Why was Shadowfax special and what were the Mearas? | Lord of the Rings Lore | Middle-Earth
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- Опубликовано: 17 июн 2021
- The Mearas were the greatest horses in Middle-Earth and one of the most iconic treasures of Rohan. Their numbers included Shadowfax and Felarof the famous steeds of Gandalf and Eorl the Young. In today's episode we'll be exploring their origins, their history and all of their characteristics and abilities.
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In this series, we explore the history of places in Middle-Earth, Characters or events that took place.
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Check out my latest video!: "What Happened to the Entwives? | Lord of the Rings Lore | Middle-Earth"
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Развлечения
Bill the Pony, and Shadowfax, the true heroes of Middle Earth.
Somebody in another comment section told me bill the pony DID make it home after being sent outside of Moria. 🤞🏻
And the Eagles
* sad Fatty Lumpkin noises *
Remember, Tolkien was a horse trainer during WWI, that speaks volumes for his writing of horses and Shadowfax in particular.
That's really cool, thanks for mentioning. I didn't know that about Tolkien. Makes the appreciation of this lore even better 🙂
don’t forget bill the pony
Do you have a source for this?
Gandalf and Pippin the only ones who ever rode shadowfax. The magic of hobbits is truly impressive.
"Shadowfax show them the meaning of haste"
❤️
Whom, the Ents?
Pulls out a dictionary and shows Gandalf
I suppose Snowmane also was a Mearas as one would expect the King of Rohan to ride the (second) best horse (because Shadowfax did not allow Theoden to ride him)
Sorry, but I disagree. Snowmane was frightened by the fellbeast and that caused Theoden's death. Shadowfax stood strong in front of the Witch King. I think Snowmane must have been a foal of a Mearh, but Shadow fax was one such foal that became a Mearh.
@@Enerdhil You are making a good point there. However I think that Shadowfax was special even among the Mearas (Theoden said there will never again be a stead like him) and that was the reason for him being able to resist the Witch King
@@mrmacura3421
Okay, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. 🙂
@@Enerdhil You're probably right there 😉
Plus that Gandalf summoned Shadowfax with a whistle XD in the movie.
It's crazy to listen to these and such to know alot of middle earth.
Gandalf could not take Shadowfax. Shadowfax chose Gandalf.
Who need Unicorns, when you have Shadowfax.
The Last Unicorn may disagree
Reckon even unicorns have a purpose...
one of my favourite "scenes" in the movies are the few seconds during The two towers when we see gandalf, arogorn, legolas and gimli riding to Edoras and we see Shadowfax, proudly leading his fellow horses, a few meters ahed of them.
An amazing video of Middle Earth as always. This has to be one of my favorite videos. I was always entranced by the Mearas.
Cheers! Yeah, I really like the idea that they might have been sired by Orome's steed!
I think being able to (attempt to) warn King Théoden was actually a side benefit. Gandalf needed a horse and Gwaihir suggested going to Edoras to get one.
Nowhere in the canon is that said.
@@thestraightroad305 Gandalf: "... I must have a steed on land, and a steed surpassingly swift, for I have never had such need of haste before."
Gwaihir: "Then I will bear you to Edoras, where the Lord of Rohan sits in his halls, for that is not very far off."
(As related by Gandalf at the Council of Elrond.)
@@willmatheson Will! I spoke too soon-I had forgotten that conversation! Apologies! You are correct, Mellon. (Humble bow).🤭
Very interesting. I liked the bits about where Gandalf and Shadowfax were and what they were doing while the Hobbits travelled. Great video and as always, thank you!
What do you guys about the origins of the Mearas? And do you think that their line persisted throughout the Fourth Age?
Well of course they did so long as there was horse masters they would need such glorious beasts
It seems to me that all the "Mearas" were white male horses. I wonder how many foals a Mearas had to have before another Mearas was born. Any horse that wasn't a Mearas would still have been among the greatest horses in Arda. Having Mearas blood would explain why the great horses of the Eorlingas were never fearful in battle.
So, if that were the case, I think if there were a Mearh foal when Shadowfax left Rohan, I believe they would have lasted well into the Fourth Age and beyond.
Perhaps so. It is not uncommon for humans to breed animals, especially the livestock. It is also not uncommon for superior individuals to come from that breeding in later generations. Some of Gandalfs magic may have imbued Shadowfax, as well.
