Shadowfax

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Shadowfax
Horse (Mearas)
John Howe - Shadowfax 01.jpg
"Shadowfax" by John Howe
Information
LocationRohan; Gondor
AffiliationGandalf
Physical Description
RaceHorse (Mearas)
GenderMale
Hair colorwhite
GalleryImages of Shadowfax

Shadowfax was a mighty horse of Rohan, the chief of the Mearas, noted for its speed, "like an arrow".[1]

History

In September T.A. 3018 Gandalf was in Rohan and Théoden reluctantly gave him any horse of his choosing. At first the horse did not allow him to come near, and Gandalf had to follow him far over the fields for two days before he tamed it,[2] chasing it for over twenty miles.[3] Shadowfax was said to be much faster than the horses of the Nazgûl, and carried Gandalf for about 620 miles from 23 to 28 September.[3] When they reached Weathertop, Gandalf was followed and attacked by the Nazgûl on the night of 3 October; Frodo and Aragorn saw the lights of the battle from their camp.[3] Shadowfax then carried Gandalf far into the north to distract the Ringwraiths from chasing the Ring-Bearer.[3]

Shadowfax carried the Wizard throughout the War of the Ring without bridle or saddle. With it Gandalf rode to the Shire and then followed Frodo Baggins's trail to Bree, Weather Hills and Rivendell. In February of the next year Shadowfax returned to Edoras.[4]

Shadowfax came alone to Gandalf in the outskirts of the Fangorn Forest and he introduced the horse to the Three Hunters. Hasufel and Arod recognised it as their chieftain. Shadowfax carried Gandalf and Gimli to Edoras.[5] The horse was able to run from Edoras to Minas Tirith almost without stopping, and his ground speed rivaled the flying speed of the fell beasts of the Nazgûl.[6] Shadowfax was at the Grey Havens with Gandalf when he sailed on the White Ship.[7] Shadowfax, as one of the line of Nahar, presumably was with him when sailing for the West.[8]

Shadowfax also possessed extraordinary courage. He was the only free horse in the world capable of standing before the Lord of the Nazgûl during the Siege of Gondor instead of fleeing.[1][note 1]

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
Nahar
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Felaróf
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHADOWFAX
 
 
 
 


Etymology

It is an anglicized form of Old English Sceadu-fæx 'having shadow-grey mane (and coat)'. It does not actually occur in Old English. Fax is an obsolete English word.[9]

Portrayal in adaptations

Shadowfax in adaptations

2012: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Shadowfax accompanies Gandalf since his return as Gandalf the White.

See also

Notes

  1. This reference excludes horses used by the forces of Sauron such as the horses ridden by the Nine Riders.

References