The Rider
 

I wanted to know if any of ya have any info, or opinions. From what I've read at The encyclopedia of Arda. The Rider was a creature sent by Melkor to trouble the first elves at Cuiviénen. I wanted to know if anyone had any more info on this. I read through the Silmarillion index and it did not mention The Rider anywhere.

My guess is that it was an emmisary of some kind, sent out to put fear in the elves to keep them from going to Aman with the Valar.

It is interesting that the term 'Rider' is present in that context on The Encyclopedia of Arda . I suppose the purpose behind sending out "his dark servants as riders" was to make the Quendi hate all those who rode steeds, so that they would be fearful of Orome when he found them.

I wonder if those "riders" were the basis in Tolkien's mind for the Nazgul? :)

Good point, Lord of Angmar. It certainly sounds like they were a start for the Nazgul. Do you think that Tolkien purposely used Riders for Melkor and Sauron, making it seem that Sauron was copying Melkor?