Shadowfax and the Mearas | Tolkien Explained
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Today, we cover Shadowfax, Lord of Horses and the amazing creatures of his kind - the Mearas. Believed to have descended from Oromë's own steed, Nahar, these horses had extraordinary intelligence and speed.
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Felarof - Anna Kulisz
The House of Eorl - Eorl the Young - Lída Holubová
Gandalf facing Witch-king - Angus McBride
Orome - Ralph Damiani
The White Rider - Ralph Damiani
Aurochs
Valar - Orome - Anna Kulisz
feanor and the silmarils - Bella Bergolts
Orome - Steamey
The Riders of Rohan - Peter Xavier Price
Orome - Anna Kulisz
Nahar and his master - Catherine Chmiel
Eowyn with Horse - Anke Eissmann
Orome and Nahar - Kimberly
Asfaloth - Jenny Dolfen
horse - Jonathan guzi
Shadowfax - Kimberly
Shadowfax - John Howe
the house of eorl, frea - aegeri
Felarof and Leod - Catherine Chmiel
white horse - Lida Klavina
Tapestry of Léod and Felaróf - WETA
Eomer - John Howe
Eomer - Catherine Karina Chmiel
Eomer - John Howe
Shadowfax - John Howe
Fingolfin vs Morgoth Triptych - Anna Kulisz
song of the rohirrim - merlkir
Eorl the Young - Anke Eissmann
Shadowfax - Catherine Karina Chmiel
Rochallor - Jenny Dolfen
Gandalf, Minas Tirith - John Howe
The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl - Ted Nasmith
Eorl the Young at Celebrant - Jan Pospisil
The Black Serpent founders - Anke Eißmann
Edoras - Alan Lee
Forth Eorlingas - Jenny_Dolfen
The Death of Theoden - JG Jones
Shadowfax and Gandalf Reunited - Peter Xavier Price
Shadowfax - Catherine Chmiel
Gwaihir_the_Windlord_Bears_Gandalf_From_Isengard - Ted Nasmith
Theoden Corrupted - Steve Airola
Edoras_2 - Alan_Lee
Gandalf and Shadowfax - Anke Eissmann
Gandalf_and_Shadowfax - Ted Nasmith
The_White_Rider - Anna_Kulisz
Gandalf and the Witch King Ride - Kip Rasmussen
Fire_on_Weathertop - Ted Nasmith
Gimli Eomer Aragorn - Elrodimus Flash
Theoden sick - Elrodimus Flash
Shadowfax - Kinko White
The_Stranger_in_the_Forest - Ted Nasmith
Friendship_between_peoples - Marya_Filatova
Legolas2 - Kinko White
Gandalf the White - Steve Airola
Gandalf the White - Andrea Piparo
Approaching_Edoras - Ted Nasmith
gandalf_and_theoden - tolmancotton
Éomer_2 - Soni_Alcorn-Hender
Theoden Renewed - Elrodimus Flash
Gandalf_Rides_to_Minas_Tirith - Ted Nasmith
Errand-riders_in_the_Night - Peter_Xavier_Price
Visiting Shadowfax - Anke Eissmann
Nazgul_at_the_Walls - Ted Nasmith
Ride of Theoden - Daniel Dougherty
Theoden and Snowmane - magdalena-katanska
Battle of Pelennor Fields - magdalena-katanska
Witch King2 - John Howe
Grond - RalphDamiani
Gandalf_and_the_Witch_King - Ted Nasmith
The_Witch_King_02 - John_Howe
In_Rode_the_Lord_of_the_Nazgul - Anna_Kulisz
Rohirrim in Battle of Pelennor Fields - Ivan Cavini
king_theoden - tulikoura
The_Fell_Beast_of_Mordor - Matěj_Čadil
The Death of Theoden - JG Jones
Theoden_s_Bane - John_Howe
Minas Tirith - Aronja Art
The_Last_Debate - Alan_Lee
Rivendell - alan-lee
At_the_Sign_of_the_Prancing_Pony - Ted Nasmith
Tom_Bombadil - Anke_Eißmann
The Grey Havens - Aronja Art
Departure_at_the_Grey_Havens - Ted Nasmith
Grey_Havens - Alan_Lee
#shadowfax #lordoftherings #tolkien
Пікірлер: 286
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@srinjoyroychoudhury7034
Жыл бұрын
Was Asfaloth a Maera as well?
