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Arod was a light horse of Rohan.

History[]

After the loss of his original rider, Arod was given to Legolas by Éomer Éadig, in compensation for the supposed deaths of Merry and Pippin. Legolas ordered for his saddle and rein to be taken off, and rode him bareback with ease.[1]

Soon afterwards, in the three companions' encampment within the edges of Fangorn Forest, Arod and Hasufel (the horse given to Aragorn II by Éomer) were frightened away by an old man assumed by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli to be Saruman. The horses later return to them, along with Shadowfax, who has been summoned by Gandalf as his own horse.[2] Arod later accompanied Legolas on his way to Edoras.

Arod then carried his master through the Paths of the Dead despite his fear as they approached the Dark Door.[3]

After the War of the Ring, Legolas and Gimli continued to ride upon Arod, notably upon their return journey from Minas Tirith.[4]

Etymology[]

In Rohanese, Arod means "swift". Coincidentally, there is a Sindarin word Arod which means "noble".[5]

Portrayals in adaptations[]

The Lord of the Rings Online - Arod

Arod in The Lord of the Rings Online

The Lord of the Rings film trilogy[]

In Peter Jackson's The Two Towers (film), a gray/white stallion named Percy portrayed Arod. According to Orlando Bloom, he was the friendliest horse on the set.

In The Lord of the Rings Online, Arod and Hasufel, led by Shadowfax, appear in a mission in which the player has to stop Mordor orcs from stealing Black Horses of Rohan.

References[]

  1. The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter II: "The Riders of Rohan"
  2. The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter V: "The White Rider"
  3. The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Five, Chapter II: "The Passing of the Grey Company"
  4. The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Six, Chapter VI: "Many Partings"
  5. Parma Eldalamberon, Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien


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