To trespass the Path Of The Dead

[hawkwood]

Hey all.

I was just rereading the Return Of The King and I found something that I had not thought of before. When the Grey Company is passinf through the mountain theu come upon a body of an armoured and jewled warroir. I am wondering if anyone out there may know about who this fellow was and what he was looking for. If nothing else it is food for thought for an adventure. Even though the Oath Breakers are nomore in the fourth age that does not mean that the pathers are free from all danger.

Let me know what you think.

[CorpBoy]

Perhaps he was somebody who tried to brave The Paths previously and met his unfortunate doom.

[hawkwood]

I think that there may have been more to it then that.

"Hither shall the flowers of simbelmyne come never unto world's end. Nine mounds and seven there are now green with grass, and through all the long years he has lain at the door that he could not unlock. Wither does it lead? Why would he pass? None shall ever know!"

simbelmyne is the small white flower that grows on the buriel mounds of the kings of Rohan. So I doubt he is just some guy. Also the way he was dressed. He was described as a "mighty man" and "clad in mail"..."his hauberk was gilded. His belt was of gold and garnet, and rich with gold was the helm upon his bony head..."

This is one of those little gems that can have a whole story built upon it. He must have been of the one of the line of kings of Rohan. That door that he was found at could lead to anywhere. There is a story just begging to be told here.

[Brandir]

The body is that of Baldor, son of Rohan's second king Brego:

Brego (born 2512, died 2570, ascended the throne 2545). He drove the enemy out of the Wold, and Rohan was not attacked again for many years. In 2569 he completed the great hall of Meduseld. At the feast his son Baldor vowed that he would tread 'the Paths of the Dead' and did not return . Brego died of grief the next year.
Quote taken from LOTR Appendix A

Hope this helps!

[hawkwood]

"Hope this helps!"

Hey thanks for the information, just what I was looking for. Now I can start building my Rohan adventure.

Thanks again.