Ceorl

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In J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth, Ceorl is a rider of Rohan. Ceorl fought in the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen on March 2, 3019 T.A.

In the Battle of the Fords of Isen the Rohirrim were driven back across the Isen with great losses, and still more forces came from Isengard including both Orcs and wildmen of Dunland. While Erkenbrand gathered what Riders he could toward Helm's Deep, Ceorl was sent southeast as an errand-rider. Ceorl was exhausted; his helm was dented, his shield was cloven, and his sword was notched. On March 3, Ceorl encountered a group of Riders. He assumed they were led by Éomer, and he gave them news of the battle and told them they should turn back to Edoras. Then King Théoden revealed himself and Ceorl was overjoyed and knelt and offered his sword to the king. Ceorl was given a fresh horse and rode with the king to the Battle of Helm's Deep. His fate is not known.

[edit] Etymology

In Anglo-Saxon, a ceorl was an independent peasant landowner. It is related to the word churl. Ceorl also contains the element éo meaning "horse" that is common among the Rohirrim.

[edit] Sources

• The Two Towers: "Helm's Deep," p. 132