Ok now do "What if Shadowfax claimed the one ring"
@Firenutz
Жыл бұрын
And the same for Shelob and Treebeard. 😁
@that_vivian
Жыл бұрын
😂
@FugaxContrapunctus
Жыл бұрын
Ok now do "What if, just as Sauron was a shapeshifter, the ring was as well" to speculate about the One Hoof to rule them all
@amnajaved6894
Жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
@outsidestuff5283
Жыл бұрын
Sauron would be screwed
6:12 "You have five wraiths behind you. Where the other four are, I do not know." ~Arwen
@NerdoftheRings
Жыл бұрын
Yep! That’s where they were! Chasing Gandalf
@DuchessofEarlGrey
Жыл бұрын
@@NerdoftheRings Love little details like that.
I don't know why, but the respect and love that horse and rider are shown to have for one another in Tolkien's work always brings a tear to my eye.
@nevillesavage2012
Жыл бұрын
He used to train them during WW1. There was a race horse that served with the Marines in the Pacific carrying artilleryammo and goods. Wounded multiple times in combat. Loved by Her Fellow Soldiers. She was Buried as a Marine
@wgalmand08
Жыл бұрын
I know when it got to the end I was worried that Shadowfax would be left behind in middle earth without his friend
@schlieffenman957
Жыл бұрын
Men and horses, it seems, were just made for one another. The same thing with dogs.
@petertaylorarts
Жыл бұрын
I love how that also resonates with the horse trainers in the films. The special features recount a lovely tale with Viggo and one of the trainers. Well worth a watch.
@feiryfella
Жыл бұрын
@@nevillesavage2012 Sergeant Reckless was her name!
In the Epilogue to the Lord of the Rings, published in Sauron Defeated, Samwise confirms that Shadowfax sailed into the West with Gandalf, saying that he observed it himself.
So funfact about horse people “grey” is the description for white horses, because their skin is a dark grey with white hairs. Therefore, we are not sure if Tolkien meant to imply he was the color gray as we normally think of it or if Shadowfax was “a grey”. Great work as always thanks so much for making these videos!
@NerdoftheRings
Жыл бұрын
Ahhh! That is super interesting! Thanks for enlightening me!
@gzbelaith
Жыл бұрын
I second this, but considering Gandalf says he "shines like silver" and silver is just shiny gray, I think it's fair to say he was actually gray. I'm thinking something along the lines of Akhal-Teke but silver instead of gold. Perhaps Tolkien had seen one of their kind at some point and thought they looked like fantasy creatures, because I sure do. "Akhal-Teke is known for speed and endurance, high intelligence and a metallic sheen to their coats." Idk man, sounds very Mearas to me.
@johns1625
Жыл бұрын
Pretty sure he is described as the white rider upon white steed. I could be wrong about that one though
@SPierre-dm4wo
Жыл бұрын
@@NerdoftheRings To chime in as an incurable nerd, the way Tolkien describes how Shadowfax's coat seems to change might indicate that he's grey. A grey horse changes colour throughout their life due to a dominant mutation that burns out their follicles' ability to produce melanin. That said, the rapid back-and-forth changes Shadowfax seems to undergo do suggest some kind of magical effect, so really, all bets as to his actual colour are off. But to dive deeper into nerdery and canon, total loss of melanin by age three is practically unheard-of, so Felaróf can't have been grey. True white in horses is the opposite of grey in that it's very rare and unpredictable, but obvious from birth. It happens when a white-spotting gene complex (or more than one) is expressed so strongly that the base coat colour is totally blotted out. White hooves also occur in grey horses but only a white horse is completely pink-skinned. If you look at the stallions who played Shadowfax and compare them to, say, the Japanese racehorse Sodashi, the difference is striking. It's obvious why any king would want such a unique and, honestly, unearthly-looking mount.
