Old Forest
Old Forest, also The Old Forest, lying between Buckland and the Barrow-downs, is the name given in the Shire to the ancient forest that was just east of it. It was a remnant of the great forest that once covered most of Eriador[1] - one of the last surviving tracts of the woods of the Elder Days. In it lived still the fathers of fathers of trees, remembering times when they were lords, now filled with pride, rooted wisdom, and malice.[2]
Description
The Old Forest was dark and tangled. Oaks and ashes were found in the western and southern part, pines and firs in the northern and willows along the Withywindle. There were Beeches and alders standing tall throughout the forest. A large ancient malevolent tree called the Great Willow (Old Man Willow by Tom Bombadil) was the most dangerous tree in the Forest, whose roots drew power out of the earth and spread through the ground until nearly all the trees of the Forest were under its dominion.
The Old Forest was spread over an area of 1,000 square miles. The eastern end of the forest was bordered by the Barrow-downs. The northern portion led to the Great East Road, while the west and south parts of the forest were close to the Brandywine River. A tributary of Brandywine called Withywindle flowed through the heart of the woods.
The Old Forest was a remnant of the deforestation of the forests of Eriador by the Númenóreans. The only construction found in the woods was the residential building of Tom Bombadil on the shores of river Withywindle. This house was built on a glade amidst the green grass and bright trees.
The Old Forest was spread over an area of 1,000 square miles. The eastern end of the forest was bordered by the Barrow-downs. The northern portion led to the Great East Road, while the west and south parts of the forest were close to the Brandywine River. A tributary of Brandywine called Withywindle flowed through the heart of the woods.
The Old Forest was a remnant of the deforestation of the forests of Eriador by the Númenóreans. The only construction found in the woods was the residential building of Tom Bombadil on the shores of river Withywindle. This house was built on a glade amidst the green grass and bright trees.
History
Before The Third Age
The Old Forest and Fangorn Forest were the only remaining ancient forests, remnants of the primordial forests after the deforestation of the vast forest areas of Middle Earth by the Men of Middle-earth and of Númenor.
When the North Kingdom was established, the Old Forest became a part of Arnor. Then, during the battle between Sauron and the Elves, much of the forest was burnt and destroyed.
These incidents made the trees of the Old Forest hostile to two-legged creatures, especially Hobbits. Thus, the Withywindle Valley was the root of malice, evil, and strangeness emanating from the forest.
When the North Kingdom was established, the Old Forest became a part of Arnor. Then, during the battle between Sauron and the Elves, much of the forest was burnt and destroyed.
These incidents made the trees of the Old Forest hostile to two-legged creatures, especially Hobbits. Thus, the Withywindle Valley was the root of malice, evil, and strangeness emanating from the forest.
Third Age
In T.A. 1409, when Angmar launched an attack on Arnor, some Dúnedain of Cardolan sought refuge in the Old Forest. The Hobbits of Buckland, under the guidance of Gorhendad Oldbuck, colonized the landmass between Brandywine and the Old Forest.
The Hobbits built the High Hay (also called the Hedge) to ward off the trees. At some point during the Third Age, the trees attacked the Hedge, planting themselves by it and leaning over it. The Hobbits came and cut down hundreds of trees, making a great bonfire in the Forest, (now called the Bonfire Glade), and burned all the ground in a long strip east of the Hedge. Though the trees gave up the attack, they became very unfriendly.
While Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, were passing through the Forest on their journey, Merry and Pippin were trapped by Old Man Willow. Frodo and Sam, running to find help, encountered Tom Bombadil, who, hearing of the danger and knowing how to deal with the Great Willow, rescued them.
The Hobbits built the High Hay (also called the Hedge) to ward off the trees. At some point during the Third Age, the trees attacked the Hedge, planting themselves by it and leaning over it. The Hobbits came and cut down hundreds of trees, making a great bonfire in the Forest, (now called the Bonfire Glade), and burned all the ground in a long strip east of the Hedge. Though the trees gave up the attack, they became very unfriendly.
While Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, were passing through the Forest on their journey, Merry and Pippin were trapped by Old Man Willow. Frodo and Sam, running to find help, encountered Tom Bombadil, who, hearing of the danger and knowing how to deal with the Great Willow, rescued them.
Lore
The Old Forest was considered awake by The Hobbits. The Forest trees swayed even during mild weather, whispered at night, and the Hobbits said they could move. They misled passers-by. This hostile forest was avoided by Ents and Elves.
Portrayal In adaptations
The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring
In this video game, the Old Forest is part of two levels and includes the Old Man Willow. The paths within the forest are complicated to get through.
The Lord of The Rings
In this online game, the complete geography of the Old Forest is included. In the game's later editions, a map of the forest and the various pathways inside the forest were provided. A quest involves gathering lilies at the foot of Old Man Willow.
