The Horn of Gondor or the Great Horn was an heirloom of the House of Hurin before its ruin in 3019 of the Third Age. It was made by Vorondil from a horn of the wild white Kine of Araw, and it passed to his son Mardil upon his death. The Horn became an heirloom of the House of Hurin from this time until the death of Boromir. It was tipped with silver and contained inscriptions of ancient characters and was rumored to be heard everywhere in Gondor when it was blown.
History
The Horn of Gondor was created in the time of King Eärnil of Gondor. Vorondil was the son of Steward Pelendur, and was a great hunter. While hunting in the forests of Rhun east of the sea, he shot a wild Kine of Araw. He cut one of its horns of and wrought the Horn of Gondor from it. He would pass it down to his eldest son Mardil, and it became an heirloom of House Hurin. [1] Denethor II had passed it to his eldest son Boromir who wore it on a baldric. He carried the horn when he went to Imladris and also held it during the Council of Elrond. When he was selected as a member of the Fellowship, he blew the horn in Rivendell. He blew it again in Moria, causing the Orcs and the Balrog to pause when they were marching. The last time the Horn of Gondor was heard was just before its destruction near Parth Galen on the slopes of Amon Hen. Boromir blew it while fighting to call for help.
It was so loud that it could be heard in Minas Tirith. Though the Uruk-hai were defeated at first, they turned more terrifying when they returned. The help from the Fellowship came too late. [2] The horn got broken into two halves during this fight. Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas carried it in the elven boat along with the body of Boromir and his weapons. The parts of the horn were lost on the way. After many days, the Rangers of Ithilien got them from separate locations and sent them to Denethor in Minas Tirith. He kept them in his lap, waiting eagerly for his sonâs news. The news came with the arrival of Peregrin Took and Gandalf who witnessed them.
It was so loud that it could be heard in Minas Tirith. Though the Uruk-hai were defeated at first, they turned more terrifying when they returned. The help from the Fellowship came too late. [2] The horn got broken into two halves during this fight. Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas carried it in the elven boat along with the body of Boromir and his weapons. The parts of the horn were lost on the way. After many days, the Rangers of Ithilien got them from separate locations and sent them to Denethor in Minas Tirith. He kept them in his lap, waiting eagerly for his sonâs news. The news came with the arrival of Peregrin Took and Gandalf who witnessed them.
Etymology
Though popularly known as âHorn of Gondorâ, the name is not seen in published writings. As Boromir was its last bearer, it is simply called âthe horn of Boromirâ. It is also referred to as âGreat Hornâ.Adaptations
Video Games
- Boromir is portrayed carrying the horn in âLEGO The Lord of the Ringsâ. It could destroy opponents upon blowing.
- In âThe Lord of the Rings â The Fellowship of the Ringâ, Boromir holds the horn but does not use it.
Films
- âThe Lord of the Rings â The Fellowship of the Ringâ by Peter Jackson shows the Horn of Gondor though it could not be heard when the Fellowship of the Ring left Rivendell. It was not heard when the Balrog escaped into eastern Moria. It was only blown during the battle at Amon Hen before the death of Boromir.
- In âThe Lord of the Rings â The Two Towersâ, the horn is shown to be with Faramir after the rangers capture Sam and Frodo under his command. It does not appear to be in Faramirâs vision of his brother in the boat. Later, the broken horn is shown to be held by Denethor when Pippin and Gandalf come to Minas Tirith.
References
- ^Was Boromir The First Person To Ever Blow The Horn of Gondor?
- ^Why Did Boromir Blow His Horn At Amon Hen?
