Treebeard

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This article is about the Ent. For the the chapter, see Treebeard (chapter).
The name Fangorn refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Fangorn (disambiguation).
"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
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Treebeard by John Howe

Treebeard, also known as Fangorn, was the oldest of the Ents, a tree-like being who was a sort of "shepherd of trees". Very tall and stiff-limbed, with bark-like skin and leafy hair, he lived in Fangorn Forest, which was named after him (or he after it).

Like most Ents, Treebeard took a long time to make up his mind. He repeatedly spoke of not "being hasty". Treebeard is described along with Tom Bombadil as the oldest being in Middle-earth. Treebeard however said that there were trees in Fangorn that were "older than he".

History

Farewell to Fangorn by Luca Bonatti

Treebeard's realm was the immense forest that covered all Eriador and Calenardhon and saw it destroyed and diminishing by the centuries. In the Elder Days, Treebeard was with his entwife, Fimbrethil, but as with all of the other Entwives, she had been missing since Sauron's forces destroyed the gardens of the Entwives in the Second Age. Fangorn forest was one of that forest's remnants, where Treebeard and other Ents retreated. There he kept his Ent-houses one of which was the Wellinghall in the flanks of Methedras.[1]

During the War of the Ring, in 29 March T.A. 3019 he discovered Meriadoc Brandybuck ("Merry") and Peregrin Took ("Pippin") after they escaped from Orcs. He welcomed them to the Wellinghall. The hobbits brought news of the Wizard Saruman's treachery and his Orcs damaging the trees.

The Ents—usually a very patient, deliberate people—did become angry at Saruman, whose armies were cutting down large numbers of their trees. Treebeard convened an Entmoot, a meeting of the Ents at Derndingle.[1]

After lengthy deliberation Treebeard led them marching on Saruman's fortress at Isengard in March 3, accompanied by the two Hobbits: the last march of the Ents. In the Battle of Isengard they destroyed the valley and trapped Saruman in the tower of Orthanc. Treebeard appointed the two Hobbits door-wardens of Orthanc. There Treebeard also saw Wormtongue who brought a message for Saruman, and caught him and captured him inside Orthanc.[2]

Two days later they were soon joined by a company of Rohirrim with Gandalf, returning victorious from the Battle of the Hornburg. After deposing Saruman, Gandalf asked Treebeard to pour back the water into Orthanc so that Saruman can never escape.[3]

The following months, Treebeard saw the flight of many Orcs who met their doom in the forest. He kept the Wizard informed, who would come to the window of Orthanc to listen.

But then the wizard withered away and eventually managed to make the Ents pity him, and on August 15 they let them leave Isengard. However, before he left, Treebeard made him lock the tower and hand over the key of Orthanc.[4] King Elessar and company arrived at Orthanc, a week later, and Treebeard related these to Gandalf.

Etymology

Treebeard is the direct translation of the Sindarin name Fangorn (from fang = "beard" and orn = "tree").

Inspiration

Treebeard was inspired in many ways by C.S. Lewis including his speech patterns and some aspects of his personality; a loud, bombastic man known for his powerful stride and overwhelming presence.[source?]

Portrayal in Adaptations

1978: The Lord of the Rings:

John Westbrook provides the voice of Treebeard. His actions in the overthrow of Isengard are not mentioned: he merely brings Merry and Pippin to Gandalf.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

Stephen Thorne provided the voice of Treebeard.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:

Treebeard is a combination of a large animatronic model and a CGI construct; his voice is performed by John Rhys-Davies, who also plays Gimli.
The Ents at the Entmoot initially decline Merry and Pippin's request for help. Treebeard is carrying the hobbits through the forest, when Pippin gets an idea. He asks Treebeard to carry them towards Isengard, claiming that it is the last place Saruman would look for them because it puts them so close to danger. Treebeard is initially confused, but ultimately succumbs to Pippin's request. When Treebeard gets close to the forest's edge, he sees the devastation wrought by Saruman's orcs. The trees have all been chopped down to serve as fuel for Saruman's war machine. Treebeard then makes a momentous decision, and calls for the other Ents. They attack Isengard and manage to flood it.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Treebeard, fully CGI, makes some last appearances at Isengard.

See Also

References

Ents
Treebeard (Fangorn) · Leaflock (Finglas) · Skinbark (Fladrif) · Quickbeam (Bregalad) · Beechbone · Fimbrethil (Wandlimb)