to save [[Faramir]], and the Witch-king intercepts them. Unlike in the book, this meeting decisively favors the Witch-king, who breaks Gandalf's staff and throws the wizard to the ground before leaving to deal with the arrival of the [[Rohirrim]]. Gandalf's face shows obvious fear in this scene, in comparison to the resolution (for "victory or death") in the books.

:The Witch-king's final stand on the battlefield occurs with less dialogue than in the book, and the weapons used to defeat him are both mundane: Merry's sword is not a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] from the [[Barrow-downs]], but rather the Rohirric sword that [[Théoden]] had as a child. This does makes it somewhat confusing in the film whether the Witch-King was truly destroyed in this fight (as he was in the book), or whether we was temporarily incapacitated (as at the ford of Bruinen) and later perished along with his fellow Nazgul due to the One Ring's destruction.

:Eight actors are known to have played some part of the Witch-king.
#An unidentified extra portrayed the "King of Men" in the prologue. He was chosen to be the Witch-king simply because he was the smallest of the nine.
#[[Shane Rangi]] did the horse chase.
#[[Fran Walsh]] provided the "Ringwraith scream".
#Effects technician Ben Price played the Witch-king in "many scenes"<ref>http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072904lotrwetaprops.html</ref>
#[[Brent McIntyre]] is officially credited as the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. He stabbed Frodo.
#[[Lawrence Makoare]] filled the robe of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.
#[[Mark Ferguson]] filled the heavy armoured costume when Makoare felt claustrophobic.<ref>http://www.markferguson.net/articles/interview_Nautilus20.html</ref>
#[[Andy Serkis]] provided the voice of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

'''[[2012]]-[[2014|14]]: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is mentioned to have been defeated years ago, and his body sealed by the "Men of the North" in a very deep and dark tomb in the "[[High Fells of Rhudaur]]". His [[wraith]], apparently summoned by the [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]], is encountered by [[Radagast]] in the ruins of [[Dol Guldur]], but the [[Wizards|Wizard]] fends him off and salvages the Witch-king's [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]] in the struggle.

:In the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]], The Witch-King, along with the other Nazgûl, participates by fighting [[Saruman]] and [[Elrond]], members of the [[White Council]]. In the end, he and the other Nine are driven back to [[Mordor]] by [[Galadriel]] and her [[Phial of Galadriel|phial]], [[Sauron|his master]] also eventually following suit.

:No actor is known to have played the Witch-king in this film series.

===Television===
'''[[1993]]: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl. He was portrayed through computer-graphics.

===Radio series===
'''[[1956]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The Black Captain is played by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1727">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1727, [[14 December|December 14]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''[[1981]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of The Lord of the Nazgul, as he is always credited in this production, is expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''. He is the second speaking character in the series: he is the one who captures [[Gollum]], though he is not identified as such until the credits. [[Philip Voss]] provided the voice for The Lord of the Nazgul.

'''[[1992]]: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king of Angmar is played by Christian Mey. The character is credited as the Lord of the Nazgul.

'''[[2001]]-[[2003]]: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of the Witch-king of Angmar is provided by Jozef Švoňavský. The character is credited only as the Lord of the Nazgul, not by his Witch-king epithet.

===Tabletop Games===
'''[[1987]]: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]—[[Lords of Middle-earth: Vol. II]]'''''
:[[Iron Crown Enterprises]] constructed an elaborate non-[[canon]]ical backstory for the Witch-king. In their interpretation, he was born during a solar eclipse in {{SA|1820}} in [[Andúnië]], leading to his mother naming him Tindomul ([[Quenya|Q.]] ''Twilight Son''). In [[Adûnaic]], his black hair led him to be called Er-Mûrazôr (''Black Prince''). As the second son of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] and younger brother to [[Tar-Atanamir|Atanamir]], he eventually grew jealous of his sibling. He sailed to Middle-earth in {{SA|1880}} with a small fleet, hoping to establish his own empire. He failed to establish a foothold in [[Lond Daer]], and journeyed southward to [[Umbar]], where he took control and proclaimed himself king. After only a few months, he was rebuked by his father and ordered to return to Númenor. Mûrazôr refused, but fled Umbar out of fear of his father’s wrath.

:In Barad-dûr, Sauron took the prince under his wing in the first week of {{SA|1883}}. For 115 years he studied the Black Arts and became Sauron’s most trusted lieutenant. To reward his expertise, Sauron gave him a Ring of Power in {{SA|1998}}, after which he became known as the Witch-king and Lord of Morgul. During Sauron's capture by [[Ar-Pharazôn]], the Witch-king was in charge of Mordor, operating from the shadows to evade the eyes of Men. After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], he fought in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but passed into the shadows when his master was defeated.

:The Witch-king reappeared around {{TA|1050}}, joining his master in [[Dol Guldur]] where he remained for two and a half centuries, formulating a plan for the destruction of [[Arnor]]. In {{TA|1300}}, he flew to a high plain overlooking the northeast of Arnor, where he founded the kingdom of Angmar and established his cavern-fortress of Carn Dûm. In the following centuries he fought and subjugated the three successor kingdoms of Arnor, until his own realm fell to Gondor.

:The Witch-king wore his father's Sea-helm, with a simple iron crown set into the crest, and had fashioned a suit of “Morgul Plate” armour with the same sort of Sea-drake skin. He wielded several weapons in addition to his [[Morgul-knife]]:<ref name=ICE>{{ICE|8003}}, pp. 98-102</ref>
* ''Vasamacil'' ([[Quenya|Q.]] “Blade-eater”, [[Sindarin|S.]] ''Vasamegil''), a flaming [[Metals_in_Middle-earth_Role_Playing#Ithilnaur|black ithilnaur]] broadsword, inlaid with ruby veins and its pommel topped with a ruby. It was forged in [[Thangorodrim]] by Sauron.<ref>{{ICE|2010}}, pp. 48</ref>
* ''Nallagurth'' (“Death's Proclaimer”), a [[Metals_in_Middle-earth_Role_Playing#Eog|black eog]] mace inlaid with diamond veins, with an enchanted black tip. It was forged in [[Utumno]] by Sauron.<ref>{{ICE|2010}}, pp. 38</ref>
* ''Romoquenáro'' (“Fiery Envoy”), a Númenórean steel composite bow. It has a black eog grip and is strung with whale sinew. It was likely a family heirloom.<ref>{{ICE|2010}}, pp. 42</ref>

===Video Games===
'''[[2002]]: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl.

'''[[2003]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king's role and voice are similar to that of the film, but his appearance is different. An early helmet design, that had been removed from the film because it resembled [[Sauron]]'s helm too much, was used here, presumably because there was no time to make a new character model.

'''[[2004]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Witch-King is one the main "Hero" units for the Servants of Sauron, his signature ability is being able to turn Wights into Nazgûl. The evil campaign storyline shows him reclaiming Dol Guldur for Sauron.

'''[[2004]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Witch-King is a "Hero" unit for Mordor faction. He is an airborne unit riding on a Fell Beast and one of the strongest units in the game.

'''[[2006]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In addition to his appearance from the first game, the Witch-King can now also dismount and become a landscape unit armed with a mace. An expansion was released for this game the same year, titled [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king]]. In this expansion, the campaign is centered around the Witch-King and his rise to power in Angmar.

'''[[2007]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is a non-playable character present in several scenes. His most memorable appearance takes place in the Great Barrow within the Barrow-Downs. There are also multiple references to him in quest dialogue, the most notable is that the Witch-King for whatever reason cannot return to rule [[Carn Dum]] and instead has erected a Steward named [[Mordirith]] to rule in his place, in mockery of the Stewards of Gondor.

'''[[2009]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:In the campaign for the "Evil" side, the Witch-King is revived by other Nazgûl right before Sauron reclaims The One Ring.

''''[[2011]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The Witch-king appears in a flashback of the playable characters during the prologue of the game. He and the other [[Nazgûl]] attack and destroy the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] camp at [[Sarn Ford]]. Shortly after he speaks with [[Agandaûr]], who explains that he has assembled an army in [[Fornost]]. The Witch-king commands him to return and attack immediately, to aid in the [[Hunt of the Ring]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''[[2012]]: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:The Witch-King is a playable defender. He is equipped with a flail and specialises in controlling effects. His ''Death'' ability causes damage, reduces enemy healing and reanimates a fallen enemy to fight for him. ''Darkness'' forces an enemy to turn back and fight, preventing escape and reflecting damage. ''Malice'' causes Damage in area and improves his next attack. ''Despair'' slows a targeted Enemy and nearby Enemies.

''''[[2017]]: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is featured in the game. Voiced by Matthew Mercer, he serves as the main antagonist of the game. At the bidding of Sauron, he leads the siege on the city of Minas Ithil, making an adversary out of [[Talion]], in whom he takes a particular interest. Ensnaring General Castamir by promising the safety of his daughter, Idril, the Witch-king conquers the city for the Dark Lord. Using a [[palantír]] within Minas Ithil - now Minas Morgul - he sees that [[Celebrimbor]]'s New Ring is in [[Shelob]]'s hands. The Witch-king reveals what he has learned to his master, who rewards his allegiance with the reins of Minas Morgul and sends him to retrieve the New Ring.<ref>[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]], ''Prologue''</ref>

==See also==
*[[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]

==External links==
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/origins_of_Nazgul.htm Origins of the Nazgûl and the Downfall of Númenor] by Alcuin

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=evil
|house=[[Nazgûl]] of [[Sauron]]
|born=Before {{SA|2251}}
|died=[[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
|pvac=None
|prev=Title established
|list=King of [[Angmar]]
|dates={{TA|1300}} - {{TA|1975|n}}
|next=Title abolished
|nvac=None
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Der Hexenkönig von Angmar]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/roi-sorcier]]
[[fi:Noitakuningas]]

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Paccyd33:

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File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo offering Galadriel the Ring.jpg

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== Summary ==
{{Information
| description = [[Frodo Baggins]] offering [[Galadriel]] [[the One Ring]]
| date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
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[[Category:Images of Frodo Baggins]]
[[Category:Images of the One Ring]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo offering Galadriel the Ring.jpg

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Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information | description = Frodo Baggins offering Galadriel the One Ring | date = November 15 1978 | medium = | tolkienart = | author = | source = ''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film) | license = }} {{Fairuse-Warnerbros}} Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) Category:Images of Frodo Baggins Category:Images of the One Ring

== Summary ==
{{Information
| description = [[Frodo Baggins]] offering [[Galadriel]] [[the One Ring]]
| date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
| medium =
| tolkienart =
| author =
| source = [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
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{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of Frodo Baggins]]
[[Category:Images of the One Ring]]

Witch-king

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Paccyd33:

{{infobox character
|name = Witch-king of Angmar
|image = Melissa Hitchcock - The Black Captain.jpg
|caption = "The Black Captain" by [[:Category:Images by Melissa Hitchcock|Melissa Hitchcock]]
|pronun =
|othernames = Black Captain, Chief of the Nine, [[Dwimmerlaik]]
|titles = King of Angmar Lord of Minas Morgul
|position = Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]
|location = [[Angmar]] [[Minas Morgul]]
|affiliation = [[Nazgûl]] [[Eye of Sauron]]
|language = [[Black Speech]], [[Westron]]
|birth = Before {{SA|2251}}
|birthlocation = Unknown
|rule = {{TA|1300}} - {{TA|1975|n}} (in Angmar) {{TA|2002}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (in Minas Morgul)
|death = [[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}
|deathlocation = [[Pelennor Fields]]
|age = 4209+
|notablefor = [[Arnor#The Fall of Arthedain|Fall of Arnor]] Establishing [[Angmar]] Fall of [[Minas Ithil]] and [[Osgiliath]] Deaths of [[Eärnur]], [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], and [[Théoden]] Stabbing [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
|parentage =
|siblings =
|spouse =
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|gender = Male
|height = Tallest of the Nazgûl
|hair = Gleaming
|eyes = Fiery red
|clothing = Crown
|weapons = [[Morgul-knife]]; [[Black Breath]]; A great black mace
|steed = Black horse; [[Fell beasts|Fell Beast]]
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}}
{{Quote|In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}
The '''Witch-king of Angmar''' was the chief of the [[Nazgûl]], King of [[Angmar]] and [[Sauron]]'s great captain in his wars. A [[Wraiths|wraith]], the Witch-king of Angmar was nearly indestructible, a terrifying warrior, and a cunning strategist.

==History==
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - The King of Nazgûl.jpg|thumb|left|''The King of Nazgûl'' by [[:Category:Images by Catherine Karina Chmiel|Catherine Chmiel]]]]
Some time after Sauron seized the [[Rings of Power]] in the [[Sack of Eregion]], {{SA|1697}} he gave [[Nine Rings|nine of them]] to [[Men|Mannish]] kings, sorcerers and other warriors.<ref>{{S|Rings}}, p. 289</ref> With the power of their rings, the Nine achieved glory and grew wealthy, but they eventually started hating life as they were slowly drawn under Sauron’s dominion. In the end, they all became the dreadful [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]].

The one later known as the Witch-king<ref group="note">According to the [[Oxford English Dictionary]] the oldest meaning of ''witch'' is "a man who practices witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer, wizard"</ref> was a sorcerer,<ref>{{FR|Council}}, p. 257</ref><ref name="RK|Siege">{{RK|Siege}}, p. 819</ref> probably<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 20 citing from J.R.R. Tolkien's manuscript of ''Nomenclature'' "he was probably (like the Lieutenant of Barad-dur [the Mouth of Sauron]) of Numenorean descent"</ref> one of the unnamed three lords of [[Númenóreans|Númenórean]] race, who accepted one of the Rings of Power.<ref>{{S|Akallabeth}}</ref> He first appeared in the histories as a Ringwraith in {{SA|2251}}. Being the most powerful of the Nazgûl, he became their chief and the most feared servant of his master Sauron.

When [[Mordor]] fell in {{SA|3441}}, the Nazgûl vanished into the shadows and were not heard of again for a long time.<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 3441, p. 1084</ref>

===Early power in Angmar===
More than a thousand years later, in c. {{TA|1050|n}} of the [[Third Age]], [[Sauron]] began to rebuild his power in [[Dol Guldur]]. In c. {{TA|1300|n}} his Nazgûl also reappeared and the Witch-king established his realm, [[Angmar]], in the north.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1300, p. 1086</ref> His capital was [[Carn Dûm]], on the northernmost peak of the [[Misty Mountains]]. He summoned men, [[orcs]] and other creatures of evil inclination to his banner. No one knew that he was actually a servant of the long-dormant [[Sauron]] and few that he was a wraith.<ref name="Malvegil">{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Malvegil, p. 1040</ref>

In the north, disunity plagued the [[Dúnedain]] of [[Arnor]]. They had divided into three kingdoms: [[Cardolan]], [[Rhudaur]] and [[Arthedain]], and were constantly at war with one another.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', p. 1039</ref> The Witch-king saw the North-kingdom of Arnor as more vulnerable than the South-kingdom of Gondor.<ref name="Malvegil" /> He played upon their opposition, sending in infiltrators and taking over the hearts of the men of that land. By {{TA|1349|n}}, the government of Rhudaur was controlled by men secretly in his service,<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Malvegil]], pp. 193-194</ref> and he secretly aided them in their wars against the other kingdoms.<ref name="Argeleb">{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Argeleb I]], p. 194</ref> He then struck at a time of great hostility among the three, in {{TA|1409|n}}. Rhudaur in the east fell first, and most of the Dúnedain there were hunted down and slaughtered by sorcerers.<ref name="Arveleg">{{PM|Elendil}}, entry for [[Arveleg I]], p. 194</ref> Cardolan was ravaged and its [[last prince of Cardolan|last prince]] slain;<ref>{{HM|RC}}, "Fog on the Barrow-downs", pp. 144-5; Index, 'Cardolan, [[Last prince of Cardolan|last prince of]]'</ref> the tower of [[Weathertop|Amon Sûl]], held by the men of Arthedain, was placed under siege. King [[Arveleg I]] was slain and the tower was destroyed, but the coveted ''[[Amon Sûl-stone|palantír]]'' escaped in the hands of the surviving men of Arthedain and was brought to [[Fornost]].<ref name="Palantiri16">{{UT|14a}}, Note 16, p. 413</ref>

The Witch-king continued to press the men of Arthedain, laying siege to Fornost, and he might have taken over all of Arnor in that one offensive. But [[Araphor]], the 18-year-old son of Arveleg, came to leadership and, with the help of the ancient elf [[Círdan]] of [[Lindon]], repelled the Witch-king’s forces at Fornost and the [[North Downs]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Araphor, p. 1040</ref> [[Elrond]] brought an army of [[Elves]] from [[Rivendell]] and [[Lothlórien]], and the Witch-king was pushed back and subdued.

===Twilight of Angmar===
The Witch-king sat silent in Carn Dûm, rebuilding his armies and preparing for a final assault on [[Arthedain]], last of the Arnorian kingdoms. The [[Great Plague]] came and went in {{TA|1636|n}}, taking with it the last of the Dúnedain of [[Cardolan]]. The Witch-king sent [[barrow-wights]] to inhabit the barrows in [[Barrow-downs|Tyrn Gorthad]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Argeleb II, p. 1041</ref> In {{TA|1974|n}}, he felt that his power was sufficiently restored to begin the advance.

His attack was sudden, but not unexpected. King [[Arvedui]] sent a message to King [[Eärnil II]] of [[Gondor]] the year before, but help did not arrive in time. [[Fornost Erain]] fell, and the Witch-king took up residence there in the palace.<ref name="Eärnil">{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnil II, p. 1051</ref> Arvedui held out as best as he might on the [[North Downs]], but at last fled north with the treasured ''[[palantíri]]'' of [[Amon Sûl-stone|Amon Sûl]] and [[Annúminas-stone|Annúminas]]. He would not return, for he perished in a shipwreck in {{TA|1975|n}}. With him the ''palantíri'' were lost forever in the icy seas of [[Forod]]. The already-diminished North-kingdom ended, and [[Arnor]] fell.<ref name="Arvedui">{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Arvedui and entry for Chieftain Aranarth, pp. 1041-3</ref>

Meanwhile, a coalition in the south had formed. Eärnil sent his son, [[Eärnur]], north with a great fleet, all that Gondor could spare. They arrived at [[Lindon]] and joined with the folk of Círdan. Círdan summoned all that would come: surviving Dúnedain of Arnor and elves of Lindon.<ref name="Eärnil" /> Even a company of [[Hobbits|hobbit]] archers went to their aide.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for King Arvedui, p. 1042</ref> The Witch-king had grown overconfident and, instead of staying behind his fortifications, initiated the attack. The [[Battle of Fornost]] was fought on the plain between [[Nenuial]] and the North Downs. The Witch-king may not have anticipated the strength brought against him, but for whatever reason the alliance gained the upper hand. His army began to fall back toward Fornost, but Eärnur’s magnificent horsemen struck from the north and the Witch-king was routed.<ref name="Eärnil" />

He decided to flee to Angmar and the safety of Carn Dûm, but the cavalry, with Eärnur himself in the lead, overtook him. Moreover, the ranks of the allies swelled, as an army of elves from [[Rivendell]] came led by the mighty hero of old, [[Glorfindel]]. Angmar was purged of men and orcs, and all seemed lost for the Witch-king in the face of such numbers. But the Witch-king himself came at the last, robed and masked in black and riding a black horse, and attempted to kill Eärnur with his own hands. But Eärnur’s horse shied away and fled, and the Witch-king laughed. But Glorfindel came on his white horse, and faced with such power the Witch-king fled. He vanished into the shadows and no-one marked where he had gone.<ref name="Eärnil" />

Eärnur wanted to pursue, but Glorfindel held him back and made his famous prophecy.

