A Tour of Lore - Part 1.6 - Bree-land | Bree-town

Bree-town

No doubt Bree is located at the heart of Bree-land, at the very cross-roads of the important Great East Road and North-South Road, the place where all merchants, royal messengers, explorers, and whoever travelling any of these roads eventually will pass. Thus Bree have survived many hardships over the centuries and its residents have grown tougher. Here Men as well as Hobbits dwell, if not together so side by side, and they make their living from one another

Lore

It was said to have been founded by Men who did not make it to Beleriand in the First Age, having forsaken their relatives who would become the Edain, they remained in Eriador. After the the kingdom of Cardolan collapsed after war with Angmar, Bree became an independent city without any central authority or government for many centuries.

Not long ago, on III 3018 September 29, Frodo Bagg.. eeh.. Underhill and three hobbits of his fellowship arrived to the Prancing Pony, met a (st)ranger named Strider, and hastily set off the next day after an eventful night. Now characters new to the Middle-earth will do their best to support that fellowship on their quest, whether that is to track down curious events in the wake of Frodo's quest, or to support the locals who struggles with new threats from all directions.

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Many relics of Bree-town's past can be found with in its structures and architecture. From the moment you come to it's southern gate from Staddle, you are presented with large red banners that can also be seen through out Bree-land. At one point in the game story these banners were not here. It was only in recent years that "events" occurred in Bree where another faction took over control of it.

It is a red "gules" banner with a gold "or" Boar in the "chief" position with three reversed green "vert" waves and a gold "or" wave below, fimbriated with gold lines and waves further down the field.

This is only found in Bree-town.

Brown "brune" background and Brown "brune" Quartered Shield, with gold devices on the top left and bottom right of the quartering, with the larger gold crest above in the "chief" position. Seen in Bree-town on  Free People Town Guards and Trainers on both men and women where the devices are top right and bottom left.

What's with the Dwarf Statue?

Right there in the Stone Quarter looming overhead is a sword and shield clad Dwarf. There seems to be a reacquiring symbol on the shield, chest armor and the standing stone. A 4-sectioned diamond. Perhaps the heraldry of said Dwarf, Kingdom, or a Clan of some sort? Never the less, what is a dwarf statue doing in Bree-town?

All through out Bree-town you can find the typical Old kingdom ruins. We find the same Trident looking symbol, as well as the configuration of the seven seven-sided stars. But in addition to the old ruins that Bree is built among.

With in these ruins up on the Oldstones Gate a stone shield/plaque is found facing the  West. This is the Royal crest of the old Anorian kingdom.

It seems to have the Trident, seven seven-pointed star, which what appears to be a version of the white tree. This could perhaps be the heraldry of the Northern kingdom.

Lore

You found a carving with an old Arnorian symbol upon it. It appeared to be the crest of the ancient kingdom of Arthedain.

The ruins of that kingdom stretch for miles to the south-west and north. Bree itself was built upon a crossroads between Arthedain and its sister kingdom Cardolan to the east. Once they were all one great kingdom, stretching all across the north, but the folly of Men first sundered them, then set them against each other until one after another they fell over the long years of the Third Age.

There are some folk who still remember the tales of Arthedain, but you suspect that the crest may be of particular importance to the Rangers, for it is said that they are descended from that bloodline.

A Tour of Lore - Part 1.5 - Bree-land | Staddle

Staddle

On the far side of Bree-hill from the town of Bree itself, travellers will find the small town of Staddle tucked against the rolling hillocks that stretch east toward the marshes. It is said that the oldest settlements of hobbits in Middle-earth can be found in Staddle, though whether or not this is true is a matter which has been well debated over many a meal, mug, or pipe - and, often, all three.

The village named Staddle is located south of Combe and very close to Bree. At the centre square lies Staddle Arms, also named Weapons and Armour Shop. Also at the centre is a craft-fair with crafting facilities but all trainers are found in Combe Crafting Hall. Staddle also hosts one of the Middle-earth's very few Fishing Suppliers.

The greater Staddle stretches peacefully eastwards all the way to the Midgewater Marshes, cutting the wilder Chetwood in two disconnected sections. Here lives the Novice Farmhand named Ponto Underhill, just by all sorts of farmlands. At the village and within the greater Staddle adventurers will find and do quests of all sorts, eventually leading into the wilder marshes with its goblins and other more aggressive creatures.

