Fréalaf
Tenth king of Rohan and the first king of Rohan's second line. Frealaf was the son of Hild, sister of King Helm Hammerhand. Frealaf was born in year 2726 of the Third Age.
Frealaf became king because Helm Hammerhand and his sons were all killed in a battle against the Dunlendings at Hornburg in 2759. Frealaf led a successful army to recapture Edoras, and ultimately he drove the Dunlendings back across the River Isen and slew Wulf of Dunland, one of Dunland's chief commanders. Frealaf then claimed the throne of Rohan.
By then, the Rohirrim had suffered through their Long Winter, and Saruman the White wizard had appeared to offer his support. He even supplied many of the Rohirrim with food after their hardships. In payment for his kindness, Frealaf had Beren, the Steward of Gondor, grant Saruman with the keys of Orthanc, where the Rohirrim hoped he could live happily and protect them from their enemies. Frealaf died in 2798 and was succeed his son Brytta as king.
Frealaf became king because Helm Hammerhand and his sons were all killed in a battle against the Dunlendings at Hornburg in 2759. Frealaf led a successful army to recapture Edoras, and ultimately he drove the Dunlendings back across the River Isen and slew Wulf of Dunland, one of Dunland's chief commanders. Frealaf then claimed the throne of Rohan.
By then, the Rohirrim had suffered through their Long Winter, and Saruman the White wizard had appeared to offer his support. He even supplied many of the Rohirrim with food after their hardships. In payment for his kindness, Frealaf had Beren, the Steward of Gondor, grant Saruman with the keys of Orthanc, where the Rohirrim hoped he could live happily and protect them from their enemies. Frealaf died in 2798 and was succeed his son Brytta as king.
Names & Meanings
The name Fréaláf is Old English for "surviving lord," composed of the elements frea, meanings "lord" and láf indicating "survivor."
References
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King: "Many Partings," page 255
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The House of Eorl," pages 348-349
The Unfinished Tales: "The Battles of the Fords of Isen," page 373
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The House of Eorl," pages 348-349
The Unfinished Tales: "The Battles of the Fords of Isen," page 373
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