{{Blockquote|He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall.|Glorfindel, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', [[Appendix A]] (iv)}}

===Lord of Minas Morgul===
[[File:Alan Lee - The Witch-king.jpg|thumb|250px|''The Witch-king'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
The Witch-king escaped to [[Mordor]], and gathered the other Ringwraiths about him in {{TA|1980|n}}. Angmar and Carn Dûm were lost, and so in {{TA|2000|n}} the Ringwraiths began a [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|two-year siege]] of [[Minas Ithil]], eventually capturing the place and turning it into his residence. The wraiths sent an aura of fear in [[Gondor]], and much of [[Ithilien]] was deserted.<ref name="gondor" />

Eärnur succeeded his father as King of Gondor, and still held the Witch-king in especial hostility due to his humiliation at the Battle of Fornost. [[Third Age 2043|The year]] of his coronation the Witch-king sent him a taunting challenge, but [[Mardil]] the [[steward]] restrained Eärnur from rash action. [[Third Age 2050|Seven years later]] the challenge was repeated, and Eärnur rode with a small escort to Minas Morgul; none ever returned, and there was no longer a King in Gondor.<ref name="gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref>

After this the Witch-king bided his time. He and the Nazgûl built up their armies, including the terrible new orc-race of [[Uruks]]. In {{TA|2475|n}} he sent them out to capture [[Osgiliath]], which they did successfully. They were driven out by [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] of [[Gondor]], who led campaigns to recapture Ithilien, but Osgiliath now lay completely in ruins and the region was left devastated and depopulated. Boromir was a great captain, and even the Witch-king feared him, but he was felled by a Morgul-wound and his rule was but twelve years.<ref>{{App|Stewards}}, entry for Steward Boromir, p. 1053</ref>

===Hunt for the Ring===
Sauron declared himself openly in {{TA|2951|n}}, and sent three of his Ringwraiths to [[Dol Guldur]] (though the Witch-king was left in Minas Morgul). Then, by lucky chance, the creature [[Gollum]] was captured and interrogated. Under torture, the wretched creature revealed the tale of [[the One Ring]] and how it came to be in his possession. But from his words, Sauron misunderstood that the land of the hobbits who stole the Ring was on the banks of the [[Gladden River]], whence Gollum originally came from.<ref name="thirteen">{{UT|Hunt}}, p. 338-341</ref> Sauron sent the Nine, under the leadership of the Witch-king, invisible and uncloaked, to search for the Ring after the assault of Osgiliath.

[[Khamûl]], the Witch-king’s lieutenant, reported that he was unable to find the “[[the Shire|Shire]]” in the vales of [[Anduin]]. The Witch-king was determined to search north and west until Gollum was found, or the Shire. But plans were halted when Sauron received word of the events in Gondor and the doings of the turncoat [[Saruman]], and concluded that the Wise did not yet have possession of the Ring. He sent the Ringwraiths to [[Isengard]] in the form of [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]], and as they passed through Rohan their terror was so great that many fled the land, believing the Riders heralded an invasion.

They arrived at Isengard too late to prevent the escape of the captured wizard [[Gandalf]]; Saruman realized he had been revealed as a traitor to both sides due to his transparent lust for the Ring, and having no chance of deceiving Sauron any further, fortified himself in Isengard. The Witch-king did not have enough power with him to assault Saruman in his great fortress. He demanded the Wizard come forth, but received only the voice of Saruman. Nonetheless cunning and wary, Saruman convinced the Witch-king that Gandalf alone knew where the Shire and the Ring were, and so the Nine went out in search of him.<ref name="thirteen" />

The Ringwraiths came upon the traitor called [[Gríma|Wormtongue]] and questioned him. The terrified man told them everything he knew; that Gandalf had passed through Rohan, where the Shire was, and even that Saruman had lied to them. The Witch-king spared Wormtongue’s life, foreseeing that Wormtongue would bring ruin to Saruman. He divided his wraiths into four pairs, and went with the swiftest to [[Minhiriath]]. Along the way they captured several spies of Saruman, and found to their delight charts and maps of the Shire. They sent along the spy to [[Bree]], warning them that they now belonged to Mordor, not Saruman.<ref name="thirteen" />
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Amon Sul.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Amon Sul'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
They came to [[Sarn Ford]], but the [[Dúnedain]] [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] prevented them from crossing. The Rangers sent for their captain, [[Aragorn II]], as he was away, but defeating the Nazgûl was a task beyond the power of the Dúnedain, and may have been so even had Aragorn been present; the Ringwraiths attacked at night, capturing the ford and killing many of the Rangers. A few survivors fled northward to warn Aragorn of the wraiths' approach, but were pursued and slain or driven off into the wilds.<ref name="thirteen" /> The Witch-king sent three Ringwraiths under Khamûl into the Shire while he went east with the others.<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, September 22, p. 1091</ref> But they had come too late: the Ring had moved on in the hands of a hobbit, [[Frodo Baggins]].<ref name="Knife">{{FR|Knife}}</ref>

===Pursuit of the Ring===
Khamûl was unsuccessful, but brought word from the spy they had spared in Bree. The man had witnessed a vanishing act on Frodo's part, and had organized an attack on the inn. The Witch-king assumed that Frodo would head east to [[Rivendell]], and sent four wraiths to [[Weathertop]],<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 164-6</ref> the ruins of the tower he had destroyed long ago. He went south along the [[Greenway]] and discovered nothing. Gandalf followed them, but the Witch-king let him slip ahead, and attacked him on Weathertop. Gandalf escaped at dawn, and again the Witch-king divided his force and sent four after the wizard while he and Khamûl remained near Weathertop to watch it.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 167-8</ref>

The chieftain of the Dúnedain, Aragorn II, had become the guide of the hobbits, and led them to Weathertop, where they were spotted and attacked by the Ringwraiths led by the Witch-king. The Witch-king advanced on Frodo, and the terrified hobbit put on the Ring, seeing the wraiths as they truly were. The Witch-king was taller than the others, with long hair and a crown set on his helm. When Frodo resisted the wraith's approach, and invoked the name of [[Varda|Elbereth]], the Witch-king stabbed Frodo in the shoulder.<ref name="Knife" /> The tip of his [[Morgul-knife|blade]] broke off and remained in Frodo's shoulder.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, pp. 221-2</ref> Then Aragorn counterattacked with flaming brands.<ref name="Knife" /> The Witch-king departed with the other Nazgûl, believing that his objective was completed.

He resumed the pursuit quickly, though,<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', pp. 180-1</ref> and found that Khamûl had been driven from the [[Last Bridge]] by his old enemy [[Glorfindel]]. The Witch-king, who only had one companion with him, was likewise unable to confront him openly.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 194</ref> They regrouped and went south, rejoining with the other four. They managed to pick up the trail of the company of the Ring, and despite hindrance from Glorfindel and Aragorn managed to pursue Frodo alone on [[Asfaloth]]. The pursuit came to the [[Ford of Bruinen]], and there Frodo compelled the horse to stop. The Witch-king saw his defiance and laughed, breaking his sword with a movement of his hand. But the waters of the [[Bruinen]] rose at [[Elrond]]'s command, sweeping the Nine downstream.<ref name="fourteen">{{FR|Flight}}</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', p. 195-6</ref>

===War of the Ring===
[[File:Angus McBride - Gandalf facing Witch-king.gif|thumb|''Gandalf facing the Witch-king'' by [[Angus McBride]]]]
The Witch-king took the only surviving horse back to [[Mordor]], arriving there in December. In addition, help was sent to the other eight Nazgûl when they were on their way back.<ref>{{HM|RC}}, citing from a manuscript of The Hunt for the Ring, p. 262</ref> In [[Minas Morgul]] they prepared for a grand invasion of [[Gondor]] at the order of their master. The Witch-king was given by Sauron added "demonic" force.<ref name="fifteen">{{L|210}}, p. 272</ref> On 10 March {{TA|3019|n}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3019, March 10, p. 1093</ref> the signal was given and Minas Morgul was emptied. The Witch-king rode at the head of the army clothed in black with a crown on his hooded head. As the Witch-king passed out of the gates of the dead city in the direction of Ithilien, he stopped, probably sensing the presence of [[the One Ring]], but he continued riding down the road after a while.<ref name="Stairs" />

The army from Minas Morgul commanded by the Witch-king was reinforced by regiments of [[Haradrim]] outnumbered the forces of [[Faramir]], [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Denethor|Denethor II]]'s son, who defended the fords over the river [[Anduin]] at [[Osgiliath]] ten times and soon managed to cross the river in a large numbers of floats and barges, which they had secretly built on the eastern side of Osgiliath on the eastern side of the river. As a consequence, Faramir retreated with his men to the [[Causeway Forts]] at the [[Rammas Echor]].<ref name="Siege">{{RK|Siege}}, p. 817</ref> The Rammas Echor was breached, and the [[Pelennor Fields]] were overrun. Other wraiths he sent out mounted on [[Fell beasts]]. Faramir was wounded by a dart and the [[Black Breath|black breath]], but his company was saved by a sortie. Then the Witch-king laid siege to [[Minas Tirith]] itself, sending fire and the heads of the dead Gondorians into the city via catapults. Then he launched the assault.

He sent [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] out first, accompanying it in person so as to be the first to enter the city. Three times Grond struck the gate, empowered by the sorcery of the Witch-king. The third time the Gate shattered in a flash of fire. The Witch-king passed into Minas Tirith, but was confronted by Gandalf on [[Shadowfax]]. Gandalf forbade him entry, but the Witch-king laughed and put on a show of power.

{{Blockquote|The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there came a deadly laughter. 'Old fool!' he said. 'Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!' And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Siege of Gondor]]"}}

===Fall===
[[File:Alarie - Eowyn and the Witchking 2.jpg|thumb|left|''Éowyn and the Witch-king'' by [[:Category:Images by Alarie|Alarie]]]]
As Gandalf stood resolute before the Witch-king, the [[Rohirrim]] arrived. Thus he departed, mounting a fell beast and descending upon King [[Théoden]] who led the attack. [[Snowmane]], the King's horse, collapsed with a dart in the side, and Théoden was crushed beneath him. But the rider [[Dernhelm]] defied the Witch-king. The Witch-king threatened Dernhelm with a terrible death, but the rider revealed that she was a woman, [[Éowyn]], and the Witch-king remembered the words of Glorfindel. He hesitated, but then moved forward. Éowyn decapitated the fell beast, but the Witch-king rose and struck her down with his mace, breaking her shield-arm. Then the hobbit [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] stabbed him in the sinew of his leg with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|blade of Westernesse]] (though there was much pain in Meriadoc's arm afterwards), as he drew back to kill the woman. Then Éowyn rose and drove her sword through where his invisible head was, and the sword broke as his crown toppled. The Witch-king gave a great and horrible wail, perishing at last (in the [[Letters]] it is said he was “reduced to impotence”).<ref name="Pelennor">{{RK|Battle}}</ref>

So the prophecy of Glorfindel was fulfilled, for the Witch-king did not fall at the hands of a man, but that of [[Éowyn|a woman]]; and not by a [[Men|Man]] but [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|a Halfling]]. With his defeat, and the coming of Aragorn II in the black ships, the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost by Sauron.

==Other versions of the legendarium==
The Witch-king was originally introduced in the story as the "Wizard King" during the development of [[The Council of Elrond]] chapter.<ref>{{TI|VI}}, p. 116</ref> He continues to be referred to under that name in outlines<ref>{{WR|3|VI}}, p. 326</ref><ref>{{WR|3|VIII}}, p. 359</ref> and a manuscript for the chapter [[The Siege of Gondor]] where Gandalf says that he is not only the captain of the [[Black Riders]], but a former member of his own [[Istari|order]] before "evil took him"<ref>{{WR|3|VI}}, p. 331</ref>.

In the early versions of the story, the "Wizard King" was planned to survive the Pelennor Fields battle and appear as the ambassador at the [[Black Gate]] instead of the [[Mouth of Sauron]].<ref>{{WR|3|VIII}}, pp. 361-362 and note 12, p. 364</ref> In early manuscripts the "Wizard King" even survived after [[Frodo]] has thrown the Ring in [[Sammath Naur]], blocking the door and saying: “Here we all end together”. At this point, either Sam appears at his back and stabs him from behind (with Sting?), or Frodo draws Sting, commands him to follow the Ring and drives him into the Fire.<ref>{{SD|1|Mordor}}, pp. 5-7</ref>

In the rare manuscript ''[[The Hunt for the Ring|The Hunt for the Ring: Time Scheme - Black Riders]]'', Tolkien speculates that the Witch-King might be afraid of Frodo, as he invoked [[Elbereth]] (a “name of terror for the Nazgûl”) and he could have slain the Barrow-wight.<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, "Flight to the Ford", p. 180</ref>

==Etymology==
While in modern English ''witch'' has mostly female connotations, referring to a hag or sorceress, in middle-English
''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_(word) wicche]'' had no gender distinction; the preference of ''witch'' for female persons (the males referred more usually as ''wizzards'') evolved later through the centuries. Tolkien uses the archaic, gender-unspecific meaning of the term, which was "a man who practises witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer or wizard".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 21 citing from the 'Oxford English Dictionary'</ref>

==Other names==
*Witch-king of Angmar<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnil II, p. 1050</ref> - "Witch" most likely coming from his background in sorcery, and "king" after his establishment of the realm of Angmar in 1300.
*Witch-lord of Angmar<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}, p. 5</ref>
*Sorcerer-King<ref name = "Letter131">{{L|131}}</ref>
*Captain of the Black Riders<ref name = "Letter131"></ref>
*Lord of the Nazgûl<ref>{{RK|Siege}}, p. 819 and p. 829</ref><ref>{{RK|Battle}}, pp. 839-40</ref>
*Lord of the Ringwraiths<ref>{{RK|Tower}}, p. 900</ref><ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 919</ref>
*Chieftain of the Ringwraiths<ref>{{UT|Black}}</ref>
*Lord of the Nine Riders<ref name="Stairs">{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 706</ref>
*King of the Nine Riders<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 708</ref>
*Wraith-lord<ref name="Stairs" />
*Wraith-king<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}, p. 707</ref>
*High Nazgûl<ref>{{TT|Choices}}, p. 738</ref>
*King of Minas Morgul<ref name="Eärnur">{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Eärnur, p. 1052</ref>
*Lord of Morgul<ref name="Eärnur" />
*Morgul-lord<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}, p. 220</ref>
*Black Captain<ref>{{RK|Siege}}, p. 817 and p. 829</ref><ref>{{RK|Ride}}, p. 837</ref><ref>{{RK|Battle}}, p. 842</ref>
*Captain of Despair<ref name="RK|Siege" />
*[[Dwimmerlaik]]<ref name="Eowyn">{{RK|Battle}}, p. 841</ref>
*Lord of carrion<ref name="Eowyn" />
*Number One<ref>{{RK|Shadow}}, p. 925</ref>

==Inspiration==
An undead witch-king named ''Þráinn'' appears in ''[[:Wikipedia:Hrómundar saga Gripssonar|Hrómundar saga Gripssonar]]''. It is possible that this was Tolkien's source of inspiration.{{fact}}


The prophecy that the Witch-king would fall "not by the hand of man" and the fulfillment of the prophecy occurring as a technicality (being slain by a hobbit and a woman) bears a striking resemblance to the prophecy regarding the title character's death in Shakespeare's ''Macbeth'', where it was foretold that Macbeth will be slain "not by man born of woman" and is then killed by Macduff, born by caesarian section. Tolkien was familiar with the play, having reputedly taken inspiration for the Last March of the Ents from the same source (See article ''[[Ents]]'' for details).

==Portrayal in adaptations==
The Witch-king's true name is never given, and therefore among [[Tolkien fandom|Tolkien fans]], the Witch-king is often simply called ''Angmar'', after the name of the realm he founded and led. It is possible that he was one of the three [[Black Númenóreans]] Tolkien stated had become Nazgûl, or possibly [[Isilmo]], a Númenórean prince and father of Tar-Minastir. This possibility was adopted by the now defunct [[Middle-earth Role Playing]] game and [[Mithril Miniatures]] where he is named ''Er-Murazor'', a Númenórean prince and younger son of [[Tar-Ciryatan]].
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Witch-king on Fell beast.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Witch-King.jpg|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:Rob Alexander - The Witch King of Angmar.jpg|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Witch-king.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
File:Witchking ea rotk.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings online Shadows of Angmar - Witch-king 1.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings War in the North - Witch-king of Angmar.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Witch King Icon.jpg|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:Lego - Witch-king.jpg|''[[Lego|LEGO]]''
File:Shadow of War - The Witch King.png|''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]''
File:Andrea Piparo - Rise of the Witch-King.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>

===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:During the Black Rider scenes, the Witch-king is shown with no distinction from the other [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]; all are robed in brown and black, and none seem to be able to talk clearly. Later, the Witch-king,<ref>''Twitter'', [https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/2036248745554375003 The Witch-King of Angmar. Original production cels from #LOTR are now back at our ebay shop] by [[Ralph Bakshi]]</ref> riding a [[Fell beast]] and wielding a mace, stalks [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] and [[Gollum]] in [[Dead Marshes|the Dead Marshes]].

'''[[1980]]: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is portrayed as a humanoid figure with no head. Red eyes glare under a golden crown. His dialogue is more or less as in the books, albeit in a strange electronic voice. After a stab from behind by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], [[Éowyn]] beheads him. It is worthy of note that the Witch-king is seen with the [[Red Eye]] of [[Barad-dûr]] as his emblem and faction, rather than the grim moon of [[Minas Morgul]].

'''[[2001]]-[[2003|03]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is called the "Witch-king of [[Angmar]]", the "Lord of the [[Nazgûl]]", and the "Greatest of the Nine" by [[Gandalf]] in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''; however, no other mention of the kingdom of Angmar itself is made. Also, in that film, there is no mention of [[Glorfindel]]'s prophecy; there is only a claim among the enemy that "no man can kill" the Witch-king. Like the other Nazgûl, he is depicted as a humanoid figure shrouded in a hooded black robe; his only distinguishing feature is a mask-like spiked helmet with a huge mouth. His first mention is when Gandalf tells [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] while in Minas Tirith that the Dark Lord has not yet revealed his "deadliest" servant: the Witch-king, the one that "stabbed [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] on [[Weathertop]]".

:During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the Witch-king's army uses the ram [[Grond (battering ram)|Grond]] to break through the city gates early in the battle (after the failure of a lesser ram), and the Witch-king is not present to confront Gandalf as he is in the book. The confrontation takes place later, as Pippin and Gandalf race to the tombs to save [[Faramir]], and the Witch-king intercepts them. Unlike in the book, this meeting decisively favors the Witch-king, who breaks Gandalf's staff and throws the wizard to the ground before leaving to deal with the arrival of the [[Rohirrim]]. Gandalf's face shows obvious fear in this scene, in comparison to the resolution (for "victory or death") in the books.

:The Witch-king's final stand on the battlefield occurs with less dialogue than in the book, and the weapons used to defeat him are both mundane: Merry's sword is not a [[Daggers of Westernesse|dagger]] from the [[Barrow-downs]], but rather the Rohirric sword that [[Théoden]] had as a child. This does makes it somewhat confusing in the film whether the Witch-King was truly destroyed in this fight (as he was in the book), or whether we was temporarily incapacitated (as at the ford of Bruinen) and later perished along with his fellow Nazgul due to the One Ring's destruction.