Lore

"There were also many families of hobbits in the Bree-land and they claimed to be the oldest settlement of Hobbits in the world, one that was founded long before even the Brandywine was crossed and the Shire colonized. They lived mostly in Staddle though there were some in Bree itself,..." — The Fellowship of the Ring, by Tolkien

"The small villages of Bree-land are doing their best to deal with a rash of attacks by brigands from distant lands. The citizens of these usually peaceful towns have become much less hospitable to travellers, so adventurers in the Chetwood's hills and valleys may find these townsfolk less welcoming than usual. However, should travellers prove their worth by word and deed, they are likely to be welcomed into these communities, as the need for friends - especially friends with strong swords and swift bows - has grown great.

"It is difficult to say who is organizing the usually disparate groups of brigands that roam these lands and threaten these peaceful towns, but old-timers are certain that the attacks near Staddle in recent days are as unusual in these parts as a hobbit saying no to thirds at mealtime."

Staddle, from Old English staðol, referring to a building's foundation. Founded: apparently founded before III 1300. — lorebook

Staddle seems the share a number of the heraldry as seen in Combe and Archet.

Free Peoples of Staddle Banner (right): It appears to have a red "gules" and yellow/gold "or" background with a green "vert" wave in the chief position, 2 waves of red and yellow, with a bottom white border and three conjoined white "ardent" and green "vert" trees. Found only in Staddle.

There seems to be a version found in Combe depicting a different design. 

The heraldry of guards seem to flow over to Staddle as well.

Green "vert" background and Brown "brune" Quartered Shield, with gold devices on the top left and bottom right of the quartering, with smaller gold crest above in the "chief" position. Seen in Archet and Combe. The shield appears to be a different design that that which appears in the other Green and Brown and Grey and Brown Free Peoples arms. This appears to be on female Man Free Peples guards and trainers and Crafters and a darker green background on female Man constables.

Brown "brune" background and Brown "brune" Quarted Shield, with gold devices on top left and bottom right of the quartering for men and top right and bottom left of quartering for women. Larger gold crest aboe the "chief: position. Seen ONLY in Staddle. The shield design has been used by the black and brown version of this similar arms.

Two banners which appear to represent the crafting guilds can be found in both Combe and Staddle. One appears to represent Armorsmiths and Weaponsmiths.

See the Heraldry of Middle-Earth to read more about the different heraldry documented so far.

 

A Tour of Lore - Part 1.4 - Bree-land | Ost Baranor

Ost Baranor

 

Further south of the Chetwood of Bree-land, straight south of Staddle, is this ruined fortress. Recently Blackwold brigands and evil creatures have settled within its crumbled walls.

"The ruins of Ost Baranor mark the place where yet another tower of the North Kingdom once stood, now faded into memory. The fortress has long since fallen into ruin, and its crumbling walls are now taken by Blackwold brigands and worse."

Yet again this is another example of a fortress of the old kingdom. Upon the main entrance can be seen the typical seven seven-pointed stars.

Just like the other locations so far, the seven pointed stars are displayed everywhere on the walls as well as on platforms. No details reveal what these platforms where used for, but are commonly used for gathering of the local bandits now.

One of the unique pieces of history found here is a statue found in the NW end of the ruins. This statue is part of the "History of the Dunedain" lore quest. 

The worn but noble visage engraved on the statue you discovered belongs to Aranarth, the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain after the fall of Arthedain. 

The statue was probably created some time after the wars that destroyed the old Kingdom, most likely by the Rangers who hold Aranarth in great reverence. 

It was in good repair suggesting that they tend to it to this day. The memories of the Dúnedain are long, and their respect for the dead borders on obsession at times.

What is this Symbol?

What is interesting how ever, something that many might miss if you don't pay attention, is the design on the back of the cloak of the statue. It appears to be a cross of some sort, with 4 cross arms and 4 points, going away from the frequent seven pointed start symbolism. It's meaning is presently under investigation.

