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Erkenbrand

Location(s): The Westfold of Rohan

Race/Species: Man

Type/Kind: Rohirrim

Title(s):
Lord of Westfold
Master of Westfold
Lord of Deeping-coomb
Marshal of the West-mark

Dates: Ring War

Description:
There in the Hornburg at Helm's Gate Erkenbrand, master of Westfold on the borders of the Mark, now dwelt. As the days darkened with threat of war, being wise, he had repaired the wall and made the fastness strong.

The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 7, Helm's Deep

[26 February 3019 III, after the First Battle of the Fords of Isen:]
Erkenbrand of Westfold assumed command of the West-mark when news of the fall of Théodred reached him in the Hornburg on the next day. He sent errand-riders to Edoras to announce this and to bear to Théoden his son's last words, adding his own prayer that Éomer should be sent at once with all help that could be spared. "Let the defence of Edoras be made here in the West," he said, "and not wait till it is itself besieged."

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen

... command in the West-mark ... was assumed by Erkenbrand, Lord of Deeping-coomb and of much other land in Westfold. He had in youth been, as most lords, an officer in the King's Riders, but he was so no longer. He was, however, the chief lord in the West-mark, and since its people were in peril it was his right and duty to gather all those among them able to bear arms to resist invasion. He thus took command also of the Riders of the Western Muster....

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen: Appendix

[3 March 3019, after reinforcements arrive at the Hornburg:]
They now learned to their joy that Erkenbrand had left many men to hold Helm's Gate, and more had since escaped thither.

'Maybe, we have a thousand fit to fight on foot,' said Gamling, an old man, the leader of those that watched the Dike. ... 'What news of Erkenbrand? Word came yesterday that he was retreating hither with all that is left of the best Riders of Westfold. But he has not come.'

'I fear that he will not come now,' said Éomer. 'Our scouts have gained no news of him, and the enemy fills all the valley behind us.'

'I would that he had escaped,' said Théoden. 'He was a mighty man. In him lived again the valour of Helm the Hammerhand.'

The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 7, Helm's Deep

[4 March 3019, Erkenbrand arrives at the Battle of the Hornburg:]
... hastening down the long slopes, were a thousand men on foot; their swords were in their hands. Amid them strode a man tall and strong. His shield was red. As he came to the valley's brink, he set to his lips a great black horn and blew a ringing blast.

'Erkenbrand!' the Riders shouted. 'Erkenbrand!' ...

The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 7, Helm's Deep

[4-5 March 3019, Erkenbrand shows mercy to the Dunlendings:]
... a great many of the hillmen had given themselves up; and they were afraid, and cried for mercy. ...

'Help now to repair the evil in which you have joined,' said Erkenbrand; 'and afterwards you shall take an oath never again to pass the Fords of Isen in arms, nor to march with the enemies of Men; and then you shall go free back to your land. For you have been deluded by Saruman. Many of you have got death as the reward of your trust in him; but had you conquered, little better would your wages have been.'

The men of Dunland were amazed, for Saruman had told them that the men of Rohan were cruel and burned their captives alive.

The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 8, The Road to Isengard

[10 March 3019, the Muster of the Rohirrim for the Battle of the Pelennor:]
... Erkenbrand was an older man, and the King felt the need of one of dignity and authority to leave behind in command of such forces as could be spared for the defence of Rohan. [Author's Note]

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen: Appendix

[After 10 August 3019, the Funeral of King Théoden:]
It is recorded that after Théoden's funeral, when Éomer reordered his realm, Erkenbrand was made Marshal of the West-mark....

Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 5, The Battles of the Fords of Isen: Appendix

Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 11Jan05, 13Jan05

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