5th Dunlending Armoured Division, Front and Center! - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Rumil · 11-10-2009, 04:51 PM

Somewhere in HoME in an early draft of LoTR Theoden receives volunteers from amongst the Dunlendings if I remember. So possibly!

Whether Tolkien decided against this idea or simply didn't think it important enough to include I don't know. I'd imagine that they would not make up a major force, as although they had some cavalry there don't seem to be many, so could not contribute that much to the ride to Gondor.

Sure they could have helped garrison Rohan, but the Rohirrim would have to be very sure they would not re-revolt when their backs were turned! So probably safer to send them home.

After the war, maybe Aragorn would be best to bring the Dunlendings into the fold, as he is not a traditional enemy and is also not blonde!

Inziladun · 11-10-2009, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rumil

After the war, maybe Aragorn would be best to bring the Dunlendings into the fold, as he is not a traditional enemy and is also not blonde!

The essay The Battles of the Fords of Isen in UT does indicate that after the return of the King the Dunlendings' hatred was 'appeased'. I would still think it unlikely any of them participated in the War of the Ring after the defeat of Saruman.

alatar · 11-16-2009, 01:43 PM

Note that these Men were akin to those that inhabited the Paths of the Dead. You'd think that that lesson would spur them just a little.

Tuor in Gondolin · 11-16-2009, 03:01 PM

Given that Dunlendings had grievances against the Rohirrim
not unlike that of Native Americans and Aboriginals against
Western colonizers, actively helping Rohan without some sort
of at least token territorial "readjustment" seems unlikely.

11-10-2009, 04:51 PM	#1
Rumil Sage & Onions Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Britain Posts: 894	Somewhere in HoME in an early draft of LoTR Theoden receives volunteers from amongst the Dunlendings if I remember. So possibly! Whether Tolkien decided against this idea or simply didn't think it important enough to include I don't know. I'd imagine that they would not make up a major force, as although they had some cavalry there don't seem to be many, so could not contribute that much to the ride to Gondor. Sure they could have helped garrison Rohan, but the Rohirrim would have to be very sure they would not re-revolt when their backs were turned! So probably safer to send them home. After the war, maybe Aragorn would be best to bring the Dunlendings into the fold, as he is not a traditional enemy and is also not blonde! __________________ Rumil of Coedhirion

11-16-2009, 01:43 PM	#3
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	Note that these Men were akin to those that inhabited the Paths of the Dead. You'd think that that lesson would spur them just a little. __________________ There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it.

11-16-2009, 03:01 PM	#4
Tuor in Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 3,651	Given that Dunlendings had grievances against the Rohirrim not unlike that of Native Americans and Aboriginals against Western colonizers, actively helping Rohan without some sort of at least token territorial "readjustment" seems unlikely. __________________ The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.'