A Tour of Lore - Part 1.3 - Bree-land | Midgewater Marsh

The Midgewater Marshes

East of Staddle and Chetwood and north of the Great East Road a formidable flat expanse of treacherous bogs is opening away towards the Weather Hills. This is "the marshes", damp and dangerous are they giving home to insects and neekerbreekers. Recently marauding bands of vile goblins have set camp, mostly so in the south-eastern section, 

"The ground now became damp, and in places boggy and here and there they came upon pools, and wide stretches of reeds and rushes filled with the warbling of little hidden birds. They had to pick their way carefully to keep both dry-footed and on their proper course. At first they made fan-progress, but as they went on, their passage became slower and more dangerous. The marshes were bewildering and treacherous, and there was no permanent trail even for Rangers to find through their shifting quagmires. The flies began to torment them, and the air was full of clouds of tiny midges that crept up their sleeves and breeches and into their hair.

"'I am being eaten alive!' cried Pippin. 'Midgewater! There are more midges than water!'" — The Fellowship of the Ring, by Tolkien 

"A fly-infested region of marshland in central Eriador, that lay between the Chetwood to the west and the Weather Hills to the east. Midgewater was a morass of shifting pools that took its name from the swarms of midges that filled the air. In the central regions of the marshes dwelt the Neekerbreekers: night-creatures of cricket-kind.

"In an attempt to avoid the East-West Road, Aragorn led Frodo and his companions through the marshes on their journey from Bree. Travelling slowly through the treacherous quagmire, their crossing took two days from the western to the eastern edge." — lorebook

There are a few significant ruins scattered through out the Marshes, as well as some interesting historical sites that trace their history to the Old North Kingdom of Arnor and the more recent history of the Dunedain.

Woodsedge Ruins

This is a medium size group of ruins in the northern reaches of the Swamp. Inhabited by a few spiders, it was built as one of the forts to protect the Northern Kingdom from the armies of Angmar during the days of Arnor. While covered in the typical seven pointed star configurations, it also includes a monument marking a bit of history.

Place center in a dais on the edge of the ruins, you an find a rather peculator Obelisk. This obelisk is part of the History of the Dunedain Deed, which has you going around discovering Dunedain historical locations about Bree-land. Upon the stone pillar at the bottom on all sides you can see names written in an obscure language.

DEED: You found an old obelisk out among the Arnorian ruins, seemingly newer than the ruins themselves, with the names of many Men carved upon it. Your only guess is that it must be some sort of memorial.


The design and the style of the names you saw there suggest that it was built by the Dúnedain, and given their reverence for their ancestors there is every reason to believe that it may be a memorial for their fallen.

Some of the names seemed to have been added recently, suggesting that the Rangers are somehow involved.

Marshwater Fort

Situated nearly center of the Marsh, the Fort is a larger set of ruins. It looks to have been encircled by a wall, with the central keep in the middle. The only accessible door appears to be on the western side of the central structure.

This spider-infested ruin lies at the center of the marshes. It is rumored that the wandering Rangers frequent this ancient fortress and has a secret hideout within, with its entrance guarded by a monstrous spider queen. They also keeps the Ancient Altar from decaying to badly.

DEED:  The strange altar you found appeared to be Arnorian in origin, with signs that some gathering or ritual had taken place there recently. 

You've heard rumors that Rangers here in the north occasionally gather for a ceremony to declare the coming of age of one of their number, where they induct the young man or woman into their ranks by way of an oath to the old kingdoms. You can see the fresh laid flowers upon the ground and the alter itself as if someone has visited it more recent then the ruins seem to say.

Goblinhole Ruins

A bit further south, near the edge of the swamps, near to the Great East Road, a small grouping of ruins can be find, again with the typical Arnorian style architecture and symbolism. It seemed to have originally been a large square walled off area with a large central oval structure based off the two oval walls, that if continuous would be complete an oval structured. Now the area is inhabited by goblins a the nearby encampment of Goblins..

Lore: Little is known of this ancient pile of rubble, except that goblins have chosen to roost here... A cause for concern to the Men of Bree.

The Sunken Stones

This location in the western edge of the Marshes is one of the most interesting, and revealing lore wise I have found thus far regarding lore, and speculation. The area appears to be a simple rectangular columned area that looks to extend for quite a distance towards the marsh edge. 

