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Ohtar

Meaning: warrior, soldier

Race/Species: Man

Type/Kind: Dunadan of Gondor

Title(s): Isildur's esquire

Dates: late Second Age - early Third Age

Description:

Isildur's esquire and kinsman, whose true name is unknown; Isildur sent him away from the Disaster of the Gladden Fields to protect the shards of Narsil:
The Orcs were now drawing near. Isildur turned to his esquire: 'Ohtar,' 1 he said, 'I give this now into your keeping;' and he delivered to him the great sheath and the shards of Narsil, Elendil's sword. 'Save it from capture by all means that you can find, and at all costs; even at the cost of being held a coward who deserted me. Take your companion with you and flee! Go! I command you!' Then Ohtar knelt and kissed his hand, and the two young men fled down into the dark valley. 2

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields

Ohtar and his companion escaped, bearing with them the shards of Narsil.

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields: The Sources of the Legend of Isildur's Death

'From the ruin of the Gladden Fields, where Isildur perished, three men only came ever back over the mountains after long wandering. One of these was Ohtar, the esquire of Isildur, who bore the shards of the sword of Elendil; and he brought them to Valandil, the heir of Isildur, who being but a child had remained here in Rivendell. But Narsil was broken and its light extinguished, and it has not yet been forged again.'

The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 2, The Council of Elrond


Notes
1Ohtar is the only name used in the legends; but it is probably only the title of address that Isildur used at this tragic moment, hiding his feelings under formality. Ohtar "warrior, soldier" was the title of all who, though fully trained and experienced, had not yet been admitted to the rank of roquen, "knight." But Ohtar was dear to Isildur and of his own kin. [Author's note.]

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields: Notes, Note 17

2In the earlier draft Isildur directed Ohtar to take two companions with him. In Of the Rings of Power (The Silmarillion...) and in The Fellowship of the Ring II 2 it is told that "three men only came ever back over the mountains." In the text given here the implication is that the third was Estelmo, Elendur's esquire, who survived the battle....

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields: Notes, Note 18

Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 7Nov07

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