:Eight actors are known to have played some part of the Witch-king.
#An unidentified extra portrayed the "King of Men" in the prologue. He was chosen to be the Witch-king simply because he was the smallest of the nine.
#[[Shane Rangi]] did the horse chase.
#[[Fran Walsh]] provided the "Ringwraith scream".
#Effects technician Ben Price played the Witch-king in "many scenes"<ref>http://www.decipher.com/content/2004/07/072904lotrwetaprops.html</ref>
#[[Brent McIntyre]] is officially credited as the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. He stabbed Frodo.
#[[Lawrence Makoare]] filled the robe of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.
#[[Mark Ferguson]] filled the heavy armoured costume when Makoare felt claustrophobic.<ref>http://www.markferguson.net/articles/interview_Nautilus20.html</ref>
#[[Andy Serkis]] provided the voice of the Witch-king in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''.

'''[[2012]]-[[2014|14]]: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is mentioned to have been defeated years ago, and his body sealed by the "Men of the North" in a very deep and dark tomb in the "[[High Fells of Rhudaur]]". His [[wraith]], apparently summoned by the [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]], is encountered by [[Radagast]] in the ruins of [[Dol Guldur]], but the [[Wizards|Wizard]] fends him off and salvages the Witch-king's [[Morgul-knife|Morgul blade]] in the struggle.

:In the [[Attack on Dol Guldur]], The Witch-King, along with the other Nazgûl, participates by fighting [[Saruman]] and [[Elrond]], members of the [[White Council]]. In the end, he and the other Nine are driven back to [[Mordor]] by [[Galadriel]] and her [[Phial of Galadriel|phial]], [[Sauron|his master]] also eventually following suit.

:No actor is known to have played the Witch-king in this film series.

===Television===
'''[[1993]]: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl. He was portrayed through computer-graphics.

===Radio series===
'''[[1956]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The Black Captain is played by [[Felix Felton]].<ref name="RT1727">Radio Times, Volume 133, No. 1727, [[14 December|December 14]], [[1956]]</ref>

'''[[1981]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The role of The Lord of the Nazgul, as he is always credited in this production, is expanded with material from ''[[The Hunt for the Ring]]''. He is the second speaking character in the series: he is the one who captures [[Gollum]], though he is not identified as such until the credits. [[Philip Voss]] provided the voice for The Lord of the Nazgul.

'''[[1992]]: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:The Witch-king of Angmar is played by Christian Mey. The character is credited as the Lord of the Nazgul.

'''[[2001]]-[[2003]]: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of the Witch-king of Angmar is provided by Jozef Švoňavský. The character is credited only as the Lord of the Nazgul, not by his Witch-king epithet.

===Tabletop Games===
'''[[1987]]: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]—[[Lords of Middle-earth: Vol. II]]'''''
:[[Iron Crown Enterprises]] constructed an elaborate non-[[canon]]ical backstory for the Witch-king. In their interpretation, he was born during a solar eclipse in {{SA|1820}} in [[Andúnië]], leading to his mother naming him Tindomul ([[Quenya|Q.]] ''Twilight Son''). In [[Adûnaic]], his black hair led him to be called Er-Mûrazôr (''Black Prince''). As the second son of [[Tar-Ciryatan]] and younger brother to [[Tar-Atanamir|Atanamir]], he eventually grew jealous of his sibling. He sailed to Middle-earth in {{SA|1880}} with a small fleet, hoping to establish his own empire. He failed to establish a foothold in [[Lond Daer]], and journeyed southward to [[Umbar]], where he took control and proclaimed himself king. After only a few months, he was rebuked by his father and ordered to return to Númenor. Mûrazôr refused, but fled Umbar out of fear of his father’s wrath.

:In Barad-dûr, Sauron took the prince under his wing in the first week of {{SA|1883}}. For 115 years he studied the Black Arts and became Sauron’s most trusted lieutenant. To reward his expertise, Sauron gave him a Ring of Power in {{SA|1998}}, after which he became known as the Witch-king and Lord of Morgul. During Sauron's capture by [[Ar-Pharazôn]], the Witch-king was in charge of Mordor, operating from the shadows to evade the eyes of Men. After the [[Downfall of Númenor]], he fought in the [[War of the Last Alliance]], but passed into the shadows when his master was defeated.

:The Witch-king reappeared around {{TA|1050}}, joining his master in [[Dol Guldur]] where he remained for two and a half centuries, formulating a plan for the destruction of [[Arnor]]. In {{TA|1300}}, he flew to a high plain overlooking the northeast of Arnor, where he founded the kingdom of Angmar and established his cavern-fortress of Carn Dûm. In the following centuries he fought and subjugated the three successor kingdoms of Arnor, until his own realm fell to Gondor.

:The Witch-king wore his father's Sea-helm, with a simple iron crown set into the crest, and had fashioned a suit of “Morgul Plate” armour with the same sort of Sea-drake skin. He wielded several weapons in addition to his [[Morgul-knife]]:<ref name=ICE>{{ICE|8003}}, pp. 98-102</ref>
* ''Vasamacil'' ([[Quenya|Q.]] “Blade-eater”, [[Sindarin|S.]] ''Vasamegil''), a flaming [[Metals_in_Middle-earth_Role_Playing#Ithilnaur|black ithilnaur]] broadsword, inlaid with ruby veins and its pommel topped with a ruby. It was forged in [[Thangorodrim]] by Sauron.<ref>{{ICE|2010}}, pp. 48</ref>
* ''Nallagurth'' (“Death's Proclaimer”), a [[Metals_in_Middle-earth_Role_Playing#Eog|black eog]] mace inlaid with diamond veins, with an enchanted black tip. It was forged in [[Utumno]] by Sauron.<ref>{{ICE|2010}}, pp. 38</ref>
* ''Romoquenáro'' (“Fiery Envoy”), a Númenórean steel composite bow. It has a black eog grip and is strung with whale sinew. It was likely a family heirloom.<ref>{{ICE|2010}}, pp. 42</ref>

===Video Games===
'''[[2002]]: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The Witch-king is shown without distinction of the other Nazgûl.

'''[[2003]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]'':'''
:The Witch-king's role and voice are similar to that of the film, but his appearance is different. An early helmet design, that had been removed from the film because it resembled [[Sauron]]'s helm too much, was used here, presumably because there was no time to make a new character model.

'''[[2004]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Witch-King is one the main "Hero" units for the Servants of Sauron, his signature ability is being able to turn Wights into Nazgûl. The evil campaign storyline shows him reclaiming Dol Guldur for Sauron.

'''[[2004]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Witch-King is a "Hero" unit for Mordor faction. He is an airborne unit riding on a Fell Beast and one of the strongest units in the game.

'''[[2006]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:In addition to his appearance from the first game, the Witch-King can now also dismount and become a landscape unit armed with a mace. An expansion was released for this game the same year, titled [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king]]. In this expansion, the campaign is centered around the Witch-King and his rise to power in Angmar.

'''[[2007]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is a non-playable character present in several scenes. His most memorable appearance takes place in the Great Barrow within the Barrow-Downs. There are also multiple references to him in quest dialogue, the most notable is that the Witch-King for whatever reason cannot return to rule [[Carn Dum]] and instead has erected a Steward named [[Mordirith]] to rule in his place, in mockery of the Stewards of Gondor.

'''[[2009]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:In the campaign for the "Evil" side, the Witch-King is revived by other Nazgûl right before Sauron reclaims The One Ring.

''''[[2011]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:The Witch-king appears in a flashback of the playable characters during the prologue of the game. He and the other [[Nazgûl]] attack and destroy the [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]] camp at [[Sarn Ford]]. Shortly after he speaks with [[Agandaûr]], who explains that he has assembled an army in [[Fornost]]. The Witch-king commands him to return and attack immediately, to aid in the [[Hunt of the Ring]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref>

'''[[2012]]: ''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'':'''
:The Witch-King is a playable defender. He is equipped with a flail and specialises in controlling effects. His ''Death'' ability causes damage, reduces enemy healing and reanimates a fallen enemy to fight for him. ''Darkness'' forces an enemy to turn back and fight, preventing escape and reflecting damage. ''Malice'' causes Damage in area and improves his next attack. ''Despair'' slows a targeted Enemy and nearby Enemies.

''''[[2017]]: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]]'':'''
:The Witch-king is featured in the game. Voiced by Matthew Mercer, he serves as the main antagonist of the game. At the bidding of Sauron, he leads the siege on the city of Minas Ithil, making an adversary out of [[Talion]], in whom he takes a particular interest. Ensnaring General Castamir by promising the safety of his daughter, Idril, the Witch-king conquers the city for the Dark Lord. Using a [[palantír]] within Minas Ithil - now Minas Morgul - he sees that [[Celebrimbor]]'s New Ring is in [[Shelob]]'s hands. The Witch-king reveals what he has learned to his master, who rewards his allegiance with the reins of Minas Morgul and sends him to retrieve the New Ring.<ref>[[Middle-earth: Shadow of War]], ''Prologue''</ref>

==See also==
*[[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]]

==External links==
*[http://www.zarkanya.net/Tolkien/origins_of_Nazgul.htm Origins of the Nazgûl and the Downfall of Númenor] by Alcuin

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
|race=evil
|house=[[Nazgûl]] of [[Sauron]]
|born=Before {{SA|2251}}
|died=[[15 March]], {{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
|pvac=None
|prev=Title established
|list=King of [[Angmar]]
|dates={{TA|1300}} - {{TA|1975|n}}
|next=Title abolished
|nvac=None
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Second Age characters]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[de:Der Hexenkönig von Angmar]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/nazgul/roi-sorcier]]
[[fi:Noitakuningas]]

Fell beasts

2026-05-30T06:13:30Z

Paccyd33:

{{short description|Flying steeds of the Nazgûl}}
{{disambig-two|the winged steeds of the [[Nazgûl]]|vague term|[[Fell beasts (vague term)|fell beasts]]}}
{{race infobox
|name = Fell beasts
|image = John Howe - Nazgul 01.jpg
|caption = ''Nazgul'' by [[John Howe]]
|pronun =
|othernames = Nazgûl-birds, Black Wings, hell-hawks
|origin =
|location = [[Mordor]]
|affiliation = [[Nazgûl]]
|rivalry =
|language =
|people =
|members =
|lifespan = "Older world" - [[Third Age]]
|distinctions = A long neck and vast pinions
|height =
|hair = None
|skin = Webbed and plain
|clothing =
|weapons = Horned fingers, claws, and a beak
}}
'''[[Fell beasts (vague term)|Fell beasts]]'''<ref name="pelennor">{{RK|Battle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.06.031}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.06.042}}</ref>, also called '''Nazgûl-birds'''<ref name="name">{{L|100}}</ref>, '''Black Wings'''<ref name="blackwing">{{TT|Gate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 4.03.066}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.04.039}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 6.03.033}}</ref>, and '''hell-hawks'''<ref name="siege">{{RK|Siege}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.04.033}}</ref>, were huge pterodactylic<ref name="letter211">{{L|211}}</ref> flying creatures that served as steeds for the [[Nazgûl]].

==Description==
Fell beasts were great winged creatures with a beak and claws<ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.06.019}}</ref> and were described as similar to great carrion birds<ref name="blackwing" /><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 4.03.064}}</ref>, but monstrous looking<ref name="harrowdale">{{RK|Muster}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.03.017}}</ref> and greater than all other birds<ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.06.006}}</ref>, including [[Eagles]]<ref name="siege" /><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.04.030}}</ref>. They were dark and appeared shadow-like even at night.<ref name="dark">{{FR|River}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 2.09.055}}</ref> Their body was naked, lacking any quills or feathers. They had a long neck as well as vast pinions consisting of a web-like "hide between horned fingers".<ref name="pelennor" /><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.06.006}}</ref> They possessed a "fell speed" which allowed them to fly faster than the wind.<ref name="deadmarshes">{{TT|Marshes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 4.02.079}}</ref> Furthermore, fell beasts also gave off a stench. In battle they swooped upon prey with their feet to drop foes from the sky,<ref name="siege" /> crushed enemies under their sheer weight,<ref name="siege" /> and used their vast wings to blow foul gusts of wind.<ref name="pelennor" />

==History==
{{blockquote|A creature of an older world maybe it was, whose kind, lingering in forgotten mountains cold beneath the Moon, outstayed their day, and in hideous eyrie bred this last untimely brood, apt to evil. And the Dark Lord took it, and nursed it with fell meats, until it grew beyond the measure of all other things that fly; and he gave it to his servant to be his steed.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]" <ref>{{Cite DTP|LR 5.06.006}}</ref>}}

While their origins are uncertain, the fell beasts may have hailed from an earlier age of the world,<ref name="letter211">{{L|211}}</ref> a diminishing number of which had clung to survival in the remote reaches of Middle-earth.<ref name="pelennor" /> Under Sauron's care, these creatures were prepared for the use of his Nazgûl, who employed them in travel and in the uses of war.<ref name="pelennor" />

Following the destruction of the black horses used by the [[Nazgûl]] in their pursuit of [[Frodo Baggins]], Sauron appointed his brood of fell beasts to serve as the [[Ringwraiths|Ringwraiths']] new steeds.<ref name="pelennor" /> These were glimpsed on several occasions before the [[Siege of Gondor]], where they bore the [[Nazgûl]] to war and plagued the armies of [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]].<ref name="siege" /><ref name="pelennor" />

As the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] travelled down the [[Anduin]], a winged creature briefly attempted to assail the company before being driven off by an arrow from [[Legolas]]' bow.<ref name="dark" />

On Thursday [[1 March]], while Frodo, [[Samwise Gamgee]], and [[Gollum]] were crossing the [[Dead Marshes|Dead Marshes,]] a Nazgûl borne on a winged creature passed overhead at midnight at "the speed of the wrath of Sauron."<ref name="deadmarshes" /> On Sunday [[4 March]],<ref name="date">''[[The Chronology of The Lord of the Rings]]'', p. 62</ref> the party witnessed another Nazgûl, possibly "on some swift errand from Barad-dûr", pass overhead on a winged creature. On Monday [[5 March]],<ref name="date" /> an hour after midnight, a third winged creature flew overhead in the direction of Mordor.

Around dawn on Tuesday<ref name="tuesday">''[[The Chronology of The Lord of the Rings]]'', p. 64</ref> [[6 March]], "a flying darkness in the shape of a monstrous bird" swooped over the hall of [[Meduseld]] in [[Edoras|Edoras.]] To deter an attack, [[Gandalf]] counselled the [[Rohirrim]] to assemble at [[Dunharrow]], in the valley under the mountains, rather than in the fields outside Edoras. [[Théoden]] was told of the sighting after returning from the [[Hornburg]] three days later.<ref name="harrowdale" />

Five Nazgûl, aloft on winged creatures, assailed [[Faramir]] and his company as they retreated from [[Osgiliath]]. They were driven off by Gandalf, who caused a white light to be emitted from his hand, which the Nazgûl could not face.<ref name="siege" />

After the arrival of the Rohirrim to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] abandoned his horse for a fell beast. Upon this steed he confronted the host of the Rohirrim, and slew Théoden's [[Snowmane|horse]] from underneath him. [[Éowyn]], casting away the guise of Dernhelm, leapt to the king's defense and killed the beast, and with the help of [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] slew its rider.<ref name="pelennor" />

==Etymology==
As in the expression "fell things" occurring earlier in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'',<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref> the word ''[[Wiktionary:fell#Etymology 4|fell]]'' in this sense is an archaic English word meaning "dreadful, terrible".<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 110</ref>

The term "[[Fell beasts (vague term)|fell beasts]]" is not used solely for the winged steeds of the Nazgûl: it was also used as a descriptor for various evil creatures of [[Mirkwood]],<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref> and also a descriptor of a type of creature hunted by [[Oromë]] in addition to monsters.<ref name="valar">{{S|IIb}}</ref>

==Other versions of the legendarium==
{{Stub}}

==Inspiration==
In a reply to a letter, [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] wrote that he did not intend for the Nazgûl-bird<ref name="name" /> to be a [[Wikipedia:Pterosaur|pterodactyl]], though he acknowledged that it was "''pterodactylic''" and "owes much to" the "mythology of the 'Prehistoric'". He considered that its description left open the possibility for it to be "a last survivor of older geological eras".<ref name="letter211" />

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="180px" heights="180px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Witch-king on Fell beast.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Witch-king.png|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980)]]
File:Liz Danforth - Fell beast.png|"Fell beast" in ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]''
File:Angus McBride - Wild Fell Beast.jpg|"Wild Fell Beast" in ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Fell beast attacks Minas Tirith.jpg|Fell beast descending in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:SBG - Fell beast.jpeg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:Mark Evans - Hell-hawk.png|"Hell-hawk" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game]]''
File:LOTR-WITN-Fell Beast-1.png|"Fell beast" in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''
</gallery>

'''[[1978]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
:[[Witch-king|The Witch-king]]<ref>''Twitter'', [https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/2036248745554375003 The Witch-King of Angmar. Original production cels from #LOTR are now back at our ebay shop] by [[Ralph Bakshi]]</ref>, carrying a mace, is shown riding on a winged creature. However, Bakshi's film only covers events up to the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], so that is the only appearance of a Nazgûl-bird.<ref name="name" />.

'''[[1980]]: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'':'''
:The Nazgûl ride winged horses. In the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWjt6LGhHsI confrontation] between Éowyn and the Witch-king, the latter is seen riding a plump black-grey dragon-like animal. Gandalf had called it a '''Carrion-fowl'''.

'''[[1982]]-[[1997|9]]7: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:The Fell Beasts are said to likely be "distant relatives of ancient [[Cold-drakes]]", and "grow to lengths of 30 feet (with 30-35-foot wingspans)". In the middle Third Age they live in [[Mountains of Mirkwood|mountainous]] areas of Mirkwood, presumably because of the [[Sauron#Sauron's Return|Necromancer]]'s presence at [[Dol Guldur]]. They are used as steeds by both the Nazgûl and a few [[Olog-hai]] warlords.<ref>{{ICE|2019}}</ref><ref group="note">In the supplement, ''[[Creatures of Middle-earth (2nd edition)|Creatures of Middle-earth]]'', the Fell beasts are said to be "presumably bred from Winged-drakes" and to have a body between 15-25 feet and a wingspan between 30-40 feet.</ref>

'''[[1995]]-[[1998|8]]: ''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'':'''
:'''Fell Beast''' increases the number of strikes of one Nazgûl hazard-creature. '''Wild Fell Beast''' is a Drake which attacks with three strikes. With the card "Fell Rider" the Ringwraith may move to a non-Darkhaven site, but without allies and followers.

'''[[2001]]-[[2003|3]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The fell beasts are depicted as more [[Dragons|Dragon]]-like and serpentine. As opposed to having beaks, they have lipless mouths full of jagged teeth, fins running along their spine, long whip-like tails and dark gray scales. This depiction is heavily influenced by [[John Howe]], who was one of the concept artists for the films.

:In the films, the fell beasts are used for attack much more often than in the books, with the Nazgûl usually swooping down and screeching, making the defenders at the gate of Minas Tirith run away, leaving [[Gandalf]] alone to face the Witch-king as he enters.

:Although on screen the films never make this mistake, sometimes cast or crew members ([[Lawrence Makoare]] and [[Richard Taylor]] most notably) on the commentary tracks and the documentaries refer to the fell beasts as Nazgûl; this is incorrect. The fell beasts are the creature that the nine Nazgûl ride, and the mistake probably arose because fell beasts are always seen with a Nazgûl atop them.