On one end, stands a tall statue of a Man with a crown, wielding a large sword, lifting loftly into the air, a Palantir. The speculation arises as to who this is. It is apparent to be that of a king, most likely during the Arnor period based on the Arnorian architecture, one of which the Palantir was important to. Who could this be?

This calls to the importance of understanding what the Palantir is, and to whom possessed them to understand who in fact this figure represents.

The palantíri (sometimes translated as "Seeing Stones") were stones that could be used in communication with one another, and also to see many things across the face of the world. When its master looked in it, he could communicate with other Stones and anyone who might be looking into them; people of great power can manipulate the Stones to see virtually any part of the world.

Many palantíri were made, but the number is not known. Elendil took seven with him in his flight to Middle-earth upon the Downfall of Númenor, and in time they were distributed to seven different locations: four in Gondor and three in Arnor. They were used largely for communication, but also to see what was occurring throughout the respective realms. Their existence was common knowledge, but no one was allowed easy access to them save for kings 

When Arvedui, King of Arnor, was shipwrecked and his line ended in 1975, he drowned with the palantíri of Amon Sûl and Annúminas, the only communicating stones of Arnor.

The Amon Sûl-stone was placed in the watch-tower of Amon Sûl. It was the largest and most powerful of the Arnorian palantíri and the one most used in communication with Gondor. Like the Osgiliath-stone, it "could not be lifted by one man."

Despite being so near to Amon Sul, does this text eliminate it as that particular Palantir, and not associating the figure itself to King Arvedui? If the Devs were following the Lore, this could not be King Arvedui. If they were not, then it could be, or could represent the Kings of Arnor and the many different Palandir that they used through out Arnor and Gondor.

If using the name to the location "The Sunken Stones" reflecting the sinking of Arvedui, and giving reason why he seems to be standing on a raised base instead of placed ground level like most other statues in the area, could this statue have been put in the Sunken Stones many years later when the area became covered in water, and erected in the sunken area to commemorate Arvedui, his sunken fate, and the palantir that sunk with him?

Next: Part 1.4 - Bree-land | Ost Baranor

A Tour of Lore - Part 1.2 - Bree-land | Combe

Combe

The next location for our bit of tour of lore is the settlement of Combe. This fine town is located at the road from Bree to Archet and a smaller road forks off to Chetwood and Combe's lumberyard. New man characters arrive here on their way to explore the Middle-earth; they will find appropriate services, adventures and mysteries to unwind. The residents are well aware of the tragedy that happened in Archet and welcomes any helping hand to resolve problems or prevent the brigands to spread further.

"Bree was the chief village of the Bree-land, a small inhabited region, like an island in the empty lands round about. Besides Bree itself, there was Staddle on the other side of the hill, Combe in a deep valley a little further eastward, and Archet on the edge of the Chetwood. (...) Most of the inhabitants of Bree and Staddle, and many even from Combe and Archet, were crowded in the road to see the travellers start." — The Fellowship of the Ring, by Tolkien

One of the four settlements that together made up the Bree-land, Combe lay in a deep valley on the eastern side of the Bree-hill. It was somewhat to the north of Staddle, but not so distant from Bree as Archet on the fringes of the Chetwood. Its name comes ultimately from an Old English word cumb meaning a deep valley. Probably founded before TA 1300. — lorebook

Combe being with in a deep valley is indeed portrayed in this area as cliffs are featured on either side of the areas surrounding the settlement.

The entrance to Combe in the North from Archet Dale, you are welcomed by the first banner we have come across in our examination of Middle-earth.

It appears to have a red "gules" with a green "vert" wave in the chief position, and three conjoined white "ardent" and green "vert" trees.

The big question is what does this banner represent. It first appears at the entrance to Combe, in Combe itself, and in Staddle. While the colors and symbols are not the same as seen on the presumed Free Peoples arms, this could be a separate banner representing the Free Peoples as well.

Green "vert" background and Brown "brune" Quartered Shield, with gold devices on the top left and bottom right of the quartering, with smaller gold crest above in the "chief" positoin. Seen in Archet and Combe. The shield appears to be a different design that that which appears in the other Green and Brown and Grey and Brown Free Peoples arms. This appears to be on female Man guards and Crafters and a darker green background on female Man constables.

