Grey Company

From Tolkien Gateway
Jef Murray - The Grey Company

The Grey Company was a company of thirty Northern Dúnedain (clad in grey) commanded by Aragorn's kinsman Halbarad.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

Halbarad received a mysterious message requesting to come to the aid of his Chieftain Aragorn at Rohan (Legolas later surmised that it was actually sent by Galadriel who could read the hearts of men). Gathering thirty of his kin, and aided by Elladan and Elrohir who wished to join the war, they rode south to Rohan. They found Aragorn near Dol Baran before dawn on 6 March, T.A. 3019[2] and he admitted that Halbarad was often in his thoughts but had sent no message. Halbarad bore with him a furled standard, which was a gift from Arwen, and a message from her; and Elrohir conveyed a message from Elrond to take the Paths of the Dead. They journeyed with the Rohirrim to Helm's Deep, where they parted ways.[1]

The Rangers rode through the plains of Rohan and reached Dunharrow by morning of 7 March.[2] Théoden had not yet arrived, and Éowyn in vain begged Aragorn to avoid the Paths of the Dead.[1]

Spurred only by the strength of Aragorn's will, the Company with Legolas and Gimli entered the dark path at the dawn of the next day.[2] At midnight,[2] Aragorn summoned the Dead at a clearing to follow him to the Stone of Erech. After creeping in the darkness for what seemed like ages, the Company emerged from the Paths and rode quickly through the mountain fields with the Dead behind. They followed the river Morthond briefly to Erech. The inhabitants of the surrounding countryside fled in fear, calling Aragorn the "King of the Dead".

At the Stone of Erech

Arriving at the large, black Stone of Erech at midnight,[2] the legion of the Oathbreakers announced their allegiance to Aragorn. Aragorn unfurled a black flag and pronounced himself the Heir of Isildur. The Company rode on to Anduin.[1]

On 9 March[2] they led the Oathbreakers over Tarlang's Neck, across the Ciril and Ethring on the way to Pelargir and reached Calembel.[1] A day later they passed across the river Ringló.[2]

On 11 March they were in Lamedon, and the Dead drove forth the assailants from Linhir, but the staunch defenders fled as well, except for Angbor. Aragorn bade him gather his folk and follow them. After Linhir they reached Lebennin.[2] The Corsairs of Umbar were beaten back to Pelargir the next day.

The Fleet of Harad by Darrell Sweet

On 13 March[2] they found Pelargir overrun by Corsairs once again with fifty great ships and many more smaller vessels ready to sail to Harlond. The Company and the Dead drove the Corsairs away. After manning the Black Ships, Aragorn released the curse of the Dead.[3] Halbarad captained a Corsair ship and they sailed toward Harlond.

They arrived at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields on 15 March,[2] where Halbarad fell.[4]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

In the opening narration, Gandalf mentions Aragorn travels with a small band of kinsmen.
The Grey Company in The Lord of the Rings Online, showing the variety in their outfits

2010: The Lord of the Rings Online:

The Grey Company plays a major role in the game beginning with the Volume III: Allies of the King. Other than Halbarad and the Sons of Elrond, sixty-two other Rangers and the player form the Grey Company as they journey south. Their path through Dunland is beset by many dangers, as many Rangers are killed and some are forced to either turn back or stay behind until only thirty remain by the time they finally meet with Aragorn. Other than Halbarad, seven other Rangers are killed in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields while the rest join the Host of the West on the march towards the Black Gate. Only one of the Rangers falls during the battle and all of the survivors attend the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen after which they finally part ways. Some decide to return north to Eriador while others choose to remain in Gondor and serve King Elessar alongside Rangers of Ithilien against the dangers still remaining in Mordor.

References