@claudiamcghin3419
Жыл бұрын
@@gzbelaith I had to look up these horses after reading your comment. They are gorgeous and magical looking. I have learned something new. Thank you! 😊
I read the title "Shadowfax and the M..." and my brain confidently auto-completed with "Shadowfax and the Meaning of Haste"
@AniwayasSong
4 ай бұрын
;-P
@officialmkamzeemwatela
8 күн бұрын
🤣
0:16 „His ancestry traced back to the very horses of the Valar“. A typical Tolkien idea. He was very much into ancestry.
Love all your videos. But a special thank you for this one. As it entertained my 1 year old all the way through with the images of horses. And right towards the end, put him to sleep for the night.
Shadowfax is an amazing horse. Thanks for covering him!
@jemleith3263
Жыл бұрын
Rule34 Shadowfax is awesome
that portrait of king theoden with his horse snowmane is stunning. and when gandalf said "far let us ride now together and part not in this world again" my heart melted. just so sweet.
I didn't know I needed this, but for some reason understanding Shadowfax and Gandalf's whistle to call him in the films makes the whole timeline come together in my head. He has been my companion for many a journey
In the film trilogy as Gandalf presents Shadowfax to the Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas, you can see that after naming him "Lord of all horses", Legolas and Gimli bows their heads before the great horse.
Always name your favorite horse in Tears of the Kingdom Shadowfax for good luck, that is my pro tip
@NerdoftheRings
Жыл бұрын
Haha! A great strategy!
Shadowfax the lord of all horses and a friend through many dangers. Also, stands his ground against the Witch King like a boss. ❤
I'm disappointed this video wasn't called "The Complete Travels of Shadowfax."
@NerdoftheRings
Жыл бұрын
Haha. Fair enough. Though, I figured his travels pretty much overlap with Gandalf, so it would be more prudent to talk about his entire race.
RIP the horse who played Shadowfax. Given how long youve been at this, its actually surprising you havent done a vid yet on Illuvitar himself and all his Eru Ex Machinas.
@NerdoftheRings
Жыл бұрын
That's a great observation! I think it may be high time to make an Eru vid!
@valentinkambushev4968
Жыл бұрын
Eru Ex Machinas 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Good one.
@gzbelaith
Жыл бұрын
Shadowfax was actually played by two horses, Blanco and Domero. Blanco passed away almost ten years ago, but as far as I'm concerned Domero is still alive. Blanco was used for the hard riding and Domero did the beauty shots. You can actually see that it's two different horses as Domero's nose is grey whereas Blanco's nose has some pink on it!
I loved Shadowfax. Love the lore for these majestic beasts
Nice, just realized: you use different icons for Gandalf the Grey and Gandalf the White 👌 4:44 vs. 8:39
Thank you for your passion. You give additional touch to every LOTR fans. 🎉😂
When I rode at a local stables in my early teens, I rode a horse who was small but agile, calm and sweet. She bore me true without shy or stumble, in clear sky or storm cast view. When the bully of the stable yard rode her one day, she dumped him in a pond!
@Zotrax1946
Жыл бұрын
You know what “nahar” means, in Hebrew? River.
@casnickita7805
Жыл бұрын
I admire horses so much, they, like so many animals, really seem to be able to read a person and their intentions and judge accordingly
Someone: Who the Hell would write about a horse's family tree!? Tolkien: "chuckles while smoking his pipe."
i love the horses in tolkien's works, it's so fun being able to relate to the special relationship between the horses and their riders as someone who has two of my own ❤
I have never studied German (or Old English) but some words such as weregild sound very fitting and cool. Forth Erolingas!
The video that I didn't know I was looking forward to most! I fricken love Shadowfax!
I love the scene where Pippin is checking up on Shadowfax in Gondor. He reacts to Pippin's words as if he fully understands him, whinnying at him in response to Pippin talking to him.
@UnopinionatedBystander2393
Жыл бұрын
I wonder why he allowed Pippen to be carried by him and to be so intimate with him???