'''[[2001]]-: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]]'':'''
:The Fell Beasts are portrayed without beaks, reminiscent of the depiction in ''The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy''.<ref>[http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=prod480006a&_requestid=1321389 Winged Nazgûl] at [http://www.games-workshop.com/ Games-workshop.com] (accessed 10 June 2011)</ref>

'''[[2002]]: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:A Nazgûl mounted on a fell beast (depicted as a dragon-like creature) appears in the [[Amon Hen]] stage of the PC and console versions of the game, where it serves as the final boss. In the first phase of the battle, the beast crawls on the ground and fights Aragorn (armed with his sword). During the second and final phase, it flies into the sky and shoots green fireballs from its mouth down at Aragorn (who shoots back at it with his bow), until it is weakened and finally shot down by Legolas in the game's ending cutscene.

'''[[2002]]-[[2005|5]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game]]'':'''
:Hell-hawks, employed as mounts by the Ringwraiths and found wild in southern Mirkwood and (after the War of the Ring) in Gondor, resemble a "cross between lizards and featherless birds". They were bred by Sauron in mockery of the [[Eagles|Great Eagles]].<ref>{{D|Fell}}, pp. 30-31</ref>

'''[[2011]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Agandaûr has several Fell beasts under his control. At the end of Chapter 1, Agandaûr flees on the back of one of them.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], Chapter 1: Fornost, ''Citadel Tower''</ref>

'''[[2023]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria]]'':'''
:Fell beasts are among the monsters infesting Moria. The female dragon Narag-Shazon claims that Sauron forcibly employed her to breed the creatures.

{{References|Notes}}

[[Category:Animals]]
[[Category:Nazgûl]]
[[Category:Other races]]
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]

[[de:Reittiere der Nazgûl#Flugwesen]]
[[fi:Sormusaaveiden siivekkäät ratsut]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Witch-king on Fell beast.jpg

2026-05-30T06:10:31Z

Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information | description = The Witch-king<ref>''Twitter'', [https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/2036248745554375003 The Witch-King of Angmar. Original production cels from #LOTR are now back at our ebay shop] by Ralph Bakshi</ref> riding a Fell beast | date = November 15 1978 | medium = | tolkienart = | author = | source = https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/1963398457496145951 | license = }} {{Fairuse-Warne...

== Summary ==
{{Information
| description = [[Witch-king|The Witch-king]]<ref>''Twitter'', [https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/2036248745554375003 The Witch-King of Angmar. Original production cels from #LOTR are now back at our ebay shop] by [[Ralph Bakshi]]</ref> riding a [[Fell beast]]
| date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
| medium =
| tolkienart =
| author =
| source = https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/1963398457496145951
| license =
}}
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of the Witch-king]]
[[Category:Images of maces]]
[[Category:Images of Fell beasts]]

Frodo Baggins

2026-05-30T05:55:32Z

Paccyd33:

{{short description|Ring-bearer of the Third Age}}{{header image|shire}}
{{Disambig-two|the Ring-bearer|son of [[Samwise Gamgee]]|[[Frodo Gardner]]}}
{{infobox character
| ribbonid = test
| ribboncolor = #90a26f
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Frodo Baggins
| image=Matt Stewart - Frodo Baggins.webp
| caption="Frodo Baggins" by [[Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[#Other names|See below]]''
| titles=
| position=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Crickhollow]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=53
| notablefor=Bearing the [[One Ring]] to the land of [[Mordor]], and bringing it to the [[Cracks of Doom]]
| family=[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]
| parentage=[[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]]
| siblings=
| spouse=Never married
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than some Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| hair=Brown<ref group="note">In the chapter "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]", [[Nob]] says to Frodo: "And I made a nice imitation of your head with a brown woollen mat"</ref>
| skin=Fairer than most Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=[[Mithril coat]], [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]]
| weapons=[[Sting]]
| steed=[[Strider (pony)|Strider]]
}}

{{quote|And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, [[Hador]], and [[Húrin]], and [[Túrin]], and [[Beren]] himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them.|Elrond to Frodo Baggins in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

'''Frodo Baggins''' was a [[Hobbits|hobbit]] of the [[Third Age]], the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. During this epic quest, he bore [[the One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]] and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other [[Hobbits|Halfling]] throughout [[Middle-earth]]. He is also peculiar for being, as a [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], one of the only three Hobbits to be granted passage from Middle-earth to [[Aman]], the [[Undying Lands]].

==History==
===Childhood and youth===
Frodo, child of the respectable [[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]], was born on [[22 September]] of {{TA|2968}}. After his parents died in a boating accident in {{TA|2980|n}}, Frodo went to live in [[Brandy Hall]] with his mother’s relatives, the [[Brandybucks]]. He grew up under the guardianship of the [[Master of Buckland]] [[Rorimac Brandybuck|Rorimac "Goldfather" Brandybuck]], who was his maternal uncle. Frodo was caught several times stealing [[mushrooms]] from [[Farmer Maggot]], who, on the last incident, thrashed Frodo and set his three dogs to chase Frodo from [[Bamfurlong]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. Frodo was terrified of them afterwards.<ref>{{FR|14}}: "''though I daresay the beasts knew their business...''"</ref>

Frodo stayed in Buckland until his "uncle" [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] adopted him and took him in to live in [[Bag End]], Bilbo's house in [[Hobbiton]]. He enjoyed life with Bilbo, with whom he shared the same birthday - though others often called the old hobbit "queer." Bilbo taught him to read, and told him stories of the past, even giving him some instruction in the [[elvish]] tongue. Frodo was the only one Bilbo allowed to read [[There and Back Again|his memoirs]]. Bilbo made Frodo his heir, frustrating the attempts of the disagreeable [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Baggins]]es, who coveted the estate of Bag End.<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref>

The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the [[Water-valley]] and talked about adventure; they were sometimes seen by [[Wandering Companies]] of [[Elves]], though the hobbits did not see them. When they returned home, Bilbo would tell Frodo that the Road is like a massive river, and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

Frodo and Bilbo were comfortable and well off until {{TA|3001}}. At this time, Bilbo threw an enormous [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|party]] to celebrate his 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd, the date of Frodo's coming of age. At this party Bilbo gave his farewell speech, and made his long-planned "disappearance" and withdrawal from [[the Shire]]. Frodo, who had been informed beforehand of the "joke", as Bilbo called it, was spared the shock that afflicted the other assembled Hobbits. Frodo returned home as the new Master of Bag End, as per [[Bilbo's will]]. He was greeted there by [[Gandalf]], who informed him that, among other things, Frodo had inherited Bilbo's [[One Ring|magic ring]].

===Master of Bag End===
[[File:Eric Faure-Brac - Bag End.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Bag End'' by Eric Faure-Brac]]
Frodo took charge of distributing the presents Bilbo had left for the other hobbits, a long and tiring task. Then [[Gandalf]] the [[Wizards|wizard]], who had come for the festivities, warned Frodo not to use the magic ring, and to keep it secret and safe. Then he left, Frodo knew not where, with his mind full of curiosity about the ring. A suspicion was growing in the back of the Wizard's mind, but Gandalf did not yet know what it was.

Frodo, meanwhile, was quite well off. He continued honouring Bilbo every year along with his own birthday. He had also inherited some strange customs from Bilbo, like wandering by himself at nights far from home in the hills and woods under the starlight. His closest friends at this time were [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], also [[Folco Boffin]] and [[Fredegar Bolger]], and other cousins from the family of the [[Old Took]]. Like Bilbo, Frodo continued to look robust and energetic even in his forties, and dreamed of one day seeing mountains and wilderness; he often wondered what lay beyond the borders of the Shire, and as he grew older, he would travel further and further from home. His friends were worried, and suspected that he met [[Elves]] and other strangers that had begun to be more common sights in the Shire. These strangers bore strange tales of unrest from lands far-off.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Still, he lived in peace and respectability for seventeen years, until Gandalf returned with the dreadful revelation that the "magic ring" was really the [[One Ring]], weapon of [[Sauron]], a thing of evil power thousands of years old. Furthermore, the Dark Lord was now aware of its survival, and would be searching for it, as [[Gollum]] had revealed - under torture - that it was to be found in the Shire. After a long discussion and a test by fire, which revealed the [[Black Speech]] written upon the ring, the two agreed that Frodo would have to leave the Shire for his own safety. [[Samwise Gamgee]], the gardener, was selected to travel with him. Gandalf recommended Rivendell as a destination, as the road was likely safe and the valley well-protected. He told Frodo to take the alias [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] while abroad. Frodo was reluctant, but wisely followed the wizard's advice. He bought a house in [[Crickhollow]] as an excuse to head east.

Gandalf stayed for two months while Frodo worked out the details. At the end of that time the wizard left to "get some news", as rather disturbing tidings had come to his ears. He promised to be back for the farewell party. Meanwhile, Frodo was not aware that some of his closest friends were watching him - [[Fredegar Bolger|Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger]], his cousin [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin "Pippin" Took]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]], and Sam himself knew that Frodo and Gandalf were in some trouble concerning the Ring, and that Frodo was preparing for some adventure.

As autumn passed, Frodo was waiting for Gandalf, but did not return and Frodo grew quite anxious. Merry and Fatty drove the cart of Frodo's belongings ahead, while Frodo still waited for Gandalf. At the last possible day, he gave up waiting and departed with Pippin and Sam.

===Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Last Sight of Hobbiton.jpg|thumb|300px|''Last Sight of Hobbiton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Less than a day into their journey, Frodo, strangely nervous, requested that the threesome hide upon the approach of a [[Nazgûl|horseman]]. The rider was dressed in black, riding upon a black horse, and making queer sniffling noises. Frodo felt the urge to put on the Ring and vanish, but just as he was about to give in, the rider departed at a trot. Samwise then remarked upon the "[[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]" that had spoken to his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee]], some time earlier. This made Frodo wish that he had waited for Gandalf.

That night, they were again overtaken by a Black Horseman. This time it seemed to be able to sniff out their hiding place. But as it approached, it was driven away by the song of a group of [[Elves]]. Their leader, [[Gildor]], greeted the hobbits warmly, and lauded Frodo for his knowledge of their tongue. Frodo tried to get information from Gildor on the Black Riders, but the elf would tell him very little. Gildor foresaw that Frodo would have many dealings with the Riders in the future, and urged him to flee them whenever he met them. He and his party left the Hobbits before daybreak, while the three slept.
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Farmer Maggot's Hospitality.jpg|thumb|275px|''Farmer Maggot's Hospitality'' by [[the Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
The next day the threesome agreed to stay off the road. After a brief scare when Sam sighted a Rider, they worried about losing their way. That evening they heard a terrible wail, and Frodo distinguished words in it. Before long they came to [[Bamfurlong]], the property of [[Farmer Maggot]]. Although Pippin knew Maggot, Frodo recalled a scare he had received at a young age after caught stealing the farmer’s mushrooms, being threatened with the dogs. He froze when the dogs came forth from the house, but Maggot's hospitality soon won him over. When Maggot told of a Black Rider who had stopped at his house asking for "Baggins," and made several shrewd guesses, Frodo grew uncomfortable. Maggot took them to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in his wagon. There they joined up with Merry. As they were ferried across into [[Buckland]], they caught sight of a dark shape on the landing from which they had come.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
[[File:Miriam Ellis - Wake now, my merry friends!.jpg|thumb|250px|right|''Wake now, my merry friends!'' by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
When they reached the house in Crickhollow, the other hobbits revealed their knowledge of the One Ring and promised to stick with Frodo on the road to [[Rivendell]]. The next morning, leaving Fatty to housesit, they passed into the [[Old Forest]]. In time they were driven by the trees down to the [[Withywindle]], where they were ensnared by [[Old Man Willow]]. Rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]], the hobbits came to his house. There they met Tom's wife, [[Goldberry]], and Frodo was moved to poetry over her loveliness. He was interested in Bombadil himself, and several times tried to learn who he was. That night he dreamed of a white-haired figure on a pinnacle of stone, borne away by an eagle.

The next day Frodo tried on the Ring, after finding it had no effect on Bombadil. Not subject to the Ring’s power, Tom nevertheless could see Frodo. That night Frodo dreamed once more, a dream he never forgot.

{{Blockquote|Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]"}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After bidding Tom and Goldberry farewell, the Hobbits went on and traveled through the [[barrow-downs]]. Becoming lost in the mist, they were taken by the [[barrow-wights]], Frodo last of all. Frodo woke in the barrow to find the barrow-wight bending over his three friends. He rose and in a tremendous act of bravery and resilience took a sword and smote off the wight's hand. Then he summoned Bombadil with a [[Ho! Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo!|song]] Tom had taught him. Bombadil drove the wight away and helped Frodo wake the others. Tom gave the hobbits ponies and escorted them all to the road before turning his face back toward the Withywindle. The hobbits continued along the road to Bree, where they took lodging at [[The Prancing Pony]] inn as Bombadil had recommended, with Frodo registering under the name of [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] as Gandalf had suggested.

===Strider and Weathertop===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Strider in The Prancing Pony.jpg|thumb|200px|''Strider in The Prancing Pony'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
While Merry went out to take a walk in the night air, the other hobbits came down to the common-room and were introduced by the landlord [[Barliman Butterbur]] to the gathering, Frodo under his alias. Frodo asked if Gandalf was present in Bree, only to learn that he had not yet arrived. While Pippin and Sam enjoyed the drink and conversation, Frodo remained withdrawn, soon falling into conversation with a curious [[Rangers of the North|ranger]] called [[Aragorn|Strider]], who gave him a warning about letting his friends talk to much. Pippin began to tell about [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Birthday Party]], and Frodo, at Strider’s encouragement and in an attempt to prevent the name of Baggins from being raised, began to sing ''[[The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late]]''. This proved popular with the gathering, but unfortunately, as Frodo relaxed, he fell from the table and the Ring slipped on his finger, causing him to vanish.
[[File:Donato Giancola - New Friendship.png|thumb|left|''New Friendship'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
Frodo crawled over to Strider's corner and slipped off the Ring, and said that he had rolled quickly to the side. The suspicious Breelanders, however, grew angry or frightened, and eventually all left the common-room. Frodo and his comrades retired to their room, where they found Strider waiting to talk to them. Strider was honest and blunt, telling what he had overheard and what he knew of them, as well as warning them of the Black Riders and traitors in Bree. He urged them to accept his aide by inviting him into the company. Frodo was leaning to believe the ranger when Butterbur broke in, giving Frodo the long-awaited letter from Gandalf, undelivered by Butterbur’s forgetfulness. After some little bit of light was shed on the situation to the innkeeper, he swore to help the hobbits in any way he could, as a friend of Gandalf and one very much afraid of Mordor. Frodo, reading the letter, learned that Gandalf recommended Strider as one to whom Frodo could go for help. After some further debate, Frodo agreed to let Strider lead them to Rivendell.
[[File:John Howe - Against the Shadow.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Against the Shadow'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Strider arranged for a deception, by moving them to a different room. The next morning, their ponies were gone and the room was ravaged. Butterbur paid for a [[Bill the Pony|replacement pony]], and the four hobbits and ranger set out into the Wilds. They passed through [[Chetwood]] and [[Midgewater Marshes]], and finally to the [[Weather Hills]] before coming up to [[Weathertop]]. Black Riders were sighted from the top of the cairn, and Strider counselled to remain where they were. Shortly after the Black Riders came, and Frodo was stricken down. In desperation he put on the Ring and saw the [[Nazgûl]] in their true forms. Frodo then tried to attack in [[Varda|Elbereth]]’s name, but their leader, the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a [[Morgul-knife]], before being driven away by Strider.

===Weathertop to Rivendell===
[[File:Yulia Alekseeva - Asfaloth.jpg|thumb|300px|''Asfaloth'' by [[:Category:Images by Yulia Alekseeva|Yulia Alekseeva]]]]
Because of a piece of the knife embedded in his shoulder, Frodo started to become ill, so his companions hurried to take him to the [[Rivendell|House of Elrond]]. After journeying for 12 days, they were found by [[Glorfindel]], one of the [[Calaquendi|High Elves]], who was sent by Elrond to help Frodo after he heard of him from Gildor. Glorfindel, seeing that Frodo was starting to fade, put him upon his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and ordered him to go on when the Ringwraiths approached. Asfaloth outran the steeds of the Nazgûl and bore Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, who was on the brink of becoming a [[Wraiths|wraith]], turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. The Riders, were driven into the [[Bruinen|River]] by Glorfindel, Strider and the three hobbits, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> As a sign that Frodo was shifting to the [[Wraith-world]], he could see the [[Unseen]] [[Light of Valinor|luminous form]] of Glorfindel.
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Hall of Fire.jpg|thumb|175px|''Hall of Fire'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
Unconscious, Frodo was carried inside Rivendell, where Elrond removed the fragment of the knife from his shoulder. He awoke two days later, mostly recovered, and was delighted to find that Gandalf had arrived. Frodo's recovery was celebrated with a feast during which he met [[Glóin]] and asked concerning the [[Dwarves of Erebor]]. Afterwards, Elrond led his guests to the [[Hall of Fire]], where Frodo found Bilbo, whom he hadn't seen in seventeen years. Bilbo asked to see the Ring and was saddened to see Frodo's negative reaction. The two hobbits then enjoyed talking about Bilbo's [[Translations from the Elvish|works on lore]] and [[the Shire]].<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
{{seealso|Quest of the Ring}}
During the [[Council of Elrond]], it was decided that the Ring must be destroyed by casting it into the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Frodo volunteered to be the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and a [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] was formed to protect him; the fellowship included Gandalf, Aragorn (Strider's real name), [[Boromir]] of [[Gondor]], [[Legolas]] of the [[Woodland Realm]], [[Gimli]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and Frodo's friends Sam, Merry and Pippin.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Before their departure, Bilbo gave Frodo his sword, [[Sting]], and his [[Mithril-coat]] to protect him on the perilous journey to [[Mount Doom]] that lay ahead.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo stabbing the cave-troll.png|thumb|250px|Frodo stabbing a cave-troll in Moria - [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]]]
On [[December 25]], the fellowship left Rivendell, and headed south along the west side of the [[Misty Mountains]]. They attempted to cross them by the Redhorn gate, but were thwarted by a fierce blizzard <ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> and had to go back. After surviving a [[Wargs|Warg]] attack, Gandalf persuaded the company to go through the abandoned [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] kingdom of [[Moria]]. Just before entering Moria, Frodo was attacked by the [[Watcher in the Water]] and barely escaped. During the journey through Moria, Frodo began to suspect that something was tracking them. Later, inside the [[chamber of Mazarbul]], the Fellowship was attacked by [[Orcs]], and Frodo was struck by an Orc spear but was saved by the mithril coat he wore. The company escaped the chamber, and were close to exiting Moria, when [[Durin's Bane]] appeared and pursued them to the [[bridge of Khazad-dûm]] where Gandalf held him off so the rest of the Fellowship could escape. After breaking the bridge, both he and the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] fell and disappeared into the chasm below, after which Aragorn took over as leader.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Walsh - The Mirror of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''The Mirror of Galadriel'' by [[Stephen Walsh]]]]
Eventually they reached [[Lothlórien]], and were housed by the elves at [[Caras Galadhon]]. During their rest there, [[Galadriel]] allowed Frodo and Sam to look into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]], in which they saw many things.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> When leaving the Woods, Galadriel gave Frodo a [[Phial of Galadriel|vial]] with light from the [[Silmaril]] of [[Eärendil]].<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Good Sense Revolts.jpg|thumb|250px|right|''Good Sense Revolts'' by [[John Howe]]]]
They travelled down the [[Anduin]] river in boats given to them by the elves. On their trip down the river, Frodo confirmed his suspicion that they were being trailed by Gollum. At [[Amon Hen]], the Ring's corrupting power caused Boromir to try to take the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on. Seeing the corrupting influence of the ring on Boromir, he then decided to leave the Fellowship and go on alone, but he was thwarted in this when Sam discovered him attempting to cross the [[Nen Hithoel]], and insisted on accompanying him.

