Wk 1, Bk 5, Ch1 Beacons of Gondor

[Stormrider]

From: Stormridr (Original Message) Sent: 3/16/2003 10:43 PM

Gandalf, Pippin, and Shadowfax
Copyright Luca Michelucci. All Rights Reserved.

Pippin clutches Gandalf's cloak in alarm! "Fire, red fire! Are there dragons in this land?"

Gandalf answers, "On Shadowfax! We must hasten. Time is short, See! The beacons of Gondor are alight, calling for aid. War is kindled. See, there is the fire on Amon Dîn, and flame on Eilenach; and there they go speeding west: Nardo, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad, and the Halifirien on the borders of Rohan."

What is the history behind these beacons?
How often had these beacons been used in past ages, if ever?
Who responded to these beacons?

Stormrider

[Stormrider]

From: Olórin Sent: 3/18/2003 7:57 PM
The beacons served mainly as a mean of comunication (in case of need) between Gondor and Rohan, in each one there were messengers and "fresh" horses, ready to "fly" in case of need.
The truth is that these beacons already existed as a means of comunication between South Gondor and Calernardhon. The three most ancient beacons (Amon-Din, Eilenach e Minrimmon) were probably built after the disapearing of the main seeing stone (of Osgiliath) in the 3rd. age, year 1473, after the keen strife. And then, after the disapearing of the seeing stone of Minas Ithil (in 2002, 3rd age), the means of comunication were insuficient and so, the beacons were very usefull.

The seven beacons were (from east to west):
- Amon-Din
- Eilenach
- Nardol
- Erelas
- Min-rimmon
- Calenhad
- Halfirien (Amon Anwar)

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From: Fosco Baggins Sent: 3/18/2003 8:28 PM
Great info, Olórin, and it helps support theories in another thread here about what horses passed shadowfax. One theory was it was the errand riders with the arrow for Théoden, but now you have opened the door to the fact it may have been the beacon riders. The beacon names are a welcome Tolkien trivia, and does my heart good to read it. Great info, great study Stormy!

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From: Olórin Sent: 3/19/2003 6:40 AM
In my opinion, the horses that shadowfax passed were messenjers from the beacons. When I read the text I got the impresion that Pippin and Gandalf SAW the beacons lightning up.

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From: Alaere_Dûnhilien Sent: 3/29/2003 6:14 AM
That was exactly my thought too, that the other three riders were messengers from the beacons.

Alaere