This is a dumb question, but...
 

In the first book, I didn't get exactly what the Barrow Whites were, can someone explain what they are?
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fat woman Cams

evil spirits sent to the barrowdowns by the witchking to guard it. kinda like a dragon guarding the entrance to a caveful of treasure, only... not...

They were evil spirits sent by the Witch King (I think) to haunt the dead.

He appeared as a long pale arm, and spoke in a quiet murmur.

thanks!
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TOYOTA BREVIS

I'm not sure they were sent by the witch king. I got the feeling they were just nasty ghosties. But, I suppose that could be right. Can you find any text for that?

Evil spirits sent to dwell in the Barrow-downs by the Witch-king of Angmar during his wars with the remnant of Arnor, and who remained there long after the realm of Angmar itself had vanished from the world.

from the encyclopedia of Arda

Wow, I stand corrected. Interesting, though--why would he said a bunch of nasty ghosties to haunt some graves? Apart from just spreading general fear and such. I think that whole era of the Witch-King would be a good setting for some fun tales. Back when Amon-Sul still stood and all.

thanks for some more info on the topic!
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Portuguese cooking