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Dates
Came into existence with the foundation of Rohan in III 25101
Location
Originated in the Éothéod in the far North, but the term most usually applies to these people after they settled in Rohan
Origins
The followers of Eorl the Young and their descendants
Race
Division
Culture
Settlements
Eorl's original northern capital had been at Framsburg in the Éothéod; the seat of the Kings in Rohan was originally at Aldburg before being permanently settled at Edoras
Pronunciation
ea'rlings
Meaning
'Children or followers of Eorl'2
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 28 May 2023
  • This entry is complete

Eorlings

The people of Rohan

A name taken by the northern people who resettled among the green fields of Calenardhon after the Battle of the Field of Celebrant. Calendardhon was gifted to them by Steward Cirion of Gondor, who had been aided by these people under their lord, Eorl the Young. It is from Eorl's name that the word 'Eorlings' is taken: it refers his followers and descendants (though in fact 'Eorlings' is a modernisation of the older and more common form, Eorlingas). These were the people better known as the Riders of Rohan or the Rohirrim.


Notes

1

The term Eorlings is usually used to describe the Men of Rohan, and Rohan came into existence in III 2510. Strictly speaking, it should be said that Eorl the Young became Lord of his people in the northern land of the Éothéod nine years before the founding of Rohan. So, in the broad sense of 'followers of Eorl', Eorlings had actually existed since Eorl became Lord of the Éothéod in III 2501.

2

The Old English ending -ing had various meanings, but attached to a personal name it usually meant 'children' or 'descendants'. In Rohan, however, Eorlings was used in a more general and figurative sense, to describe not just the literal descendants of Eorl the Young, but all the Men of Rohan, the people of the land that Eorl had founded.

See also...

Thenglings

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 28 May 2023
  • This entry is complete

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