Talk:Easterlings

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Did Tolkien name the Variags after the Varangians, who are called Varyags in Russian? Or is that just a coincidence? Adam Bishop 20:44, 30 Jan 2004 (UTC)

I think Tolkien either consciously or subconsciously named his Variags after the mercenaries you describe. The name Variags appears out of nothing in one of the drafts for LOTR, with no preceding forms or variants (a rarity with JRRT). Since Variags are described as a group of mercenaries who fought on horse-back, it is quite possible that Tolkien chose the name because it fit the image he wanted to recall for this people. Remember that we have to assume that all names in LOTR which are not Sindarin or Quenya are English translations of Westron terms. Jor 21:04, 30 Jan 2004 (UTC)

"Easterlings with axes" During the War of the Ring itself, Easterlings are described as perhaps belonging to more than one culture, plus the Variags of Khand. One group is described as a "new" kind of Easterling that the men of Gondor had previously not encountered; fierce headscarfed men with large-bladed hand-axes, shields, and lots of armor.

Out of curiosity, where in Tolkien's writings is this description of the Easterlings. I know a new type of Easterlings are mentioned in a report by Ingold to Denethor in the Chapter "The Siege of Gondor" in the Return of the King, but I have found no mention of headscarves or armour or shields. I have I overlooked something? Or is this description in another of Tolkien's books? AntonIvanovich 22:36, 31 May 2007 (UTC)AntonIvanovich

Vandalism, probably; removed it. Uthanc 05:00, 4 June 2007 (UTC)