===Emyn Muil to Ithilien===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Through the Marshes.jpg|thumb|350px|left|''Through the Marshes'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The two companions reached [[Amon Lhaw]] and toiled through the [[Emyn Muil]]. Soon after, they found Gollum following them, and they captured him with the [[Elven rope]].

Frodo decided to trust Gollum to be their guide. He led the Hobbits out of the Emyn Muil and through the [[Dead Marshes]]. During their route, they were delayed several times by a [[Nazgûl]] flying on a [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. The Hobbits reached [[Carchost]], the western [[Towers of the Teeth|Tower of the Teeth]], where Frodo had intended to enter Mordor, but Gollum persuaded Frodo to follow him to a safer entrance, the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]. During the next night's march they passed into [[North Ithilien]], and by daylight of [[March 7]] they reached the stream of [[Henneth Annûn]].
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Faramir.png|thumb|right|''Faramir'' by [[the Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
Their camp fire attracted the [[Rangers of Ithilien]], and their leader, [[Faramir]] (Boromir's brother), considered them spies and questioned Frodo concerning their errand, who recounted the journeys of the Fellowship, but said nothing about the Ring. Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement. Faramir blindfolded the Hobbits and led them to Henneth Annûn, a secret Gondorian outpost, and questioned them further in private. After a meal, Sam accidentally revealed that Frodo had the Ring, but Faramir denied its lure, and thus gained the trust of the hobbits.

During the night, Faramir called Frodo and Sam to him, and showed them Gollum, who had found his way to Henneth Annûn, and (ignorant of their presence) was hunting for [[fish]]. Faramir, suspecting that Frodo had lied about Gollum's involvement in their quest, threatened to kill him for fear that he might reveal the location of their outpost to the enemy. Frodo confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, and begged Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released the three travellers, warning them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.

===Entering Mordor===
[[File:John Howe - Shelob About to Leap on Frodo.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Shelob About to Leap on Frodo'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After two marches they came to the valley of the [[Morgulduin]] and continued east. On the "[[Dawnless Day]]" Gollum lead them east to the [[Southward Road]] and reached the [[Cross-roads]] just as the sun was setting.<ref>{{TT|Journey}}</ref> They reached just opposite the north-facing gate of [[Minas Morgul]] and they saw the Morgul-host march forth.

In that night they ascended the [[Straight Stair]] and reached the top of the [[Winding Stair]] at dawn of [[March 11]] where they were woken by Gollum. He led the up the to the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]]. Inside the tunnel Gollum betrayed Frodo and Sam to [[Shelob]] the [[Spiders|spider]], who stung Frodo after he left the tunnel. Sam saved Frodo from being eaten by Shelob, but thought him dead and took the Ring from him, resolving to continue the Quest alone. However Frodo (who was still alive) was captured by Orcs and taken to the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

===Cirith Ungol to Mount Doom===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - At the Cracks of Doom.jpg|thumb|250px|''At the Cracks of Doom'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Learning of this, Sam rescued Frodo and on early [[March 15]] the Hobbits escaped and jumped into the ravine west of the [[Morgai]] and crossed the valley. The next day they attempted to climb the Morgai, but had to retrace their steps and reached the north end of the valley, and on [[March 18]] they set out on the road that ran to the [[Carach Angren|Isenmouthe]]. There they were overtaken by an Orc troop and had to follow their trot.

As Sauron's troops moved at night, the hobbits continued their journey in daytime towards Mount Doom. During the morning of [[March 25]] they reached the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] where, at the last moment, Frodo, under the influence of the Ring, claimed it as his own. However, at that moment he was attacked by [[Gollum]], who seized the Ring and then fell into the fire with it, thus destroying the Ring.

By then, this pressure of the ring reached its maximum, which was impossible, "especially after long possession, months of increasing torment, and when starved and exhausted." Frodo had done what he could, and by then he was simply incapable of making a conscious decision to destroy the Ring.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

===Return home===
[[File:John Howe - The End of All Things.jpg|thumb|250px|''The End of All Things'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Frodo and Sam were rescued by [[Gwaihir]], [[Landroval]] and [[Meneldor]] and taken to [[Ithilien]]. After being healed and having rested for a month, the Ring-bearers were honoured on the [[Field of Cormallen]]. The following months the Hobbits witnessed the coronation of their companion Aragorn as King Elessar, and were present at his marriage to [[Arwen]] that summer. Arwen renounced her [[immortality]] and gave to Frodo her place to sail into the [[Uttermost West|West]]. She also gave to Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace that she claims would aid him when he remembers the fear and darkness of the toll the ring took on him.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

Frodo and his company left Minas Tirith on [[July 19]] for [[Edoras]] and the funeral of King [[Théoden]], then set out for the [[Hornburg]] and eventually [[Isengard]]. They parted there from Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.

After overtaking Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], they reached the [[Mountains of Moria]]; and when they approached [[Lothlórien]], [[Celeborn]] and Galadriel parted from their company. The hobbits, with Gandalf and other Elves, reached Rivendell on [[September 21]], where Frodo met Bilbo once again.
[[File:Miriam Ellis - Homeward Bound from The Prancing Pony Inn.jpg|thumb|250px|''Homeward Bound from The Prancing Pony Inn'' by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
They stayed there until [[October 5]] and eventually visited the ''Prancing Pony'' in Bree before reaching the Shire. At the Buckland Gate Gandalf left them to go and have a talk with Tom Bombadil. Once in the Shire, they reached [[Frogmorton]] where they were arrested. The next day they reached [[Bywater]] where they defeated the [[ruffians]] who had overtaken their land. The leader of the ruffians was revealed to be Saruman, and Frodo decided to let him live, even after he had tried to stab him with a knife. But Saruman did not live much longer, for his servant, Wormtongue, killed him himself (before being killed by the hobbits), thus ending the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later years===
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|220px|''Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
Over the next two years, the travellers reordered the Shire and their lives; but Frodo was still troubled by his wounds, falling ill every [[13 March]] and [[6 October]], clutching the white gem in a manner reminiscent of the One Ring. Frodo served as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] until [[Will Whitfoot]] was restored in {{SR|1420}}.<ref name="chief">{{App|Chief}}</ref> Having no family of his own, Frodo left his estate ([[Bag End]]) and passed on the [[Red Book of Westmarch|Red Book]] to Samwise Gamgee, who named [[Frodo Gardner|his son]] after Frodo.

On [[September 21]] of {{TA|3021}} Frodo set out for the [[Grey Havens]]. Going south to Woody End he met the [[Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings]], Elrond, Galadriel, and Bilbo. On [[September 29]] they came to the firth of [[Lhûn]] where Gandalf awaited them, and on the [[White Ship]]<ref name="chief" /> they crossed the [[Straight Road]] into the West. Frodo would spend the rest of his days in "a period of reflection and peace" on [[Tol Eressëa]], giving him the opportunity to truly understand his position in [[Arda]] before passing beyond the [[Circles of the World]].<ref>{{L|246}}: "a gaining of a truer understanding of his position..."</ref><ref>{{L|297}}</ref><ref>{{L|325}}</ref>

==Legacy==
According to [[Elanor Gardner]], Sam followed Frodo across the sea on September 22, 1482 following the death of his wife [[Rose Cotton|Rose (née Cotton)]].<ref>{{App|B5}}: "''Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor...''"</ref>

At some point well into the [[Fourth Age]], the words "''Frodos Dreme''" appeared scrawled at the head of a poem, [[The Sea-Bell]], within the Red Book, possibly derived from the nightmares that Frodo had before passing into the West.<ref>{{AB|Preface}}: "''It is the latest piece and belongs to the Fourth Age...''"</ref>

==Characteristics==
The only real description of Frodo's appearance was given only once by Gandalf in his letter to Barliman Butterbur, in which he was declared a "stout fellow with red cheeks, taller than some (hobbits), and fairer than most", with a cleft chin, a bright eye, and a perky personality.<ref name="Strider" /> Although Frodo was apparently fairly stout before his journey, he seemed to have lost a significant amount of weight on his trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.<ref name="Meetings" /> Also, at a later point, Sam remarked that Frodo was "too thin and drawn" for a hobbit.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>

Frodo carried a small Elven sword called [[Sting]] and wore a coat of Dwarven mail made of ''[[mithril]]'' under his clothes, both given to him by Bilbo. In [[Lothlórien]], [[Galadriel]] gave Frodo, along with all of the Fellowship, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], which allowed the wearer to blend in with his natural surroundings, and, to Frodo alone, the [[Phial of Galadriel]], a small crystal phial in which light from the [[Star of Eärendil]] had been captured, to aid him on his quest.

Before Frodo returned to the Shire after the Quest of the Ring was completed, Arwen Evenstar, wife of Aragorn and daughter of Elrond, gave Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace to wear around his neck.

Frodo is said to have shown great "skill with foreign sounds" and probably could pronounce [[Elvish]] correctly, more than other Hobbits (who pronounced long Elvish vowels as diphthongs).<ref>{{App|Vowels}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Frodo Baggins'' is an English translation of his [[Westron]] name '''[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]]'''. The name ''Maura'' has the element ''maur-'' (wise, experienced), which Tolkien equated to the Germanic element ''frod-'' of the same meaning. Frodo's name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''[[Iorhael]]''''' ("old-wise") although in some instance he is mentioned as '''Daur''' (probably [[lenition|lenited]] form of ''[[taur]]'').

''Frodo'' is a real name, which comes from the Gemranic tradition with ''Fróda'' being its [[Old English]] form. It is obviously connected with the Old English word ''fród'', which means "wise by experience", but it was connected mythologically with legends of the Golden Age in the North.<ref>{{L|168}}</ref>

In the German translation he is called ''Frodo Beutlin'', in Spanish, ''Frodo Bolsón'', in French, ''Frodon Sacquet'', or ''Frodo Bessac'' (in the latest translation of the books), in Norwegian, ''Frodo Lommelun'', in Danish, ''Frodo Sækker'', in Faroese, ''Fróði Pjøkin'', in Finnish, ''Frodo Reppuli'', in Swedish, ''Frodo Secker'', in Portuguese, ''Frodo Bolseiro'', in Czech, ''Frodo Pytlík,'' and in Dutch, ''Frodo Balings''. In one of three Polish translations he is called ''Frodo Bagosz'', but he keeps his original name in the other two.

===Other names===
*Frodo Baggins - ''fród'' means "wise by experience" in [[Old English]]. Baggins may have been a reference to [[Bag End]] or may come from "bagging" which means "eating between meals" in northern England.
*[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]] - the [[Hobbitish]] name for Frodo.
*[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] - he bore the [[One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]].
*[[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] - given to him by [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]].
*[[Mr. Underhill]] - used during his stay in [[The Prancing Pony]] to conceal his identity.
*The Halfling - a name used for him from [[Boromir]]'s dream. Also a title given to him in [[Gondor]] after he accomplished the [[Quest of the Ring]].
*[[Master]] - given to Frodo by both [[Samwise Gamgee]] as Sam was his gardener, and [[Gollum]], as Frodo was the Master of the Precious.
*Nine-fingered Frodo/Frodo of the Nine Fingers - given to Frodo after Gollum bit off his finger.
*Deputy Mayor of [[Michel Delving]] - he was the Deputy from November {{TA|3019|n}} through Mid-Year's Day in {{TA|3020|n}}.
*[[Taur|Daur]] - which translates to "noble" and was given to Frodo at the [[Field of Cormallen]].
*[[Iorhael]] - the [[Sindarin]] name for Frodo which comes from ''[[iaur]]'' meaning "old" and ''[[sael]]'' meaning "wise".

*[[Bingo Baggins]] - Frodo's name in the early drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.
*''Bronwe athan Harthad'' - name given to Frodo by Gandalf in an early version of the ''[[Many Partings]]'' chapter, meaning "Endurance beyond Hope".<ref>{{SD|VII}}: "''the bards and the minstrels should give them new names...''"</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | |BAL|y|BER| |BAL=[[Balbo Baggins]]|BER=[[Berylla Baggins|Berylla Boffin]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree|MUN| | | |LAR|y|TAN|MUN=[[Mungo Baggins]] (grandfather of Bilbo)|LAR=[[Largo Baggins]]|TAN=[[Tanta Hornblower]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |,|-|-|-|v|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | |DOR| |DRO|y|PRI| |DUD|DOR=[[Dora Baggins]]|DRO=[[Drogo Baggins]]|PRI=[[Primula Brandybuck]]|DUD=[[Dudo Baggins]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!|}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |FRO| | | |DAI|~|GRI|FRO='''Frodo Baggins'''|DAI=[[Daisy Baggins]]|GRI=[[Griffo Boffin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="170px" heights="170px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo Baggins.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:Frodo Rankin Bass.png|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I]]''
File:Cortney Skinner - Free to Choose.png|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo at the Grey Havens.png|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:SBG - Frodo mounted.gif|''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Jake Murray - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game]]''
File:LEGO - Frodo Baggins.png|''[[Lego|LEGO]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Frodo Icon.jpg|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'
File:John Howe - Frodo Baggins.png|''[[War of the Ring: The Card Game]]''
File:Randy Gallegos - Breaking of the Fellowship.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Christopher Guard]]. [[Sharon Baird]] was the model for Frodo in the live-action recordings Bakshi used for rotoscoping.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Orson Bean]], who had previously played Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by [[Elijah Wood]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Elijah Wood]] reprises his role as Frodo Baggins.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> He has a conversation with Bilbo on the day of his 111th Birthday, before setting off to the woods to wait for Gandalf.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:Frodo was played by Taneli Mäkelä.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Oliver Burt]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Frodo is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is voiced by [[Ian Holm]].

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by Matthias Haase.

'''1992: [[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|''Tales from the Perilous Realm'' (1992 radio series)]]:'''
:In two episodes telling of the meeting of Frodo and [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Nigel Planer]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:In the first of the three series (seasons), based on ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', the voice of Frodo is provided by Dušan Cinkota. Cinkota was unable to reprise his role after the first series, and the role of Frodo was recast with Ľuboš Kostelný for the second and third series (based on ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'').

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is one of the playable characters; his story doesn't significantly differ from the book. He is voiced by [[Steve Staley]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is present in all missions from Sam's perspective: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom. Completing the game allows to replay those missions from Frodo's perspective.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Frodo is a "Hero" unit of the Free People; his ability to use the Ring and turn invisible makes him ideal for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Frodo and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Frodo is first met in Rivendell, preparing for departure. Later, he is found on Cerin Amroth in Lothlorien, weary from the loss of [[Gandalf]]. From [[Amon Hen]] onwards, player experiences Frodo's journey in a series of Session Plays, alternatively playing as either Frodo, Sam or [[Gollum]]. The player meets Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]], he later gives a speech at [[Aragorn]] and [[Arwen]]. A Hobbit actor portrays Frodo Baggins in a Hobbit-made theater play "The Disappearance of Mad Baggins". Notably, the player is not told about Frodo's mission for a very long time, with [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]] and others only saying that it is "of great importance".

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Frodo is mentioned as '''"Frodo the Ringbearer"''', one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]], in the introduction of the game. In [[The Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] tells that he is waiting on a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] with [[The One Ring|an important burden]], this refers to Frodo and the One Ring.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'', ''Prologue''</ref>
:Later in the game, Frodo appears in [[Rivendell]], but interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

==See also==
*[[Timeline of Frodo Baggins]]

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Baggins Family]]
| born=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[22 September]], {{TA|3001}} - [[13 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[14 March|14]] - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Gollum]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Baggins]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Frodo Beutlin]]
[[fi:Frodo Reppuli]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:bessac:frodo bessac]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo in Lothlórien.jpg

2026-05-30T05:55:11Z

Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information | description = Frodo | date = November 15 1978 | medium = | tolkienart = | author = | source = https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/1988398905286160863/photo/3 | license = }} {{Fairuse-Warnerbros}} Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) Category:Images of Frodo Baggins

Frodo Baggins

2026-05-30T05:54:16Z

Paccyd33:

{{short description|Ring-bearer of the Third Age}}{{header image|shire}}
{{Disambig-two|the Ring-bearer|son of [[Samwise Gamgee]]|[[Frodo Gardner]]}}
{{infobox character
| ribbonid = test
| ribboncolor = #90a26f
| people=[[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
| name=Frodo Baggins
| image=Matt Stewart - Frodo Baggins.webp
| caption="Frodo Baggins" by [[Matt Stewart]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[#Other names|See below]]''
| titles=
| position=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]] [[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]] [[Crickhollow]] [[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]] and [[Sindarin]]
| birth=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| sailedwest=[[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=53
| notablefor=Bearing the [[One Ring]] to the land of [[Mordor]], and bringing it to the [[Cracks of Doom]]
| family=[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]
| parentage=[[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]]
| siblings=
| spouse=Never married
| children=None
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than some Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| hair=Brown<ref group="note">In the chapter "[[Strider (chapter)|Strider]]", [[Nob]] says to Frodo: "And I made a nice imitation of your head with a brown woollen mat"</ref>
| skin=Fairer than most Hobbits<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=[[Mithril coat]], [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]]
| weapons=[[Sting]]
| steed=[[Strider (pony)|Strider]]
}}

{{quote|And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, [[Hador]], and [[Húrin]], and [[Túrin]], and [[Beren]] himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them.|Elrond to Frodo Baggins in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Council of Elrond]]"}}

'''Frodo Baggins''' was a [[Hobbits|hobbit]] of the [[Third Age]], the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the [[Quest of the Ring]]. During this epic quest, he bore [[the One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]] and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other [[Hobbits|Halfling]] throughout [[Middle-earth]]. He is also peculiar for being, as a [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], one of the only three Hobbits to be granted passage from Middle-earth to [[Aman]], the [[Undying Lands]].

==History==
===Childhood and youth===
Frodo, child of the respectable [[Drogo Baggins]] and [[Primula Brandybuck]], was born on [[22 September]] of {{TA|2968}}. After his parents died in a boating accident in {{TA|2980|n}}, Frodo went to live in [[Brandy Hall]] with his mother’s relatives, the [[Brandybucks]]. He grew up under the guardianship of the [[Master of Buckland]] [[Rorimac Brandybuck|Rorimac "Goldfather" Brandybuck]], who was his maternal uncle. Frodo was caught several times stealing [[mushrooms]] from [[Farmer Maggot]], who, on the last incident, thrashed Frodo and set his three dogs to chase Frodo from [[Bamfurlong]] to [[Bucklebury Ferry]]. Frodo was terrified of them afterwards.<ref>{{FR|14}}: "''though I daresay the beasts knew their business...''"</ref>

Frodo stayed in Buckland until his "uncle" [[Bilbo Baggins|Bilbo]] adopted him and took him in to live in [[Bag End]], Bilbo's house in [[Hobbiton]]. He enjoyed life with Bilbo, with whom he shared the same birthday - though others often called the old hobbit "queer." Bilbo taught him to read, and told him stories of the past, even giving him some instruction in the [[elvish]] tongue. Frodo was the only one Bilbo allowed to read [[There and Back Again|his memoirs]]. Bilbo made Frodo his heir, frustrating the attempts of the disagreeable [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Baggins]]es, who coveted the estate of Bag End.<ref name="party">{{FR|Party}}</ref>

The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the [[Water-valley]] and talked about adventure; they were sometimes seen by [[Wandering Companies]] of [[Elves]], though the hobbits did not see them. When they returned home, Bilbo would tell Frodo that the Road is like a massive river, and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".<ref>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

Frodo and Bilbo were comfortable and well off until {{TA|3001}}. At this time, Bilbo threw an enormous [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|party]] to celebrate his 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd, the date of Frodo's coming of age. At this party Bilbo gave his farewell speech, and made his long-planned "disappearance" and withdrawal from [[the Shire]]. Frodo, who had been informed beforehand of the "joke", as Bilbo called it, was spared the shock that afflicted the other assembled Hobbits. Frodo returned home as the new Master of Bag End, as per [[Bilbo's will]]. He was greeted there by [[Gandalf]], who informed him that, among other things, Frodo had inherited Bilbo's [[One Ring|magic ring]].