Green "vert" background and Brown "brune" Quartered Shield, with gold devices on the top left and bottom right of the quartering, with the larger gold crest above in the "chief" position. Seen in Combe warn by male Man Merchants, Crafters and Suppliers. The shield is the same as the Grey and Brown arms in Combe, but with the green background.

Black "sable" background and Brown "brune" Quartered Shield, with gold devices on the top left and bottom right of the quartering, with the larger gold crest above in the "chief" position. Seen in Combe. The shield design is the as to the two other shields warn by men Free Peoples Guards and Constables.

This particular heraldry is found on the Hobbit Constable Underhill. It has a red "gules" background with gold "or" frills with what appears to be a gold outline of a boars snout with 6 leaves hanging off its edges. He is so far the only one found during the series to wear it.

A Tour of Lore - Part 1.1 - Bree-land | Archet Dale

One question we might ask ourselves when embarking on a critical study of Tolkien’s work and the LOTRO world is "are we just reading too much into a story & graphics of a game? " Christopher Tolkien argued for the authenticity of such analysis: "Such inquiries are in no way illegitimate in principle; they arise from an acceptance of the imagined world as an object of contemplation or study valid as many other objects of contemplation or study in the all too unimaginary world."

The towns, landscapes, ruins, pillars, architecture, and all the scenery designed by Turbine/Standing Stone Games, as magnificent as are the sunsets. It holds many aspects depicted by the lore created by J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as expanded upon and made real other aspects not specifically mentioned by the developers of the Lord of the Rings Online game. Much history and lore can be surmised, either canon to Tolkien himself or created uniquely for the intentions of adding story to the game.

The intentions of these Chronicles, as a compendium to my Live streams on the official LOTRO stream on Twitch, is to explore the created world of Middle-earth, area by area with the viewers, and to ponder the mysteries behind them. Much of this is hidden in the graphic inscriptions on the walls, pillars, and other structures in the world, or in the lore and stories depicted by quests and deeds, that many times reflect the very same lore as found in the writings of Tolkien.

This series began in Bree-land, mostly inhabited by the Race of Man, starting in the green area of Archet Dale.

Archet Dale

Archet Dale is an area within Bree-land in the central region.

This secluded and serene vale is most known for being the Starter Area for new Hobbit and Race of Man characters, and then it turns out that the calmness is just superficial. Recently a large band of brigands, calling themselves the Blackwolds, have set camp in some old ruins at the eastern outskirts; these villains have bigger and more evil plans.

The town of Archet is located north-east of Bree, just north of Combe, and is the starting location for new hobbits and man characters. This is where we began our Tour of Lore.

At the time, during the introduction quests, Archet was a thriving and busy place. However, when the brigands began the Assault on Archet this was all scattered and burnt to ashes and many residents lost their lives. Now Jon Brackenbrook is in charge of its restoration while commanding its defense.

In the time after the fall of Arnor and the defeat of Angmar by the host of Gondor, few men remained in the north. Those who remained loyal to the old kings banded together under the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain and became the forebears of the Rangers who walk these lands today, or so it is rumored.

In those days there were still evil Men and worse who walked these lands and there was a battle few Men alive today remember. Though the Dúnedain were victorious, their numbers dwindled. The cairn you have found is most likely the resting place of the men who died in that battle, built hurriedly and in secret.

Archet is Old English meaning Forest's Edge and indeed that is the case. Archet is a small hamlet in Bree-land lying to the northeast of Bree-town, nestled at the edge of the Chetwood. The town and its outlying lands are inhabited by farmers and other rustic folk, who have little use for the bustle of big town life. A few hobbits dwell here, but the inhabitants are predominantly Big Folk.

Little is said of Archet in Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" other than a brief description of its locations and an allusion to troubles with "robbers" in the region. This makes a perfect background for locating the Starter Area for new hobbit and man characters to this town:

The lack of any real authority and the peaceful nature of Archet's people have recently drawn the attentions of a band of brigands known as the Blackwolds, though rumour has it that the Blackwolds have much darker goals than terrifying common folk and farmers. To counter this threat, a retired sellsword by the name of Captain Brackenbrook has begun organizing the townsfolk into a makeshift garrison to repel the advances of the brigands.

