Snowmane

Snowmane was the horse of King Théoden.^[1]

History Edit

During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Snowmane was hit by a black dart and fell onto the king, crushing him, which led to his death. The Witch-king's Fell beast landed upon the body of Snowmane just prior to being slain by Éowyn.^[2]

After the battle was over, Snowmane was buried and a stone set up to mark his grave. On the gravestone was written, in the languages of both Gondor and Rohan:

Faithful servant yet master's bane,

Lightfoot's foal, swift Snowmane.

The grass flourished on Snowmane's Howe, as the grave was called, but not on the ground where the Fell beast was burned.^[2]

Etymology Edit

The name Snowmane is the modern English rendition of the Old English name snāw-mana.^[3]

Other versions of the legendarium Edit

In an earlier text, King Théoden grieves for the wounded Snowmane. Aragorn later used athelas to tend to the shoulder wound of the horse.^[4]

References Edit

1. ↑ The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Five, Chapter III: "The Muster of Rohan"
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Five, Chapter VI: "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
3. ↑ Guide to the Names in The Lord of the Rings, Snowmane
4. ↑ The History of Middle-earth, Vol. 8: The War of the Ring, Part One: The Fall of Saruman, II: "Helm's Deep"