Anglo-Saxon Influence on the Poetry of Rohan

By Zimrahil

Whether a fan of Lord of the Rings from the books or the films, it is difficult to forget the first time hearing “Where now the horse and the rider?”

There is a ringing majesty to the poem; it is haunting and solemn to the ear. While the style can be found in Middle English, such as Act IV, Scene 4 of Shakespeare’s Richard III “Where is thy husband now? Where be thy brothers?” it is most likely based on the Anglo-Saxon poem The Wanderer.

Like most Old English works, we know little of the author or origin. A version was found in the late 10^th century Exeter Book, mixed with other poetry and the famous Riddles. The version found in Lord of the Rings has a similar uncertain origin. Aragorn explains that it was composed by a forgotten poet.

The borrowed section of The Wanderer begins in line 92a “Hwaer cwom mearg? Hwaer cwom mago?” It can be translated as: “Where is the horse? Where is the young man?”

As you notice, in the Anglo-Saxon version, there is alliteration with mearg and mago; a popular technique in their poetry. We hear echoes in Tolkien’s version: “Where is the helm and the hauberk and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring.”

The Wanderer’s later lines can be found toward the end of the poem from Rohan, roughly translated as:

How the days departed,
Clouded under shadow of darkness

Like they never were

Compare that feeling with Tolkien’s version:

The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow.

He brings the unique symbolism of Middle-earth into an ancient poem, keeping the rich melancholy of the original while infusing it with his own creativity. Next time you hear or read the poem, think of Anglo-Saxon warriors in mead halls mingling with the riders of Rohan, and raise a toast to the unknown poet who’s inspiration is immortalized in Lord of the Rings.