===Master of Bag End===
[[File:Eric Faure-Brac - Bag End.jpg|thumb|left|220px|''Bag End'' by Eric Faure-Brac]]
Frodo took charge of distributing the presents Bilbo had left for the other hobbits, a long and tiring task. Then [[Gandalf]] the [[Wizards|wizard]], who had come for the festivities, warned Frodo not to use the magic ring, and to keep it secret and safe. Then he left, Frodo knew not where, with his mind full of curiosity about the ring. A suspicion was growing in the back of the Wizard's mind, but Gandalf did not yet know what it was.

Frodo, meanwhile, was quite well off. He continued honouring Bilbo every year along with his own birthday. He had also inherited some strange customs from Bilbo, like wandering by himself at nights far from home in the hills and woods under the starlight. His closest friends at this time were [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]], also [[Folco Boffin]] and [[Fredegar Bolger]], and other cousins from the family of the [[Old Took]]. Like Bilbo, Frodo continued to look robust and energetic even in his forties, and dreamed of one day seeing mountains and wilderness; he often wondered what lay beyond the borders of the Shire, and as he grew older, he would travel further and further from home. His friends were worried, and suspected that he met [[Elves]] and other strangers that had begun to be more common sights in the Shire. These strangers bore strange tales of unrest from lands far-off.<ref name="shadow">{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>
[[File:Alan Lee - The Shadow of the Past.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''The Shadow of the Past'' by [[Alan Lee]]]]
Still, he lived in peace and respectability for seventeen years, until Gandalf returned with the dreadful revelation that the "magic ring" was really the [[One Ring]], weapon of [[Sauron]], a thing of evil power thousands of years old. Furthermore, the Dark Lord was now aware of its survival, and would be searching for it, as [[Gollum]] had revealed - under torture - that it was to be found in the Shire. After a long discussion and a test by fire, which revealed the [[Black Speech]] written upon the ring, the two agreed that Frodo would have to leave the Shire for his own safety. [[Samwise Gamgee]], the gardener, was selected to travel with him. Gandalf recommended Rivendell as a destination, as the road was likely safe and the valley well-protected. He told Frodo to take the alias [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] while abroad. Frodo was reluctant, but wisely followed the wizard's advice. He bought a house in [[Crickhollow]] as an excuse to head east.

Gandalf stayed for two months while Frodo worked out the details. At the end of that time the wizard left to "get some news", as rather disturbing tidings had come to his ears. He promised to be back for the farewell party. Meanwhile, Frodo was not aware that some of his closest friends were watching him - [[Fredegar Bolger|Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger]], his cousin [[Peregrin Took|Peregrin "Pippin" Took]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck]], and Sam himself knew that Frodo and Gandalf were in some trouble concerning the Ring, and that Frodo was preparing for some adventure.

As autumn passed, Frodo was waiting for Gandalf, but did not return and Frodo grew quite anxious. Merry and Fatty drove the cart of Frodo's belongings ahead, while Frodo still waited for Gandalf. At the last possible day, he gave up waiting and departed with Pippin and Sam.

===Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Last Sight of Hobbiton.jpg|thumb|300px|''Last Sight of Hobbiton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Less than a day into their journey, Frodo, strangely nervous, requested that the threesome hide upon the approach of a [[Nazgûl|horseman]]. The rider was dressed in black, riding upon a black horse, and making queer sniffling noises. Frodo felt the urge to put on the Ring and vanish, but just as he was about to give in, the rider departed at a trot. Samwise then remarked upon the "[[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]" that had spoken to his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee]], some time earlier. This made Frodo wish that he had waited for Gandalf.

That night, they were again overtaken by a Black Horseman. This time it seemed to be able to sniff out their hiding place. But as it approached, it was driven away by the song of a group of [[Elves]]. Their leader, [[Gildor]], greeted the hobbits warmly, and lauded Frodo for his knowledge of their tongue. Frodo tried to get information from Gildor on the Black Riders, but the elf would tell him very little. Gildor foresaw that Frodo would have many dealings with the Riders in the future, and urged him to flee them whenever he met them. He and his party left the Hobbits before daybreak, while the three slept.
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Farmer Maggot's Hospitality.jpg|thumb|275px|''Farmer Maggot's Hospitality'' by [[the Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
The next day the threesome agreed to stay off the road. After a brief scare when Sam sighted a Rider, they worried about losing their way. That evening they heard a terrible wail, and Frodo distinguished words in it. Before long they came to [[Bamfurlong]], the property of [[Farmer Maggot]]. Although Pippin knew Maggot, Frodo recalled a scare he had received at a young age after caught stealing the farmer’s mushrooms, being threatened with the dogs. He froze when the dogs came forth from the house, but Maggot's hospitality soon won him over. When Maggot told of a Black Rider who had stopped at his house asking for "Baggins," and made several shrewd guesses, Frodo grew uncomfortable. Maggot took them to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] in his wagon. There they joined up with Merry. As they were ferried across into [[Buckland]], they caught sight of a dark shape on the landing from which they had come.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
[[File:Miriam Ellis - Wake now, my merry friends!.jpg|thumb|250px|right|''Wake now, my merry friends!'' by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
When they reached the house in Crickhollow, the other hobbits revealed their knowledge of the One Ring and promised to stick with Frodo on the road to [[Rivendell]]. The next morning, leaving Fatty to housesit, they passed into the [[Old Forest]]. In time they were driven by the trees down to the [[Withywindle]], where they were ensnared by [[Old Man Willow]]. Rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]], the hobbits came to his house. There they met Tom's wife, [[Goldberry]], and Frodo was moved to poetry over her loveliness. He was interested in Bombadil himself, and several times tried to learn who he was. That night he dreamed of a white-haired figure on a pinnacle of stone, borne away by an eagle.

The next day Frodo tried on the Ring, after finding it had no effect on Bombadil. Not subject to the Ring’s power, Tom nevertheless could see Frodo. That night Frodo dreamed once more, a dream he never forgot.

{{Blockquote|Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Fog on the Barrow-downs]]"}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
After bidding Tom and Goldberry farewell, the Hobbits went on and traveled through the [[barrow-downs]]. Becoming lost in the mist, they were taken by the [[barrow-wights]], Frodo last of all. Frodo woke in the barrow to find the barrow-wight bending over his three friends. He rose and in a tremendous act of bravery and resilience took a sword and smote off the wight's hand. Then he summoned Bombadil with a [[Ho! Tom Bombadil, Tom Bombadillo!|song]] Tom had taught him. Bombadil drove the wight away and helped Frodo wake the others. Tom gave the hobbits ponies and escorted them all to the road before turning his face back toward the Withywindle. The hobbits continued along the road to Bree, where they took lodging at [[The Prancing Pony]] inn as Bombadil had recommended, with Frodo registering under the name of [[Mr. Underhill|Underhill]] as Gandalf had suggested.

===Strider and Weathertop===
[[File:Peter Xavier Price - Strider in The Prancing Pony.jpg|thumb|200px|''Strider in The Prancing Pony'' by [[Peter Xavier Price]]]]
While Merry went out to take a walk in the night air, the other hobbits came down to the common-room and were introduced by the landlord [[Barliman Butterbur]] to the gathering, Frodo under his alias. Frodo asked if Gandalf was present in Bree, only to learn that he had not yet arrived. While Pippin and Sam enjoyed the drink and conversation, Frodo remained withdrawn, soon falling into conversation with a curious [[Rangers of the North|ranger]] called [[Aragorn|Strider]], who gave him a warning about letting his friends talk to much. Pippin began to tell about [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Birthday Party]], and Frodo, at Strider’s encouragement and in an attempt to prevent the name of Baggins from being raised, began to sing ''[[The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late]]''. This proved popular with the gathering, but unfortunately, as Frodo relaxed, he fell from the table and the Ring slipped on his finger, causing him to vanish.
[[File:Donato Giancola - New Friendship.png|thumb|left|''New Friendship'' by [[Donato Giancola]]]]
Frodo crawled over to Strider's corner and slipped off the Ring, and said that he had rolled quickly to the side. The suspicious Breelanders, however, grew angry or frightened, and eventually all left the common-room. Frodo and his comrades retired to their room, where they found Strider waiting to talk to them. Strider was honest and blunt, telling what he had overheard and what he knew of them, as well as warning them of the Black Riders and traitors in Bree. He urged them to accept his aide by inviting him into the company. Frodo was leaning to believe the ranger when Butterbur broke in, giving Frodo the long-awaited letter from Gandalf, undelivered by Butterbur’s forgetfulness. After some little bit of light was shed on the situation to the innkeeper, he swore to help the hobbits in any way he could, as a friend of Gandalf and one very much afraid of Mordor. Frodo, reading the letter, learned that Gandalf recommended Strider as one to whom Frodo could go for help. After some further debate, Frodo agreed to let Strider lead them to Rivendell.
[[File:John Howe - Against the Shadow.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Against the Shadow'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Strider arranged for a deception, by moving them to a different room. The next morning, their ponies were gone and the room was ravaged. Butterbur paid for a [[Bill the Pony|replacement pony]], and the four hobbits and ranger set out into the Wilds. They passed through [[Chetwood]] and [[Midgewater Marshes]], and finally to the [[Weather Hills]] before coming up to [[Weathertop]]. Black Riders were sighted from the top of the cairn, and Strider counselled to remain where they were. Shortly after the Black Riders came, and Frodo was stricken down. In desperation he put on the Ring and saw the [[Nazgûl]] in their true forms. Frodo then tried to attack in [[Varda|Elbereth]]’s name, but their leader, the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]], stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a [[Morgul-knife]], before being driven away by Strider.

===Weathertop to Rivendell===
[[File:Yulia Alekseeva - Asfaloth.jpg|thumb|300px|''Asfaloth'' by [[:Category:Images by Yulia Alekseeva|Yulia Alekseeva]]]]
Because of a piece of the knife embedded in his shoulder, Frodo started to become ill, so his companions hurried to take him to the [[Rivendell|House of Elrond]]. After journeying for 12 days, they were found by [[Glorfindel]], one of the [[Calaquendi|High Elves]], who was sent by Elrond to help Frodo after he heard of him from Gildor. Glorfindel, seeing that Frodo was starting to fade, put him upon his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and ordered him to go on when the Ringwraiths approached. Asfaloth outran the steeds of the Nazgûl and bore Frodo across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, who was on the brink of becoming a [[Wraiths|wraith]], turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. The Riders, were driven into the [[Bruinen|River]] by Glorfindel, Strider and the three hobbits, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.<ref>{{FR|Flight}}</ref> As a sign that Frodo was shifting to the [[Wraith-world]], he could see the [[Unseen]] [[Light of Valinor|luminous form]] of Glorfindel.
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Hall of Fire.jpg|thumb|175px|''Hall of Fire'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
Unconscious, Frodo was carried inside Rivendell, where Elrond removed the fragment of the knife from his shoulder. He awoke two days later, mostly recovered, and was delighted to find that Gandalf had arrived. Frodo's recovery was celebrated with a feast during which he met [[Glóin]] and asked concerning the [[Dwarves of Erebor]]. Afterwards, Elrond led his guests to the [[Hall of Fire]], where Frodo found Bilbo, whom he hadn't seen in seventeen years. Bilbo asked to see the Ring and was saddened to see Frodo's negative reaction. The two hobbits then enjoyed talking about Bilbo's [[Translations from the Elvish|works on lore]] and [[the Shire]].<ref name="Meetings">{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
{{seealso|Quest of the Ring}}
During the [[Council of Elrond]], it was decided that the Ring must be destroyed by casting it into the [[Cracks of Doom]]. Frodo volunteered to be the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and a [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] was formed to protect him; the fellowship included Gandalf, Aragorn (Strider's real name), [[Boromir]] of [[Gondor]], [[Legolas]] of the [[Woodland Realm]], [[Gimli]] of [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor]], and Frodo's friends Sam, Merry and Pippin.<ref name="council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> Before their departure, Bilbo gave Frodo his sword, [[Sting]], and his [[Mithril-coat]] to protect him on the perilous journey to [[Mount Doom]] that lay ahead.
[[File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo stabbing the cave-troll.png|thumb|250px|Frodo stabbing a cave-troll in Moria - [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]]]
On [[December 25]], the fellowship left Rivendell, and headed south along the west side of the [[Misty Mountains]]. They attempted to cross them by the Redhorn gate, but were thwarted by a fierce blizzard <ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> and had to go back. After surviving a [[Wargs|Warg]] attack, Gandalf persuaded the company to go through the abandoned [[Dwarves|Dwarf]] kingdom of [[Moria]]. Just before entering Moria, Frodo was attacked by the [[Watcher in the Water]] and barely escaped. During the journey through Moria, Frodo began to suspect that something was tracking them. Later, inside the [[chamber of Mazarbul]], the Fellowship was attacked by [[Orcs]], and Frodo was struck by an Orc spear but was saved by the mithril coat he wore. The company escaped the chamber, and were close to exiting Moria, when [[Durin's Bane]] appeared and pursued them to the [[bridge of Khazad-dûm]] where Gandalf held him off so the rest of the Fellowship could escape. After breaking the bridge, both he and the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] fell and disappeared into the chasm below, after which Aragorn took over as leader.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>
[[File:Stephen Walsh - The Mirror of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''The Mirror of Galadriel'' by [[Stephen Walsh]]]]
Eventually they reached [[Lothlórien]], and were housed by the elves at [[Caras Galadhon]]. During their rest there, [[Galadriel]] allowed Frodo and Sam to look into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]], in which they saw many things.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}}</ref> When leaving the Woods, Galadriel gave Frodo a [[Phial of Galadriel|vial]] with light from the [[Silmaril]] of [[Eärendil]].<ref>{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Good Sense Revolts.jpg|thumb|250px|right|''Good Sense Revolts'' by [[John Howe]]]]
They travelled down the [[Anduin]] river in boats given to them by the elves. On their trip down the river, Frodo confirmed his suspicion that they were being trailed by Gollum. At [[Amon Hen]], the Ring's corrupting power caused Boromir to try to take the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on. Seeing the corrupting influence of the ring on Boromir, he then decided to leave the Fellowship and go on alone, but he was thwarted in this when Sam discovered him attempting to cross the [[Nen Hithoel]], and insisted on accompanying him.

===Emyn Muil to Ithilien===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Through the Marshes.jpg|thumb|350px|left|''Through the Marshes'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
The two companions reached [[Amon Lhaw]] and toiled through the [[Emyn Muil]]. Soon after, they found Gollum following them, and they captured him with the [[Elven rope]].

Frodo decided to trust Gollum to be their guide. He led the Hobbits out of the Emyn Muil and through the [[Dead Marshes]]. During their route, they were delayed several times by a [[Nazgûl]] flying on a [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. The Hobbits reached [[Carchost]], the western [[Towers of the Teeth|Tower of the Teeth]], where Frodo had intended to enter Mordor, but Gollum persuaded Frodo to follow him to a safer entrance, the pass of [[Cirith Ungol]]. During the next night's march they passed into [[North Ithilien]], and by daylight of [[March 7]] they reached the stream of [[Henneth Annûn]].
[[File:The Brothers Hildebrandt - Faramir.png|thumb|right|''Faramir'' by [[the Brothers Hildebrandt]]]]
Their camp fire attracted the [[Rangers of Ithilien]], and their leader, [[Faramir]] (Boromir's brother), considered them spies and questioned Frodo concerning their errand, who recounted the journeys of the Fellowship, but said nothing about the Ring. Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement. Faramir blindfolded the Hobbits and led them to Henneth Annûn, a secret Gondorian outpost, and questioned them further in private. After a meal, Sam accidentally revealed that Frodo had the Ring, but Faramir denied its lure, and thus gained the trust of the hobbits.

During the night, Faramir called Frodo and Sam to him, and showed them Gollum, who had found his way to Henneth Annûn, and (ignorant of their presence) was hunting for [[fish]]. Faramir, suspecting that Frodo had lied about Gollum's involvement in their quest, threatened to kill him for fear that he might reveal the location of their outpost to the enemy. Frodo confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, and begged Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released the three travellers, warning them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.

===Entering Mordor===
[[File:John Howe - Shelob About to Leap on Frodo.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Shelob About to Leap on Frodo'' by [[John Howe]]]]
After two marches they came to the valley of the [[Morgulduin]] and continued east. On the "[[Dawnless Day]]" Gollum lead them east to the [[Southward Road]] and reached the [[Cross-roads]] just as the sun was setting.<ref>{{TT|Journey}}</ref> They reached just opposite the north-facing gate of [[Minas Morgul]] and they saw the Morgul-host march forth.

In that night they ascended the [[Straight Stair]] and reached the top of the [[Winding Stair]] at dawn of [[March 11]] where they were woken by Gollum. He led the up the to the entrance to [[Shelob's Lair]]. Inside the tunnel Gollum betrayed Frodo and Sam to [[Shelob]] the [[Spiders|spider]], who stung Frodo after he left the tunnel. Sam saved Frodo from being eaten by Shelob, but thought him dead and took the Ring from him, resolving to continue the Quest alone. However Frodo (who was still alive) was captured by Orcs and taken to the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]].

===Cirith Ungol to Mount Doom===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - At the Cracks of Doom.jpg|thumb|250px|''At the Cracks of Doom'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
Learning of this, Sam rescued Frodo and on early [[March 15]] the Hobbits escaped and jumped into the ravine west of the [[Morgai]] and crossed the valley. The next day they attempted to climb the Morgai, but had to retrace their steps and reached the north end of the valley, and on [[March 18]] they set out on the road that ran to the [[Carach Angren|Isenmouthe]]. There they were overtaken by an Orc troop and had to follow their trot.

As Sauron's troops moved at night, the hobbits continued their journey in daytime towards Mount Doom. During the morning of [[March 25]] they reached the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] where, at the last moment, Frodo, under the influence of the Ring, claimed it as his own. However, at that moment he was attacked by [[Gollum]], who seized the Ring and then fell into the fire with it, thus destroying the Ring.

By then, this pressure of the ring reached its maximum, which was impossible, "especially after long possession, months of increasing torment, and when starved and exhausted." Frodo had done what he could, and by then he was simply incapable of making a conscious decision to destroy the Ring.<ref>{{L|246}}</ref>

===Return home===
[[File:John Howe - The End of All Things.jpg|thumb|250px|''The End of All Things'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Frodo and Sam were rescued by [[Gwaihir]], [[Landroval]] and [[Meneldor]] and taken to [[Ithilien]]. After being healed and having rested for a month, the Ring-bearers were honoured on the [[Field of Cormallen]]. The following months the Hobbits witnessed the coronation of their companion Aragorn as King Elessar, and were present at his marriage to [[Arwen]] that summer. Arwen renounced her [[immortality]] and gave to Frodo her place to sail into the [[Uttermost West|West]]. She also gave to Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace that she claims would aid him when he remembers the fear and darkness of the toll the ring took on him.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref>

Frodo and his company left Minas Tirith on [[July 19]] for [[Edoras]] and the funeral of King [[Théoden]], then set out for the [[Hornburg]] and eventually [[Isengard]]. They parted there from Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.

