The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Originated in the distant past, shortly after the Elves
Location
Widespread in earlier times, but by the end of the Third Age the Tree-herds were most associated with Fangorn Forest
Settlements
Each of the Tree-herds dwelt in their own Ent-house within the forest
Meaning
Modelled on the word 'shepherds', in that the Tree-herds watched over trees as shepherds watch over sheep
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 2 March 2025
  • This entry is complete

Tree-herds

Guardians of the ancient forests

A term used by the old Ent Treebeard to describe the role and purpose of his people in the world. The Ents protected the trees in their charge in just the same way as a shepherd protects sheep, and indeed they were able to literally herd their trees. In the form of Huorns, some of those trees could move and even speak, at least to the Ents. A forest of these Huorns was herded by the Ents into the valley of Helm's Deep at the time of the Battle of the Hornburg, and helped secure a final victory for the Rohirrim over Saruman's forces.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 2 March 2025
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2013, 2025. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by myDISCprofile, the free online personality test.
Explore the benefits of using a personality profile to discover yourself and make the most of your career.
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Tree-herds

Guardians of the ancient forests

Dates
Originated in the distant past, shortly after the Elves
Location
Widespread in earlier times, but by the end of the Third Age the Tree-herds were most associated with Fangorn Forest
Settlements
Each of the Tree-herds dwelt in their own Ent-house within the forest
Meaning
Modelled on the word 'shepherds', in that the Tree-herds watched over trees as shepherds watch over sheep
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 2 March 2025
  • This entry is complete

Tree-herds

Guardians of the ancient forests

A term used by the old Ent Treebeard to describe the role and purpose of his people in the world. The Ents protected the trees in their charge in just the same way as a shepherd protects sheep, and indeed they were able to literally herd their trees. In the form of Huorns, some of those trees could move and even speak, at least to the Ents. A forest of these Huorns was herded by the Ents into the valley of Helm's Deep at the time of the Battle of the Hornburg, and helped secure a final victory for the Rohirrim over Saruman's forces.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 2 March 2025
  • This entry is complete

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2013, 2025. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by myDISCprofile, the free online personality test.
Explore the benefits of using a personality profile to discover yourself and make the most of your career.