@retriever19golden55
5 ай бұрын
@@UnopinionatedBystander2393 Pippin is respectful to him, small, no threat, and cute and funny besides. Shadowfax was probably amused.
"Quay" is pronounced "key". A ships quay is another name for a ships berth, dock or mooring.
@pscar1
Жыл бұрын
I was coming here to mention this. Same with "bridle", which is pronounced "br-eye-dl".
@ChristopherOdegard
Жыл бұрын
@@pscar1 & RD - Thanks to you both! The narrator here often has good content, and seems very careful with the pronunciation of some terms, and so casual with others. I admit his pronunciation of Aragorn grates on me a bit, as well. It should be pronounced "Ah-rah-gorn" and not "Ear-uh-gorn" as is heard in this video.
@isaacjhaile
Жыл бұрын
I was afraid I'd be the one who'd have to say it, so thanks.
@retriever19golden55
5 ай бұрын
"Briddle" really grated on my ears He's clearly a city boy.
😄 Now you're talking!! ("Bridle" is pronounced with a hard "I", by the way.)
I always look forward to Saturdays for one reason. Lore videos! Thank you for always entertaining us 😂
Another awesome video. I never knew there was such deep story about Shadowfax, you really do learn something new every day.
This may be the most beautiful, well written depiction of a Horse in Fantasy, of all time :')
Really cool seeing this video and the tribute to Snowmane. I like Shadowfax's backstory and the reference that one does not ride him but he carries them. Being as fast as the wing beasts is impressive too.
For your next Tolkien Explained, you should do Huan.😀
Could Shadowfax being able to resist the terror of the Witch King be in part to Gandalf's Ring of Power? Wasn't Narya described as having the power to inspire others to resist tyranny, domination and despair?
Thank you Nerd of the Rings, this was much needed and great story/video!!!
Well, the word fax is of old English root, meaning mane.
I have seen in one of the LotR brazillian books his name written as Scadufax Some research returned that scadufax is in old english as scadu is the old form for shadow, in modern english Sorry if this is told in the video, I could not watch it with sound yet Also Thank you for making it
Yay! I've been waiting for this video for so long! ❤🐴 PS I deeply apologize for the whole Léod incident 😂🤷♀️ Oops!
Thank you so much for covering the horses of Orome. Their stories are some of my favorite and Shadowfax and Gandalf's friendship always makes me cry. Its just so moving ;-;
I could listen to your voice for hours! I love your videos. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make them.
As much as I love/adore/respect your Narration (And all the research that required), seeing the amazing artwork you've gathered and share while listening to you just raises your videos to *EPIC* proportions! Thank you!! :-D
2:50 - bridle sounds like "bridal," not "brittle" Man, "weregild." First came across that in my German Lit. From 750-1450 class way back in college.
Fun fact in the Spanish version of the books Shadowfax is called Sombragris (grey shadow)
@UnopinionatedBystander2393
Жыл бұрын
That's an even better name!
the Mearas were sent to show us the meaning of haste.
I love how Tolkien describes animals as just being good boys. Very loyal. Loves prancing.
"Where is the Horse and the Rider, where is the Horn that was Blowing..." I like to think that maybe, when Gandalf returned to Valinor, he introduced Shadowfax to Orome and Nahar. Let the great Huntsman of the Valar and his steed meet their descendant and let them know how much he aided him in his mission.
@NerdoftheRings Thank you for covering the story of shadowfax, i once asked you in a comment to tell the story of all the great horses of middle earth and now finally more knowledge about them Thank you again
Excellent video. I learned so much. Thank you! Liked and shared. Godspeed.
Man, that was beautifully done. Most of your videos leave me speechless but THIS ONE is Top Tier, I'd say it's in-line with the Morgoth Trilogy.
Great video, thanks!
These videos are literally THE best thing on youtube… thanks for making them man❤️
Thank You so much, I love your presentation and passion!!!
