The Ride of Eorl

In the spring of 2509 Third Age Cirion, Steward of Gondor, became aware of a great host mustering to attack Gondor. Men were gathering at the eaves of Mirkwood, though not necessarily well armed, in greater numbers then had ever come against Gondor. "In this peril Cirion's thoughts turned at last in desperation to the Eotheod, and he determined to send messengers to them" (p. 296, Unfinished Tales). This must have been pure desperation as the Eotheod were far away after settling in the North. This would involve traversing mountains, rivers, Orc infested lands, and the Shadow of Dol Guldur. Calling for volunteers Cirion chose six riders of great courage to be sent out in pairs with a message to Eorl, lord of the Eotheod, known by many as a valiant and wise man, though only 25 years old.

"Yet Cirion had but faint hope that even if the messages were received it would be answered" (p. 297, Unfinished Tales). For Cirion was pleading to an ancient friendship Gondor had with the Northmen. As it was Cirion assembled his troops and leaving his son, Hallas, in Minis Tirith, rode North to Calenardhon to face the imminent threat. The messengers went in pairs one day apart. One only made it safely to Eorl. "He was Borondir, a great rider of a family that claimed descent from a captain of the Northmen in the service of the Kings of old. Of the others no tidings were ever heard, save Borondir's companion. He was slain by arrows in ambush near Dol Guldur, from which Borondir escaped by fortune and the speed of his horse" (p. 297, Unfinished Tales). Weary and without food he reached Eorl barely able to relay the message of the Steward. Eorl thought briefly and said: "'I will come. If the Mundberg falls, whither shall we flee from darkness?'" (p. 297, Unfinished Tales). The name Mundberg pops up a couple times in the reading, it seems to be the Eotheod name for Gondor. The more I read about the Eotheod (soon to be Rohan) the more I love these people!

Eorl assembled his riders as quickly as possible. Leaving only a small force to defend their land along with men too old and boys too young to ride forth. Nearly 7500 set out in a eohere. Long they travelled and none hindered their way. "In part this was due to events unknown to them, which had come to pass since Borondir set out; but other powers also were at work" (p. 298, Unfinished Tales). I am not entirely sure what all those events may have been. As for the other powers at work: as they drew near Dol Guldur a mist enshrouded the riders; at first they were uneasy but found their path well lit in the midst of the mist while being camouflaged from watchful eyes. Borondir attributed this good stroke to the Lady of the Golden Wood (Galadriel no doubt). "'Maybe,' said Eorl. 'But at least I will trust the wisdom of Felarof. He scents no evil. His heart is high, and his weariness is healed: he strains to be given his head. So be it! For never have I had more need of secrecy and speed!'" (p. 299, Unfinished Tales).

And by the arts of Galadriel the eohere sprang forward; the beating of the hooves silenced by the mist and all feeling as spry as the day the journey began. For two days they travelled as such until the mist lifted and they found themselvs far from Dol Guldur. This allowed Eorl to reach the Field of Celebrant in the nick of time. For Cirion and Gondor's army were in peril. They were cutoff from retreat and assailed by Orcs as well as men. The details of the battle are not clear other than the victory Eorl brought. "All hope was lost when, unlooked for, the Riders came out of the North and broke upon the rear of the enemy. Then the fortunes of the battle were reversed, and the enemy was driven with slaughter over Limlight" (p. 299, Unfinished Tales). Good stuff and very reminiscent of Theoden's ride to Denethor's aid years later. They say history repeats itself; I suppose that's true in Middle-earth as well. Once again this story displays Tolkien's ever present idea that hope can break through even at the very moment of despair. Perhaps it's a lesson he learned in his own life; or an encouragement to his readers to always be watchful for hope and never give in to despair.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2509 (March-April)
Today's reading comes from: Unfinished Tales, pages 296-299