The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Do Elves ride saddle-less on horseback?

Tar Elenion · 03-21-2002, 07:53 PM

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Quothe Durelen:
Any other quotes besides the one from Silmarillion that might proove that Noldor used saddles and bits.
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I did not mention 'bits' and have no need to prove the Noldor used them. In Letter 211 JRRT answered this question "Why (in the first edition, I. 221) is Glorfindel's horse described as having a 'bridle and bit' when Elves ride without bit, bridle or saddle?". His answer was: "But actually bridle was casually and carelessly used for what I suppose should have been called a headstall. Or rather, since bit was added (221) long ago (Chapter 12 was written very early) I had not considered the natural ways of elves with animals. Glorfindel's horse would have an ornamental headstall, carrying a plume, and with the straps studded with jewels and small bells; but Glor. would certainly not use a bit. I will change bridle and bit to headstall."
JRRT made this change in later printings.

As for saddles, I have noted the passage in the Silmarillion where "Curufin curving stooped and lifted Luthien to his saddle, for he was a strong and cunning horseman". Another passage is in LotR 'Flight to the Ford' where Glorifindel says he will "shorten the stirrups up to the saddle-skirts" for Frodo to ride Asfaloth. JRRT did not change this passage, though he did change the 'bit' passage.

03-21-2002, 07:53 PM	#32
Tar Elenion Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 369	-------- Quothe Durelen: Any other quotes besides the one from Silmarillion that might proove that Noldor used saddles and bits. -------------------- I did not mention 'bits' and have no need to prove the Noldor used them. In Letter 211 JRRT answered this question "Why (in the first edition, I. 221) is Glorfindel's horse described as having a 'bridle and bit' when Elves ride without bit, bridle or saddle?". His answer was: "But actually bridle was casually and carelessly used for what I suppose should have been called a headstall. Or rather, since bit was added (221) long ago (Chapter 12 was written very early) I had not considered the natural ways of elves with animals. Glorfindel's horse would have an ornamental headstall, carrying a plume, and with the straps studded with jewels and small bells; but Glor. would certainly not use a bit. I will change bridle and bit to headstall." JRRT made this change in later printings. As for saddles, I have noted the passage in the Silmarillion where "Curufin curving stooped and lifted Luthien to his saddle, for he was a strong and cunning horseman". Another passage is in LotR 'Flight to the Ford' where Glorifindel says he will "shorten the stirrups up to the saddle-skirts" for Frodo to ride Asfaloth. JRRT did not change this passage, though he did change the 'bit' passage. __________________ Tar-Elenion