This surprisingly made me emotional hearing the story of the first Mearas to be tamed
Dude you have all the information on lord's of the ring, I really appreciate you
Shadowfax is cool alright, he’s no Bill though
@OnlyGhostMusic
Жыл бұрын
The Complete Travels of Bill, the Pony
I love that this came out a few days after they spoiled Shadowfax's Magic the Gathering card which has reminder text that explains the meaning of Haste.
Wonderful video as always. Thank you.
Great video!
I love this, thank you for making it
This video is awesome. Thx❣️
LMAO Manwë: Olorin ... is that a ... horse? You brought a horse? Gandalf: His name is Shadowfax🗿.
Fantastic feelings through this video. Thanks again.
I always wondered what happened to Shadowfax, thank you
My fave! Bravo!
Great video as usual. Would you consider doing a video King Thingol/Elwe as he is one of the last major characters without a video
I recall reading that Shadowfax was partially telepathic. When Gandalf spoke of him coming at his need, he meant Shadowfax knew he was needed. Is this correct? Great video as usual.
@feiryfella
Жыл бұрын
Must be able to time travel or teleoprt then to turn up when needed!
I find it funny how of all the Vala, Orome has so much more personal lore than most, we know the name of his horse and even his horn, does Manwe have a name for his staff? We will never know but Tolkien felt that Orome was deserving of extra lore.
Captivated by the way you tell the story
Another great video. 🥰👏🏽
Nice work dude thanks
Excellent..love this!
Great episode!
Great Video!
Love the impersonation of Eorl the Young. Brilliant.
I rly enjoyed your tale, may you have peace within your soul :)
I feel like the history of the Mearas has been a big hole in my Tolkien knowledge up until now. Great video.
I don't think you gave snowmane enough credit. We must remember the power of the Narya the elven ring of courage and valour was in close proximity to Shadowfax thus he felt no fear. The same was not the case for Snowmane.
Wow! Now, that's great story telling.
You should make a "What if Shadowfax" gets the Ring" one of these days. After all, at some point isn't he alone in the wilds, carrying an unconscious Frodo on his back ? 😉
what a great story 😊😊😊
Now that explains why there were only 5 Nazgul at Weathertop in Fellowship of the Ring and not 9 of them! Start at 6:06
Even though Tolkien is long dead, you'll never run out of content, because his works are so deep that there's no end of things to dive deep into!
such a great video
Epic content!!
I'm gonna get scorched for this. Bridle is pronounced BRYdel, not BRIDDel. And quay is KEY, not KWAY, although that spelling is bound to trip you up on first glance. Grew up in a fishing village with farmland all about, so hearing those words mispronounced brings out the school marm in me. And thanks for another entertaining LOTR lore vid!
I was looking for this video hahahah Thavk you, the universe provided
Wow... A horse story... I love it... So graceful and power story
Great topic idea.
Thanks Debby!
I love these stories
I never understood why Tolkien would call a white horse Shadowfax... When I read LotR for the first time I imagined the horse black, it was very confusing. :)
Son: You acted in self defense, now you owe me. Submit I tell you. Horse: okay Wtf?? LMAO
Can you do a explain video on the stone giants that are featuerd in hobbit PLEASE!
Peter Jackson did Shadowfax well in the trilogy, with a handful of memorable scenes.
An excellent watch. I wish they would have made more of a deal of this in the movies when the Witch King meets up against Gandalf.
I was rewatching the return of the king the other day and I realised that in the movie Shadowfax kicks Denethor into the fire, like book Shadowfax is all noble and stuff but movie Shadowfax will straight up immolate a dude, horse is hardcore
" he has come for me, the horse of the white rider. We are going to battle together "
Legolas: That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell.
When I was a teen, I had the opportunity to ride a 3 yr old Arabian thoroughbred named Wizard and, boy, did that horse live up to its name, as it was wizardry that kept me on him. Never felt so much raw power in an animal before or after. There was no other horse in San Diego County that could keep up w/ him.
I love shadowfax. I've always wanted to ride in the manner of the elves.. no bridle or saddle. I own a grey mare now who is a lot like the mighty shadowfax