Barrow

The barrow of the Kings of Arnor

A barrow is a mound of dirt enveloping a grave. Barrows in Middle-earth included those of the Barrow-downs, in Eriador, and the royal tombs in the Barrowfield before the gates of Edoras, where the Kings of Rohan were buried.

History & appearances

Frodo Baggins, Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, and Samwise Gamgee all ended up in a barrow after their capture by a Barrow-wight in the Barrow-downs. The barrow was illuminated by a pale greenish light and many treasures were piled in the passage where the four hobbits were held. Merry, Pippin, and Sam were asleep, as if under an enchantment, throughout their time in the barrow and did not see Frodo use a sword to cut off a Barrow-wight's hand when it chased them.

Once Frodo summons Tom Bombadil, Tom sings through a low opening of the barrow and banishes the Barrow-wight. He and Frodo carry the other hobbits out of the barrow, and Tom brings out a load of treasure to break the spell of the barrow and preserve it from future wight-haunting. The four hobbits get their Barrow-blades from this barrow, which is said to be the grave of the last prince of Cardolan.

The barrows in front of Edoras were arranged according to the lines of the Kings of Rohan. The nine graves on the right were of the first line, starting with Eorl and ending with Helm Hammerhand, whilst the seven on the left began with Fréaláf Hildeson and ended with Théoden. In the Fourth Age a new line was started for Éomer and his son Elfwine. At the surface above the barrows grew simbelmynë, a white flower that bloomed all year-round.

Translations

Foreign Language	Translated name
Danish	dysse