Lossoth

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The Lossoth, also called the Snowmen of Forochel,[1] were survivors of the Forodwaith, the ancient people from whom the northern lands of Middle-earth took their name.

History

The Lossoth lived mainly along the northern shores of the Icebay of Forochel, but also explored the lands around its southern rim. They had a culture well adapted to their icy existence, constructing houses out of snow (apparently similar to igloos), and travelling on sleds and bone skates. Despite this comfortable existence, the Lossoth had a very primitive culture. They had no knowledge of metal workings, being that they were afraid of the metal weapons that Arvedui and his men had, and could not understand sailing boats.

The Lossoth entered history near the end of the second millennium of the Third Age, when they gave aid to Arvedui, last King of Arthedain, who had fled into the north to escape his kingdom's destruction. When an elven-ship came to rescue him, he rewarded the Lossoth for their friendship with the Ring of Barahir. His hosts sensed approaching disaster, and warned Arvedui not to board the ship. Against their advice, he did so, but a great storm overwhelmed the ship and last King of Arthedain was lost in the cold waters of the far north.

Etymology

Loss(h)oth is Sindarin and consists of loss ("snow") + hoth.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names" (entry hoth)