Fréaláf
Fréaláf | |
---|---|
Rohir | |
Biographical Information | |
Other names | Hildeson |
Titles | King of Rohan |
Location | Rohan |
Language | Rohirric and Westron |
Birth | T.A. 2726 |
Rule | T.A. 2759 – 2798 |
Death | T.A. 2798 (aged 72) |
Family | |
House | House of Eorl |
Parentage | Hild |
Children | Brytta Léofa |
Physical Description | |
Gender | Male |
Gallery | Images of Fréaláf |
Fréaláf Hildeson (Third Age 2726 – 2798, aged 72 years) was the tenth King of Rohan, and the first King of the second line.
History
Fréaláf was the son of Hild, and thus the sister-son of Helm Hammerhand. When Rohan was invaded by the Dunlendings in T.A. 2758, Fréaláf was among the Rohirrim who took refuge in Dunharrow. However King Helm and his sons were killed in the invasion and the siege of the Hornburg in 2759, and Fréaláf was his heir.
Early in the spring Fréaláf led a daring surprise raid that recaptured Edoras and managed to reclaim it. With aid from Gondor, he eventually drove the Dunlendings back across the rivers Isen and Adorn, freeing all of Rohan.[1] Those Dunlendings who had occupied Isengard were starved until they capitulated and left the fortress.[2]
At his coronation the Wizard Saruman suddenly appeared after years of absence. Saruman offered Fréaláf his support and friendship which Fréaláf accepted, as Rohan was just recovering from the war and the Long Winter. On Fréaláf's advice, Beren, Steward of Gondor, lent Saruman the keys to Orthanc, giving him Isengard to dwell in on the condition that he must protect it from another conquest by the Dunlendings.
He ruled for 39 years, and was succeeded by his son Brytta Léofa at his death in 2798.[1]
Etymology
In Old English Fréaláf means "surviving lord" (consisting of frēa + lāf).[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Battles of the Fords of Isen", Appendix (ii)
- ↑ Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 643
Fréaláf House of Eorl | ||
Preceded by: Helm | 10th King of Rohan T.A. 2759 – 2798 | Followed by: Brytta |