The Rohirrim, why horses? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Goldberry123 · 01-09-2010, 11:23 AM

I've done a lot of research over the past few days into the general significance of horses in LOTR but am drawing a blank.

In some instances they reflect the character of their rider, they can tell us a lot about a civilization. But is there more? Am I missing something?

I have many unanswered questions questions, for instance... Why does Shadowfax allow Gandalf, rather than anyone else, ride him?

Inziladun · 01-09-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldberry123

I have many unanswered questions questions, for instance... Why does Shadowfax allow Gandalf, rather than anyone else, ride him?

The answer to that must lie in Gandalf's nature as a Maia, sent by the Valar. The Vala Oromë could have been at work there, providing the leader of the fight against Sauron with the one horse that could bear him swifter than any other, and stand up to the terror of the Nazgûl.

Sarumian · 01-09-2010, 02:51 PM

Horses were of great importance for most of people living in steppe, whether they were Gots, Mongols or Cossaks. Tolkien is quite accurate in his reconstructions.

Morthoron · 01-09-2010, 05:39 PM

The Rohirrim have horses because the Anglo-Saxons lost to the Normans. Tolkien felt that if King Harold and his Housecarls had had a standing cavalry in 1066, they would not have lost the Battle of Hastings, and England, to the invading William the Bastard and his motley band of Norman barons and continental freebooters. Thus, the Anglo-Saxon monarchy would have retained sovereignity over England, and remained to subjugate, overtax and make lives miserable for the peasantry, rather than have foreigners do the same except much more efficiently.

Goldberry123 · 01-09-2010, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morthoron

The Rohirrim have horses because the Anglo-Saxons lost to the Normans. Tolkien felt that if King Harold and his Housecarls had had a standing cavalry in 1066, they would not have lost the Battle of Hastings, and England, to the invading William the Bastard and his motley band of Norman barons and continental freebooters. Thus, the Anglo-Saxon monarchy would have retained sovereignity over England, and remained to subjugate, overtax and make lives miserable for the peasantry, rather than have foreigners do the same except much more efficiently.

Thank you for that theory. Do you have a title of a book or article in which Tolkien expressed this opinion, so I could read up in full?

Morthoron · 01-09-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldberry123

Thank you for that theory. Do you have a title of a book or article in which Tolkien expressed this opinion, so I could read up in full?

Where did I get that from...hmmm? Being too lazy to research, I think it came from Tom Shippey's The Road To Middle-earth, but don't quote me on that.

The revisionist Anglo-Saxon as cavalrymen angle to the Rohirrim has been batted around by Tolkien scholars for years. Or, maybe I just made it up. Yes, I made it up just now. It's fascinating how my mind works.

Ummm...what were we talking about again?

Iulbahar · 01-14-2010, 02:14 PM

There is some archaeological evidence of a 'horse tribe' in England long before the Norman conquest, which I think Tolkien may have been referring to. (Don't ask for references right now as I'm too tired!)
As to the question 'Why horses?' My answer would be, you need to have experience of horses to understand. Even today, contact with horses changes lives. In previous centuries, even up to 100 years ago, possession and knowledge of horses gave you immense power, in the 'dark ages' even more so.
Personally I couln't live without horses, they are one of the few things that make life worthwhile, so I guess I would have been a Rider of Rohan in Middle Earth.

PrinceOfTheHalflings · 01-15-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morthoron

Where did I get that from...hmmm? Being too lazy to research, I think it came from Tom Shippey's The Road To Middle-earth, but don't quote me on that.

You are right, it was Shippey.

01-09-2010, 05:39 PM	#4
Morthoron Curmudgeonly Wordwraith Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ensconced in curmudgeonly pursuits Posts: 2,515	The Rohirrim have horses because the Anglo-Saxons lost to the Normans. Tolkien felt that if King Harold and his Housecarls had had a standing cavalry in 1066, they would not have lost the Battle of Hastings, and England, to the invading William the Bastard and his motley band of Norman barons and continental freebooters. Thus, the Anglo-Saxon monarchy would have retained sovereignity over England, and remained to subjugate, overtax and make lives miserable for the peasantry, rather than have foreigners do the same except much more efficiently. __________________ And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision.

01-14-2010, 02:14 PM	#7
Iulbahar Pile O'Bones Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Greece Posts: 23	The Rohirrim, why horses? There is some archaeological evidence of a 'horse tribe' in England long before the Norman conquest, which I think Tolkien may have been referring to. (Don't ask for references right now as I'm too tired!) As to the question 'Why horses?' My answer would be, you need to have experience of horses to understand. Even today, contact with horses changes lives. In previous centuries, even up to 100 years ago, possession and knowledge of horses gave you immense power, in the 'dark ages' even more so. Personally I couln't live without horses, they are one of the few things that make life worthwhile, so I guess I would have been a Rider of Rohan in Middle Earth.

01-09-2010, 11:23 AM	#1
Goldberry123 Newly Deceased Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 3	I've done a lot of research over the past few days into the general significance of horses in LOTR but am drawing a blank. In some instances they reflect the character of their rider, they can tell us a lot about a civilization. But is there more? Am I missing something? I have many unanswered questions questions, for instance... Why does Shadowfax allow Gandalf, rather than anyone else, ride him?

01-09-2010, 02:51 PM	#3
Sarumian Wight Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 129	Horses were of great importance for most of people living in steppe, whether they were Gots, Mongols or Cossaks. Tolkien is quite accurate in his reconstructions.