Shadow over Hollin

From Tolkien Gateway
"I shan't call it the end, till we've cleared up the mess." — Sam
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This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.


During the Quest of the Ring, a mysterious shadow passed over the Fellowship of the Ring in the night, darkening the stars as it moved over Hollin. The origin of this shadow is unclear, as it was moving fast, and against the wind.[1]

Background[edit | edit source]

There have been a number of theories developed by fans concerning the nature of the Shadow. There are some who believe that the Shadow over Hollin was a Ringwraith on a fell-beast; however, this claim is refuted by a statement from Grishnakh, which said that the Nazgûl had been forbidden by Sauron to cross the Anduin until after the War of the Ring progressed.[2] It can also be noted that the Shadow passes over the Fellowship in early drafts of the story, before Tolkien's conception of the fell-beasts. [3]

Another discussed possibility is that the Shadow was a flock of Crebain, which the Fellowship had encountered in the early stages of their journey. Alternatively, the Shadow may have been a manifestation of Sauron's power; a similar shadow passed over Amon Hen, when Frodo wore the Ring. [4]

External links[edit | edit source]

References