Heraldry

In this town, it is the first place we are introduced to Heraldry. (Left) Adorned in grey "isen" and brown "brune", a brown quarterly shield in the middle "fess" of the chest, it would appear to have two counter gold "or" symbols, but what the symbols are, it is hard to make out. They also have some sort of gold cresting above it. Based on the hover text of the individuals, this appears to be the "Arms" of the Free People. That even though Brockenbrook formed them into a militia, they still donned the heraldry of the FreePs.

It would also appear that there is a different arms for the Woman (right). While them mean are grey and brown with gold, with symbols on the top left and bottom right of their quarterly field, the women are donned with green "vert" and brown "brune" with the same symbols, but on the top right and bottom left.

Banners & Flags

Thus far, other then the heraldry found on the number of guards and respective militia, no banners or any sort of flags are found in Archet, or even Archet Dale.

The Ruins in the Dale, first evidense of the unforgotten North Kingdom of Arnor

Bronwe's Folly

Bronwe's Folly is an ancient ruin located in the Archet Dale area. Little lore remains from the days of the North Kingdom, but it is said that these ruins are all that remain of a Cardolan lord's failed attempt to hold back the wrath of Angmar's.

This ruin is the first time we get a look at the old North Kingdom Architecture. It appears to have five tiers of platforms, with the fifth being around minor tower of sort most likely used as a look out point.

This is also where we get our first glimpse at the symbols that will be come common in depictions of the North Kingdom and other aspects of Middle-earth and LOTRO depiction.

We first see the Seven pointed star (left) that is known to be one of the symbols representing the North Kingdoms. It is commonly found alone when it appears large on the ground titles and on podiums and raised areas.

You can also see the combined pattern of the star cluster on large ground areas showing a large central star with 6 other stars around it, still giving us the 7 seven pointed stars together (top right). Another symbol we first saw was the depicting of a Trident, either large surrounded by the 7 stars, (right) or on the archways (left). It begs to wonder what this trident represent. I am one to consider that the single shafts represents the Kingdom of Arnor, while the 3 forms represents the 3 kingdoms shattered from the original tracing their roots back to the original.

Blackwold Roost

Through out the Dale we see other remnants of the old North Kingdom. We see the walls bordering the cliffs of the dale, and a number of towers that could have at one point joined to form a circling wall to protect this valley.

But, you do not really get a glimpse as to the history and lore of the area until you visit the Blackwold Roost. This ruined fortress is located in the eastern area of Archet Dale. Once it was an abode of the Men of Arnor, now these ruins host an unruly mob of outlaws calling themselves the Blackwolds.

Here we continue to see the now common symbols representing the Old Kingdom. You see a more clearly representation of the Trident and 7 stars. It is hard to tell if the Trident is represent Arnor, or the fragmented 3 kingdoms. Though lore states these ruins were built during Arnor to fight against Angmar. If it is not the 3 fragmented kingdoms, it still remains a mystery of its origin or meaning.

As our first glimpse into the Dunedain, as part of the History of the Dunedain deed, here we encounter an old, yet well maintained Cairn. The cairn is rather unlike many that the Men of old built, but you recalled a tale of an old battle.

The cairn is rather unlike many that the Men of old built, but you recalled a tale of an old battle... 

In the time after the fall of Arnor and the defeat of Angmar by the host of Gondor, few men remained in the north. Those who remained loyal to the old kings banded together under the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain and became the forebears of the Rangers who walk these lands today, or so it is rumored. 

In those days there were still evil Men and worse who walked these lands and there was a battle few Men alive today remember. Though the Dúnedain were victorious, their numbers dwindled. The cairn you have found is most likely the resting place of the men who died in that battle, built hurriedly and in secret.

Welcome to the beginning of the LOTRO Tour of Lore Chronicles

Welcome to the beginning of the LOTRO Tour of Lore Chronicles that compliments the LIVE LOTROstream series on Twitch by ForteMaestro.

This series focuses on discovering the lore and history behind the different towns, momuments, structures as we travel about the lands of ARDA to help reveal the hidden knowledge that makes Middle-earth so fascinating.

The posts will examine each weeks stream and the lore that was discovered and uncovered. I hpe you find it enjoyable, enlightening, and educational!