After overtaking Saruman and [[Gríma|Wormtongue]], they reached the [[Mountains of Moria]]; and when they approached [[Lothlórien]], [[Celeborn]] and Galadriel parted from their company. The hobbits, with Gandalf and other Elves, reached Rivendell on [[September 21]], where Frodo met Bilbo once again.
[[File:Miriam Ellis - Homeward Bound from The Prancing Pony Inn.jpg|thumb|250px|''Homeward Bound from The Prancing Pony Inn'' by [[Miriam Ellis]]]]
They stayed there until [[October 5]] and eventually visited the ''Prancing Pony'' in Bree before reaching the Shire. At the Buckland Gate Gandalf left them to go and have a talk with Tom Bombadil. Once in the Shire, they reached [[Frogmorton]] where they were arrested. The next day they reached [[Bywater]] where they defeated the [[ruffians]] who had overtaken their land. The leader of the ruffians was revealed to be Saruman, and Frodo decided to let him live, even after he had tried to stab him with a knife. But Saruman did not live much longer, for his servant, Wormtongue, killed him himself (before being killed by the hobbits), thus ending the [[War of the Ring]].

===Later years===
[[File:Francesco Amadio - Grey Havens.jpg|thumb|220px|''Grey Havens'' by [[:Category:Images by Francesco Amadio|Francesco Amadio]]]]
Over the next two years, the travellers reordered the Shire and their lives; but Frodo was still troubled by his wounds, falling ill every [[13 March]] and [[6 October]], clutching the white gem in a manner reminiscent of the One Ring. Frodo served as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] until [[Will Whitfoot]] was restored in {{SR|1420}}.<ref name="chief">{{App|Chief}}</ref> Having no family of his own, Frodo left his estate ([[Bag End]]) and passed on the [[Red Book of Westmarch|Red Book]] to Samwise Gamgee, who named [[Frodo Gardner|his son]] after Frodo.

On [[September 21]] of {{TA|3021}} Frodo set out for the [[Grey Havens]]. Going south to Woody End he met the [[Last Riding of the Keepers of the Rings]], Elrond, Galadriel, and Bilbo. On [[September 29]] they came to the firth of [[Lhûn]] where Gandalf awaited them, and on the [[White Ship]]<ref name="chief" /> they crossed the [[Straight Road]] into the West. Frodo would spend the rest of his days in "a period of reflection and peace" on [[Tol Eressëa]], giving him the opportunity to truly understand his position in [[Arda]] before passing beyond the [[Circles of the World]].<ref>{{L|246}}: "a gaining of a truer understanding of his position..."</ref><ref>{{L|297}}</ref><ref>{{L|325}}</ref>

==Legacy==
According to [[Elanor Gardner]], Sam followed Frodo across the sea on September 22, 1482 following the death of his wife [[Rose Cotton|Rose (née Cotton)]].<ref>{{App|B5}}: "''Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor...''"</ref>

At some point well into the [[Fourth Age]], the words "''Frodos Dreme''" appeared scrawled at the head of a poem, [[The Sea-Bell]], within the Red Book, possibly derived from the nightmares that Frodo had before passing into the West.<ref>{{AB|Preface}}: "''It is the latest piece and belongs to the Fourth Age...''"</ref>

==Characteristics==
The only real description of Frodo's appearance was given only once by Gandalf in his letter to Barliman Butterbur, in which he was declared a "stout fellow with red cheeks, taller than some (hobbits), and fairer than most", with a cleft chin, a bright eye, and a perky personality.<ref name="Strider" /> Although Frodo was apparently fairly stout before his journey, he seemed to have lost a significant amount of weight on his trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.<ref name="Meetings" /> Also, at a later point, Sam remarked that Frodo was "too thin and drawn" for a hobbit.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}</ref>

Frodo carried a small Elven sword called [[Sting]] and wore a coat of Dwarven mail made of ''[[mithril]]'' under his clothes, both given to him by Bilbo. In [[Lothlórien]], [[Galadriel]] gave Frodo, along with all of the Fellowship, an [[Elven cloaks|Elven cloak]], which allowed the wearer to blend in with his natural surroundings, and, to Frodo alone, the [[Phial of Galadriel]], a small crystal phial in which light from the [[Star of Eärendil]] had been captured, to aid him on his quest.

Before Frodo returned to the Shire after the Quest of the Ring was completed, Arwen Evenstar, wife of Aragorn and daughter of Elrond, gave Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace to wear around his neck.

Frodo is said to have shown great "skill with foreign sounds" and probably could pronounce [[Elvish]] correctly, more than other Hobbits (who pronounced long Elvish vowels as diphthongs).<ref>{{App|Vowels}}</ref>

==Etymology==
The name ''Frodo Baggins'' is an English translation of his [[Westron]] name '''[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]]'''. The name ''Maura'' has the element ''maur-'' (wise, experienced), which Tolkien equated to the Germanic element ''frod-'' of the same meaning. Frodo's name in [[Sindarin]] was '''''[[Iorhael]]''''' ("old-wise") although in some instance he is mentioned as '''Daur''' (probably [[lenition|lenited]] form of ''[[taur]]'').

''Frodo'' is a real name, which comes from the Gemranic tradition with ''Fróda'' being its [[Old English]] form. It is obviously connected with the Old English word ''fród'', which means "wise by experience", but it was connected mythologically with legends of the Golden Age in the North.<ref>{{L|168}}</ref>

In the German translation he is called ''Frodo Beutlin'', in Spanish, ''Frodo Bolsón'', in French, ''Frodon Sacquet'', or ''Frodo Bessac'' (in the latest translation of the books), in Norwegian, ''Frodo Lommelun'', in Danish, ''Frodo Sækker'', in Faroese, ''Fróði Pjøkin'', in Finnish, ''Frodo Reppuli'', in Swedish, ''Frodo Secker'', in Portuguese, ''Frodo Bolseiro'', in Czech, ''Frodo Pytlík,'' and in Dutch, ''Frodo Balings''. In one of three Polish translations he is called ''Frodo Bagosz'', but he keeps his original name in the other two.

===Other names===
*Frodo Baggins - ''fród'' means "wise by experience" in [[Old English]]. Baggins may have been a reference to [[Bag End]] or may come from "bagging" which means "eating between meals" in northern England.
*[[Maura]] [[Baggins Family|Labingi]] - the [[Hobbitish]] name for Frodo.
*[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] - he bore the [[One Ring]] to [[Mount Doom]].
*[[Elf-friends|Elf-friend]] - given to him by [[Gildor|Gildor Inglorion]].
*[[Mr. Underhill]] - used during his stay in [[The Prancing Pony]] to conceal his identity.
*The Halfling - a name used for him from [[Boromir]]'s dream. Also a title given to him in [[Gondor]] after he accomplished the [[Quest of the Ring]].
*[[Master]] - given to Frodo by both [[Samwise Gamgee]] as Sam was his gardener, and [[Gollum]], as Frodo was the Master of the Precious.
*Nine-fingered Frodo/Frodo of the Nine Fingers - given to Frodo after Gollum bit off his finger.
*Deputy Mayor of [[Michel Delving]] - he was the Deputy from November {{TA|3019|n}} through Mid-Year's Day in {{TA|3020|n}}.
*[[Taur|Daur]] - which translates to "noble" and was given to Frodo at the [[Field of Cormallen]].
*[[Iorhael]] - the [[Sindarin]] name for Frodo which comes from ''[[iaur]]'' meaning "old" and ''[[sael]]'' meaning "wise".

*[[Bingo Baggins]] - Frodo's name in the early drafts of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.
*''Bronwe athan Harthad'' - name given to Frodo by Gandalf in an early version of the ''[[Many Partings]]'' chapter, meaning "Endurance beyond Hope".<ref>{{SD|VII}}: "''the bards and the minstrels should give them new names...''"</ref>

==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree| | |BAL|y|BER| |BAL=[[Balbo Baggins]]|BER=[[Berylla Baggins|Berylla Boffin]]}}
{{familytree| |,|-|-|-|^|-|.| |}}
{{familytree|MUN| | | |LAR|y|TAN|MUN=[[Mungo Baggins]] (grandfather of Bilbo)|LAR=[[Largo Baggins]]|TAN=[[Tanta Hornblower]]}}
{{familytree| | | | |,|-|-|-|v|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| |}}
{{familytree| | | |DOR| |DRO|y|PRI| |DUD|DOR=[[Dora Baggins]]|DRO=[[Drogo Baggins]]|PRI=[[Primula Brandybuck]]|DUD=[[Dudo Baggins]]}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | |!|}}
{{familytree| | | | | | | | | |FRO| | | |DAI|~|GRI|FRO='''Frodo Baggins'''|DAI=[[Daisy Baggins]]|GRI=[[Griffo Boffin]]}}
{{familytree/end}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="170px" heights="170px">
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo.png|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:Frodo Rankin Bass.png|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:LOTR-Gandalf 1990-1--1-.png|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I (1990 video game)|J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I]]''
File:Cortney Skinner - Free to Choose.png|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Frodo at the Grey Havens.png|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:SBG - Frodo mounted.gif|''[[Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Frodo Baggins and the One Ring.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
File:Jake Murray - Frodo Baggins.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game]]''
File:LEGO - Frodo Baggins.png|''[[Lego|LEGO]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Frodo Icon.jpg|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]'
File:John Howe - Frodo Baggins.png|''[[War of the Ring: The Card Game]]''
File:Randy Gallegos - Breaking of the Fellowship.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Christopher Guard]]. [[Sharon Baird]] was the model for Frodo in the live-action recordings Bakshi used for rotoscoping.

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Frodo was voiced by [[Orson Bean]], who had previously played Bilbo in [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by [[Elijah Wood]].

'''2012-14: [[The Hobbit (film series)|''The Hobbit'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Elijah Wood]] reprises his role as Frodo Baggins.<ref name="PJCasting">{{webcite|author=[[Peter Jackson]]|articleurl=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150168211921558|articlename=Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit|dated=20-March-2011|website=[http://www.facebook.com/ Facebook]|accessed=23-Dec-2011}}</ref> He has a conversation with Bilbo on the day of his 111th Birthday, before setting off to the woods to wait for Gandalf.

===Television===
'''1993: ''[[Hobitit]]'':'''
:Frodo was played by Taneli Mäkelä.

===Radio series===
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Oliver Burt]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Frodo is provided by [[James Arrington]].

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is voiced by [[Ian Holm]].

'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Frodo is played by Matthias Haase.

'''1992: [[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|''Tales from the Perilous Realm'' (1992 radio series)]]:'''
:In two episodes telling of the meeting of Frodo and [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Nigel Planer]] provided the voice of Frodo.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:In the first of the three series (seasons), based on ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', the voice of Frodo is provided by Dušan Cinkota. Cinkota was unable to reprise his role after the first series, and the role of Frodo was recast with Ľuboš Kostelný for the second and third series (based on ''[[The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Return of the King]]'').

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is one of the playable characters; his story doesn't significantly differ from the book. He is voiced by [[Steve Staley]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Frodo is present in all missions from Sam's perspective: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom. Completing the game allows to replay those missions from Frodo's perspective.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Frodo is a "Hero" unit of the Free People; his ability to use the Ring and turn invisible makes him ideal for scout missions.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Frodo and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Frodo is first met in Rivendell, preparing for departure. Later, he is found on Cerin Amroth in Lothlorien, weary from the loss of [[Gandalf]]. From [[Amon Hen]] onwards, player experiences Frodo's journey in a series of Session Plays, alternatively playing as either Frodo, Sam or [[Gollum]]. The player meets Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]], he later gives a speech at [[Aragorn]] and [[Arwen]]. A Hobbit actor portrays Frodo Baggins in a Hobbit-made theater play "The Disappearance of Mad Baggins". Notably, the player is not told about Frodo's mission for a very long time, with [[Elrond]], [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]] and others only saying that it is "of great importance".

'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''
:Frodo is mentioned as '''"Frodo the Ringbearer"''', one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]], in the introduction of the game. In [[The Prancing Pony]] [[Aragorn]] tells that he is waiting on a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] with [[The One Ring|an important burden]], this refers to Frodo and the One Ring.<ref>''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'', ''Prologue''</ref>
:Later in the game, Frodo appears in [[Rivendell]], but interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

==See also==
*[[Timeline of Frodo Baggins]]

{{References|Notes}}
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Baggins Family]]
| born=[[22 September]], {{TA|2968}}
| died=Sailed west on [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Bilbo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[22 September]], {{TA|3001}} - [[13 March]], {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Samwise Gamgee]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[14 March|14]] - [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Gollum]]
}}
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}{{hobbitfilms}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
[[Category:Baggins]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Frodo Beutlin]]
[[fi:Frodo Reppuli]]
[[fr:encyclo:personnages:hobbits:bessac:frodo bessac]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo.png

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== Summary ==
{{Information
| description = [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]
| date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
| medium =
| tolkienart =
| author =
| source = [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
| license =
}}
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of Frodo Baggins]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo.png

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Paccyd33: Paccyd33 moved page File:Frodo.png to File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Frodo.png without leaving a redirect

{{Copyright-fairuse|[http://www.middleearth.com Middle-earth Enterprises]}}

[[Category:Images of Frodo Baggins]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Éowyn.jpg

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Paccyd33: Paccyd33 uploaded a new version of File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Éowyn.jpg

==Licensing==
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Eowyn.jpg}}
[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of Éowyn]]

Glamdring

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Paccyd33:

{{short description|Sword of Turgon and Gandalf}}
{{object infobox
|name = Glamdring
|image = John Howe - Gandalf the White 01.jpg
|caption = "Gandalf the White" by [[John Howe]]
|pronun =
|othernames = Beater, Foe-hammer
|location = [[Gondolin]], various
|owner = [[Turgon]], [[Gandalf]]
|type = Sword
|appearance = "beautiful scabbards and jewelled hilts"<ref name = "mutton"/>
|creator =
|created = Between c. {{FA|116}} - {{FA|496}}<ref name = "shortrest">{{H|3}}</ref><ref name = "ut1">{{UT|1}}, note 31 (in the source it is not directly identified as Glamdring)</ref>
|createdlocation = [[Gondolin]]
|destroyer =
|destroyed =
|destroyedlocation =
|notablefor = Weapon of [[Gandalf]] during the [[War of the Ring]]
}}
<center>{{quote|This, Gandalf, was Glamdring, Foe-hammer that the king of Gondolin once wore.|[[Elrond]] in ''[[The Hobbit]]'', "[[A Short Rest]]"}}</center>
'''Glamdring''' was a sword, said to have belonged to [[Turgon]], but best known as the weapon of [[Gandalf]] during the [[War of the Ring]]. It was known in Westron as the '''Foe-hammer''', and Orcs knew it as '''Beater'''.

==History==
===Beater===
Glamdring was originally borne by Turgon, the King of [[Gondolin]].<ref name="shortrest">{{H|3}}</ref> He must have wielded it with strength during the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]] or the [[Fall of Gondolin]], for the [[Orcs]] named it "Beater", and fled before it. Even up until the late [[Third Age]], [[orcs of the Misty Mountains]] knew of this legendary sword,<ref name="overhill">{{H|4}}</ref> so it must have done some damage.

The name most likely originated in the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], where it is said that Turgon "hewed his way to the side of [[Fingon|his brother]]".<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> No other tales mention the actions of the sword, and it is unknown what happened to it during the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. Turgon perished as the [[Tower of the King]] fell on top of him,<ref>{{S|23}}</ref> but of the fate of Glamdring nothing is told.

===Survival===
The sword survived roughly 6500 years from the Fall of Gondolin in {{FA|510}} to its eventual rediscovery in {{TA|2941}}. In that period, it travelled from Gondolin far to the east. Much mystery surrounds this feat, but [[Elrond]] reasoned that Glamdring, along with [[Orcrist]] and [[Sting]], was plundered again and again, or carried off to the [[Misty Mountains]] soon after the Fall of Gondolin.<ref name="shortrest" /> Thus, after surviving the deluge of [[Beleriand]] in the [[War of Wrath]], it ended up in a [[Trolls' lair|troll-hole]] in the [[Trollshaws]] of [[Eriador]].

===At Gandalf's side===
In May {{TA|2941}}, [[Gandalf]], [[Bilbo Baggins]] and [[Thorin and Company|a group of dwarves]] encountered three trolls in the Trollshaws - [[William]], [[Bert]] and [[Tom]]. The Trolls captured Bilbo and the Dwarves, but Gandalf destroyed them by exposing them to sunlight. Glamdring, along with [[Orcrist]] and [[Sting]], were found in their cave nearby.<ref name="mutton">{{H|2}}</ref> Gandalf claimed the weapon as his own, amazed by its appearance and inscription. The inscription was set in a script of [[runes]] Gandalf [[Gondolinic Runes|did not know]]; he needed the knowledge of Elrond for that. Elrond translated the runes and called it by its Mannish name: "Foe-hammer".<ref name="shortrest" />
[[File:Donato Giancola - You Cannot Pass.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Gandalf wielding Glamdring, by [[Donato Giancola]].]]
Gandalf would use the sword well; its first victim was the [[Great Goblin]]. Other Orcs fled as they recognized the sword as "Beater". This meant that they had legends about two glowing swords - Beater and [[Orcrist|Biter]].<ref name="overhill" /> Whether Gandalf used the sword again during the [[The Hobbit|Quest for Erebor]] is uncertain, though it is likely that he wielded it in the [[Battle of Five Armies]].

Gandalf bore Glamdring at his side when the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] left [[Rivendell]] in {{TA|3018}}.<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref> He used the blade during the [[Battle of the Chamber of Mazarbul]], and a short time thereafter in the standoff with [[Durin's Bane|the Balrog]], during which battle his staff was destroyed.<ref>{{FR|II5}}</ref> After the collapse of the [[Bridge of Khazad-dûm|bridge]], Gandalf and the Balrog fought on to the [[Endless Stair]] and [[Durin's Tower]], with Glamdring being the only weapon known to be in Gandalf's possession.<ref>{{TT|III5}}</ref>

Gandalf's body perished there but he was sent back because his task was not yet complete. He had Glamdring with him when he met the [[Three Hunters]]; he gave it to [[Háma]] at [[Edoras]] when asked to surrender it.<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref> Gandalf would continue to bear it throughout the [[War of the Ring]], and carried it at his side when he, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] arrived at [[the Prancing Pony]] in [[Bree]]. Gandalf and the Hobbits had seen so much war at the time that wearing a weapon did not seem odd.<ref>{{RK|VI7}}</ref>

===Fate===
On [[29 September]], {{TA|3021}},<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> Gandalf left [[Middle-earth]] and sailed into the West.<ref>{{RK|VI9}}</ref> Whether he took Glamdring with him is never mentioned, and is open to debate. It can be argued that he brought it over the Sea, as he did with [[Shadowfax]],<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], [[Humphrey Carpenter]], [[Christopher Tolkien]] (eds.), ''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]'', [[Letter 268]] (dated [[19 January|January 19]], [[1965]])</ref> or that it was left behind in Middle-earth, weapons not being needed in the Undying Lands.

==Appearance==
[[File:John Howe - Glamdring.jpg|thumb|85px|right|"Glamdring" by [[John Howe]]]]
Glamdring and Orcrist are described as having "beautiful scabbards and jewelled hilts".<ref name="mutton" /> They would glow blue in the presence of Orcs. The "sword of Turgon" was "a white and gold sword in a ruel-bone (ivory) sheath".<ref name="ut1" />

When he took the sword, Gandalf said he could not read [[Gondolinic Runes|the runes]]. Elrond did, however, as he was a savant of all kinds of [[cirth|runes]].

==Etymology==
{{Pronounce|Glamdring.mp3|Ardamir}}
''Glamdring'' is [[Sindarin]] for "Foe-hammer".<ref name="shortrest" /> It is formed from the elements: ''[[Glamhoth|glam]]'', literally "shouting, confused noise", but used for any body of [[Orcs]];<ref>{{WJ|AC}}, p. 391</ref> and ''dring'' ("beat, strike").<ref name="etym">{{LR|Etymologies}}, entry "DRING"</ref>

The sword was also given the crude name '''Beater''' by the Orcs.<ref name="overhill" />

==Other versions of the legendarium==
In 1960, Tolkien began a complete rewrite of the Hobbit adding the fact that Glamdring was covered in dark blood when Gandalf found it, explaining why the runes were unreadable until cleaned by Elrond.<ref>{{HM|RB}}, page 799</ref>

It is not explained in the published ''Hobbit'' why Gandalf could not read the runes. A fitting explanation would be the "[[Gondolinic Runes]]", devised by Tolkien in either 1924 or 1930. This set of Runes was first published in 1992.<ref>First published in ''[[Mythlore]]'' 69, pages 20-25 (edited by [[Paul Nolan Hyde]]), analysed in issue 70, pages 23-24 (by [[Carl F. Hostetter]]). See also [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], "Gondolinic Runes", in ''[[Parma Eldalamberon 15]]'' (edited by [[Christopher Gilson]]), page 111-113</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:The Hobbit (1977 film) - Glamdring.png|[[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Glamdring.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:David T. Wenzel - Glamdring.jpeg|[[The Hobbit (comic book)|''The Hobbit'' (comic book)]]
File:Audrey Corman - Glamdring.jpg|''[[Middle-earth Collectible Card Game]]'': ''[[Middle-earth: The Wizards|The Wizards]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Gandalf poster.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
File:Guardians of Middle-earth - Gandalf Icon.jpg|''[[Guardians of Middle-earth]]''
File:The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey - Gandalf finds Glamdring.jpg|''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]''
File:Andrea Piparo - Glamdring.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth]]''
</gallery>
===Films===
'''1977: [[The Hobbit (1977 film)|''The Hobbit'' (1977 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf acquires Glamdring in the trolls' cave. Elrond recognizes the sword at first glance; perhaps he simply deduces the fact that it was Glamdring because he had identified its mate Orcrist just before. After leaving [[Rivendell]], Gandalf notably uses the sword only when rescuing Bilbo and the Dwarves from Goblin-town.

'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:On promotional art, Glamdring is portrayed as an ordinary longsword, with no inscription visible. In the movie itself, it goes unnamed, and is considerably shorter, only a one-handed sword. Oddly it is broken along with the Balrog's sword, but reappears intact in later scenes.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]], "Gandalf Triumphant'</ref>

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Gandalf does not use a sword, only his staff.

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Glamdring is a name given to the sword of Gandalf in the film's promotional materials, but it is not named in the films. The sword is, according to most replicas, 47 inches (approximately 120 centimeters) long,<ref>''[[The Noble Collection]]'' Glamdring, [http://www.weaponmasters.com/shopping/Glamdring-The-Sword-of-Gandalf-p-16913.html Weaponmasters.com]</ref> and does not glow blue. When asked, [[Peter Jackson]] and [[Philippa Boyens]] reacted jokingly that is was due to "budgetary cuts", and they had "not enough blue left".<ref>[[Peter Jackson]], [[Philippa Boyens]], [[Fran Walsh]] (eds.), [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (extended edition)]], "[[A Journey in the Dark (scene)|A Journey in the Dark]]", Director Commentary</ref>

:In the films, Glamdring is depicted as a longsword-type weapon. It has a straight, double-edged blade with a very short ricasso right above the crossguard. The crossguard's prongs flare upwards, and the center of the guard houses a decorative blue gem. The sword's grip is wrapped in blue, and the pommel is elongated, broadening at the bottom. The rune inscription is engraved in the cross-guard, and adds power to the sword. With this extra power Gandalf was able to defeat [[Durin's Bane]].<ref name="lotrwaw">[[Chris Smith]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', page 68-69</ref> The actual inscription reads as thus:
::"''Turgon [[aran]] Gondolin tortha gar a matha i vegil Glamdring gûd daedheloth, dam an [[Glamhoth]]''".
:This is [[Sindarin]], and translates to "Turgon, king of Gondolin, wields, has, and holds the sword Glamdring, Foe of Morgoth's realm, Hammer of the Orcs".<ref name="lotrwaw" />

'''2012: ''[[The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey]]'':'''
:Thorin finds several swords in the troll hoards and gives one to Gandalf. In Rivendell, Elrond identifies it as Glamdring, and in Goblin-town, the Great Goblin recognizes it as Beater. It has the same design as Glamdring in ''The Lord of the Rings'' films.

===Radio series===
'''1968: [[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]]:'''
:Glamdring is found in the cave of the trolls, and later named by Elrond. Gandalf himself recounts how it was once borne by the King of Gondolin.<ref>[[The Hobbit (1968 radio series)|''The Hobbit'' (1968 radio series)]], "Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire"</ref>

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Glamdring is not named, and the presence of a sword is mentioned only once: when Gandalf has to surrender it to [[Háma]].<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]], "The King of the Golden Hall"</ref>

===Games===
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Glamdring is an Elven longsword. It glows with pale light when enemies are near.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]], Manual, page 9</ref>

'''2003: [[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]]:'''
:As this game focuses on Bilbo rather than the entire group, Glamdring is never named, and only appears once when Gandalf and the player (as Bilbo) have to wield off several goblins in the Misty Mountains.<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Over Hill and Under Hill"</ref> An alternative survival theory is also given: the caves in the Trollshaws were - according to [[Glóin]] - dug by the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]] during his reign in the region.<ref>[[The Hobbit (2003 video game)|''The Hobbit'' (2003 video game)]], "Troll-hole"</ref>

{{References}}
[[Category:Pronounced articles]]
[[Category:Sindarin names]]
[[Category:Swords]]
{{weapons}}
[[de:Glamdring]]
[[fi:Glamdring]]
[[fr: Glamdring]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Glamdring.jpg

2026-05-30T05:43:29Z

Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information |description = Gandalf the White riding into battle with Glamdring |date = November 15 1978 |medium = |tolkienart = |author = |source = https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/1915820361574240354/photo/1 |license = }} {{Fairuse-Warnerbros}} Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) Category:Images of horses Category:Images of Gandalf [[Category:Images of...

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]] riding into [[Battle of the Hornburg|battle]] with [[Glamdring]]
|date = [[16 November|November 15]] [[1978]]
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author =
|source = https://x.com/ralphbakshi/status/1915820361574240354/photo/1
|license =
}}
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of horses]]
[[Category:Images of Gandalf]]
[[Category:Images of Glamdring]]

File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Celeborn.jpg

2026-05-30T05:33:59Z

Paccyd33: Paccyd33 uploaded a new version of File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Celeborn.jpg

== Licensing ==
{{Fairuse-Warnerbros}}

[[Category:Images from The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]
[[Category:Images of Celeborn]]

Borimir's Sacrifice

2026-05-30T05:31:51Z

Paccyd33:

{{scene
|image = The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Borimir's Sacrifice.jpg
|name = Boromir's Sacrifice
|film = [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|number = 24
|duration = 0:49 (see below)
|event = Death of [[Boromir]], Capture of [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]
|previous = [[Borimir's Madness]]
|next = [[Following the Orcs]]
|}}
'''''Borimir's Sacrifice''''' ''(sic)'' is the twenty-fourth scene of [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|the 1978 film ''The Lord of the Rings]]''.

==Synopsis==
After trying to convince [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] into taking [[the One Ring]] to [[Minas Tirith]], [[Boromir]] returns to the rest of the Fellowship. After [[Aragorn]] asks him where Frodo is, Boromir confesses, and tells him that Frodo put on the Ring. [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] run off to find him, with [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]] close behind. After a few angry words, Aragorn sends Boromir after the rest, whilst he takes Sam with him.

Sam feels differently. As his legs are not long enough to keep up with a Man, he starts thinking where Frodo might have gone. His guess - Frodo went to the boats - is correct, and after nearly drowning he is drawn aboard by a still invisible Frodo. As the two Hobbits head to the other shore, they are followed by [[Gollum]] on his log.

Searching for Frodo, Merry and Pippin are caught by Orcs. Boromir comes in to save them, but as they flee he is pierced by arrows. He manages to stay up by leaning against a tree, and pulls out the arrows. Before he can strike at the Orcs, however, he is hit again. In a last effort, he blows his [[Great Horn|horn]]. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli hear the horn and rush towards to the sound.

With Boromir fallen, the Orcs take the two Hobbits and leave. When Aragorn arrives, he finds only Boromir, who confesses into trying to take the Ring from Frodo, and repents from his deeds. Legolas and Gimli arrive, but Boromir has already died.
==Cast==
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Role !! Actor
|-
| [[Boromir]] || [[Michael Graham Cox]]
|-
| [[Aragorn]] || [[John Hurt]]
|-
| [[Samwise Gamgee]] || [[Michael Scholes]] (voice), [[Billy Barty]]
|-
|[[Frodo Baggins]] || [[Christopher Guard]] (voice), [[Sharon Baird]]
|-
| [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] || [[Dominic Guard]]
|-
| [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] || [[Simon Chandler]]
|-
|[[Gollum]] || [[Peter Woodthorpe]]
|-
| [[Legolas]] || No lines
|-
| [[Gimli]] || No lines
|}
==Errors==
* The error of calling [[Boromir]] ''Borimir'' here and in the [[Borimir's Madness|preceding scene]] appears to have been made when the DVD was produced; Boromir is correctly spelled in the credits.
* The scene is actually much longer than the 49 seconds mentioned. It is 3:49 minutes.

[[Category:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) scenes]]

Boromir's Sacrifice

2026-05-30T05:31:12Z

Paccyd33: Paccyd33 moved page Boromir's Sacrifice to Borimir's Sacrifice over redirect: Name was intentionally misspelled, hence the sic

#REDIRECT [[Borimir's Sacrifice]]

Borimir's Sacrifice

2026-05-30T05:31:12Z

Paccyd33: Paccyd33 moved page Boromir's Sacrifice to Borimir's Sacrifice over redirect: Name was intentionally misspelled, hence the sic

{{scene
| image = The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Borimir's Sacrifice.jpg
| name=Boromir's Sacrifice
| film=[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
| number=24
| duration=0:49 (see below)
| event= Death of [[Boromir]], Capture of [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]]
| previous= Borimir's Madness
| next= Following the Orcs
|}}

'''''Borimir's Sacrifice''''' ''(sic)'' is the twenty-fourth scene of [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|the 1978 film ''The Lord of the Rings]]''.

==Synopsis==
After trying to convince [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] into taking [[the One Ring]] to [[Minas Tirith]], [[Boromir]] returns to the rest of the Fellowship. After [[Aragorn]] asks him where Frodo is, Boromir confesses, and tells him that Frodo put on the Ring. [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] run off to find him, with [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]] close behind. After a few angry words, Aragorn sends Boromir after the rest, whilst he takes Sam with him.

Sam feels differently. As his legs are not long enough to keep up with a Man, he starts thinking where Frodo might have gone. His guess - Frodo went to the boats - is correct, and after nearly drowning he is drawn aboard by a still invisible Frodo. As the two Hobbits head to the other shore, they are followed by [[Gollum]] on his log.

Searching for Frodo, Merry and Pippin are caught by Orcs. Boromir comes in to save them, but as they flee he is pierced by arrows. He manages to stay up by leaning against a tree, and pulls out the arrows. Before he can strike at the Orcs, however, he is hit again. In a last effort, he blows his [[Great Horn|horn]]. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli hear the horn and rush towards to the sound.

With Boromir fallen, the Orcs take the two Hobbits and leave. When Aragorn arrives, he finds only Boromir, who confesses into trying to take the Ring from Frodo, and repents from his deeds. Legolas and Gimli arrive, but Boromir has already died.
==Cast==
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Role !! Actor
|-
| [[Boromir]] || [[Michael Graham Cox]]
|-
| [[Aragorn]] || [[John Hurt]]
|-
| [[Samwise Gamgee]] || [[Michael Scholes]] (voice), [[Billy Barty]]
|-
|[[Frodo Baggins]] || [[Christopher Guard]] (voice), [[Sharon Baird]]
|-
| [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] || [[Dominic Guard]]
|-
| [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] || [[Simon Chandler]]
|-
|[[Gollum]] || [[Peter Woodthorpe]]
|-
| [[Legolas]] || No lines
|-
| [[Gimli]] || No lines
|}
==Errors==
* The error of calling [[Boromir]] ''Borimir'' here and in the [[Borimir's Madness|preceding scene]] appears to have been made when the DVD was produced; Boromir is correctly spelled in the credits.
* The scene is actually much longer than the 49 seconds mentioned. It is 3:49 minutes.

[[Category:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) scenes]]

File:The 1979 Calendar of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.jpg

2026-05-30T05:28:54Z

Paccyd33: Paccyd33 uploaded a new version of File:The 1979 Calendar of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.jpg

==Licensing==

{{Fairuse-cover}}

[[Category:Images of calendars]]

Luis Bermejo

2026-05-28T10:20:42Z

Paccyd33: Artist infobox

{{short description|Illustrator of the 1979 Lord of the Rings comic book}}
{{Artist infobox
|image =
|name = Luis Bermejo
|born = [[12 August]] [[1931]]
|died = [[12 December]] [[2015]]
|style =
|images = [[:Category:Images by Luis Bermejo|Images by Luis Bermejo]]
|location =
|website =
}}
'''Luis Bermejo''' ([[12 August]] [[1931]] - [[12 December]] [[2015]]) was a Spanish comic book artist who illustrated the [[1979]]–[[1981]] ''[[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|Lord of the Rings comic book adaptation]].''<ref>{{Cite web|articleurl = https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/bermejo_luis.htm|articlename = Luis Bermejo|website = Lambiek Comiclopedia}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[:Category:Images by Luis Bermejo|Images by Luis Bermejo]]
==External links==
* {{WP|Luis Bermejo (illustrator)}}
{{References}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bermejo, Luis}}
[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:People by name]]
[[Category:Spanish people]]

Ted Sandyman

2026-05-28T09:27:02Z

Paccyd33:

{{infobox character
|people = [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]
|name = Ted Sandyman
|image = Andrea Piparo - Ted Sandyman.jpg
|caption = "Ted Sandyman" by [[:Category:Images by Andrea Piparo|Andrea Piparo]]
|pronun =
|othernames =
|titles =
|position = Miller
|location = [[Old Mill]], [[Hobbiton]]
|affiliation =
|language =
|birth = late [[Third Age]]
|birthlocation =
|rule =
|death =
|deathlocation =
|age =
|notablefor =
|family = [[Sandyman Family|Sandyman]]
|parentage = [[Sandyman]]
|siblings =
|spouse =
|children =
|gender = Male
|height =
|hair =
|eyes =
|clothing =
|weapons =
|steed =
}}
'''Ted Sandyman''' was the miller of [[Hobbiton]].

==History==
Ted was a miller after [[Sandyman|his father]]. [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] did not like him, and even less when they were arguing in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' about the strange news reaching [[the Shire]] from afar. Ted claimed he didn't believe in [[dragons]] (except the green one) derided Sam's story that his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] had seen an [[elms|elm]]-like [[Ent|Tree-man]] walking in the [[North Downs]], and the bystanding hobbits laughed and clapped at his remarks. He also laughed with Sam's sadness for the [[Elves]] leaving [[Middle-earth]], saying that nobody saw them doing so, and considered [[Bilbo]] and [[Frodo Baggins]] "cracked" who told Sam about those topics. With that, he drained his mug and went out noisily.<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

Ted collaborated with [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] and [[Saruman|Sharkey]], in exchange for a new and much improved mill. When Sam and the [[Travellers]] returned to Hobbiton, Ted taunted Sam over his grief at seeing the [[The Party Tree|Party Tree]] felled and questioned why he returned. When an angry Sam threatened him, Ted boasted of being a friend to the Boss. When he saw the reinforcements riding up behind the Travelers, Ted sounds a horn to warn [[Sharkey]] but Merry promptly winded the [[Horn of the Mark]] to summon the inhabitants of Hobbiton.<ref>{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> Ted's fate afterwards is unmentioned.

==Inspiration==
It is possible [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] was inspired by the miller's son, George Andrew junior, at [[Sarehole Mill]], Warwickshire, England.

{{quote|There were two millers [at Sarehole Mill], father and son. The old man had a black beard, but it was the son who frightened the boys with his white dusty clothes and sharp-eyed face. Ronald named him 'the White [[Ogres|Ogre]]'. When he yelled at them to clear off they would scamper away from the yard...|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]], pp. 124-5}}

{{quote|I never liked the looks of the Young miller, but his father, the Old miller, had a black beard, and he was not named Sandyman.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien]]<ref>{{FR|Foreword}}</ref>}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery mode="traditional" widths="250px" heights="150px">
File:Luis Bermejo - Ted Sandyman.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Ted Sandyman.png|''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Ted Sandyman.JPG|[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Ted Sandyman.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
</gallery>
'''[[1981]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:Ted Sandyman is voiced by [[Gordon Reid]]. He is present in the Ivy Bush before [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Bilbo's Birthday Party]] and in the final episode when he sneers at Sam's return just before the scouring of the Shire.<ref>[[Michael Bakewell]], [[Brian Sibley]] (eds.), [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]], "[[A Long Expected Party (episode)|A Long Expected Party]]"</ref>

'''[[1989]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]]:'''
:[[Samwise Gamgee]] sees Sandyman chopping down a tree in his vision in [[Mirror of Galadriel|the Mirror of Galadriel]]. He remarks that he'd fell the Hobbit like he felled the trees if he could get hold of him

'''[[1992]]: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Ted Sandyman is played by Jochen Stern.

'''[[2001]]: {{fotree}}:
:[[Brian Sergent]] plays Ted. He is present during [[Gaffer Gamgee]]'s talk in the [[Green Dragon]] taking over his father's lines.

'''[[2002]]: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Sandyman is standing in front of his mill, looking for an iron pin (that [[Sancho Proudfoot]] later admits to have stolen). Retrieving the pin, which is stuck in the Old Grange's weather vane. He is ill-tempered, but expresses gratitude to Frodo after he is assisted, before moaning the fact that he sent [[Mugwort]] to [[Bree]] to fetch a new pin.

'''[[2007]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Ted Sandyman can be found at his mill, but is not involved in any regular quests and only has lines during two of the seasonal festivals.

{{References}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Sandyman]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Timm Sandigmann]]
[[fi:Ted Hiesuli]]

File:Luis Bermejo - Ted Sandyman.jpg

2026-05-28T09:23:36Z

Paccyd33: == Summary == {{Information |description = Illustration of Ted Sandyman from ''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book), volume 2. |date = |medium = |tolkienart = |author = Luis Bermejo |source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/page/n37/mode/2up |license = }} {{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}} Category:Images by Luis Bermejo [[Category:Images of Ted Sandy...

File:Luis Bermejo - Orc-chieftain.jpg

2026-05-28T09:23:25Z

Paccyd33:

== Summary ==
{{Information
|description = Illustration of the [[orc-chieftain]] from [[The Lord of the Rings (comic book)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (comic book)]], volume 2
|date =
|medium =
|tolkienart =
|author = [[Luis Bermejo]]
|source = https://archive.org/details/der-herr-der-ringe-band-2/Der%20Herr%20der%20Ringe%20Band%202/page/n25/mode/2up
|license =
}}
{{Copyright-fairuse|Toutain Editor}}

[[Category:Images by Luis Bermejo]]
[[Category:Images of the orc-chieftain]]
[[Category:Images of shields]]
[[Category:Images of armor]]
[[Category:Images of helmets]]
[[Category:Images of spears]]