Sorry, replied in the wrong place. Origins of everything in Arda came from the music of the Ainur. it is proven in modern string theory!
There is a video!!!
I rescued a thoroughbred horse that could no longer race. He had a horrible name and you could tell he didn't like it. I changed his name to Shadowfax and he likes it wayyyy better. It is fun to yell for shadowfax at feeding time and see him run over the hill and slide up the gate.
Damn, even horses have a badass backstory in Middle Earth lore.
We will never be slaves! but we will, be conquerors!
For the Horde!! 😡😡
I miss Karl’s warm voice, even though the new narrator has a wonderful storytelling voice. I just didn’t even realize this was the same channel with the voice switch until I checked the channel history.
Don't worry horsey I'm not mad you killed my dad, I know you just wanted to be free. :)
Btw you owe me and I want you to be my prisoner.
Nice one Karl. New narrator is quality, but you still a cut above.
Thanks buddy! 😄
Yeah he reminds me a touch of Robert from Indeep Geek.
Still coming back to these videos. Great stuff man.
Awesome vid GeekZone, Enjoying it as always! Could you do a video on Círdan the shipwright or Ecthelion, slayer of Gothmog one time? I would very much appreciate it, like I enjoy all of your vids!
Of course, I'll add them to my list of future topics :)
its a shame we never see how Gandalf tames Shadowfax in the films. i would have loved to see their bond
I understand it as Gandolf being friend of all creatures, and friendship was his bond with Shadowfax.
I was just watching the two towers yesterday and wanted to look up more about the Mearas. Perfect timing!!
Thanks, Karl! Fine artwork, as always!
You forget to say about the effect Mearas have on other horses
I considered it but it couldn't find a good place to fit it in the script :)
Ice breaker! Tell us about how they effect other horses.
@@cobrachicken07 I'm no lore expert, but I seem to remember Tolkien saying that other horses took pride in being in Shadowfax's presence and that he inspired them to be their best. Basically they would be braver in battle, have more stamina on the march, and in general have better morale in his presence. They did not want to appear weak in front of him.
@@stanmann356 That's an awesome concept!!
I love this channel, with respect and love, I truly miss the old narrator. The accent reaally is beautiful and relaxing hearing Tolkein from my people, I used to genuinely think filipinos didnt get into this until hearing from u!
Hi :-) Why do you say Filipino? Karl is from Malta
@@Crafty_Spirit oh word???? He sounds hella Filipino. That’s awesome. Still islanders 😝
@@Cloud-cz6xk Right, islanders 👍🏻 I tell you, I'm from Switzerland (we don't even have a coast, lol) and every Filipin-o/a I met so far was warm, kind, fun, and quiet (as in not being loud and annoying). I think that fits Karl's personality as well from what I could guess!
Same, used to listen to geekzone just Cus his voice was calmer than the others.. this new narrators just too sterile.
10:27 Beautiful work of art!!
Everytime I think of the Mearas, they remind me of Ryshadium from Stormlight Archive. No doubt Ryshadium were partly inspired by the Mearas
Personally I think that all magical and mystical things, natural or not, were diminished and faded in statue with the elves' passing into the West. While Rohan might have had outstanding horses, they would just be horses. None would again reach the hights of being worthy of being called Meras.
The elves have gone, the rings, even if one of the Old Rings were found, would just be rings with the destruction of The One. Dwarves would burrow and forsake the light, soon to be forgotten by the short-lived Men, passing into legend and myth in the years to pass. All creatures would diminish as well, trolls, orcs, goblins; All would, in the years passing, be seen less and less. They would fall into folktales about goblins stealing children who misbehave away, or bridges guarded by trolls. Hobbits, too, would be soon forgotten by the world of Men, slowly being overtaken by their expanding borders, interbreeding, and left to be a minor curiosity when seeing someone so short. The magic in the world would dissipate and the People's of Middle Earth would be left with hope, not magic.
After reading this I have to wonder how many people think LOTR was an actual prehistory to our own world rather than a work of fiction by a singular person.
Omg you made the shadowfax video. I was hoping so much for this! I even asked you for one a long time ago if you remember that haha. Thank you for being an awesome creator!
I'd Imagine some of the horses of Dol Amroth, of Rivindell or even Lindon would be of Shadowfax's kindred. I can already see Imrahil and his greatest soldiers riding such magnificent steeds into battle, however we can only guess.
Great video and insight
Cheers Tom!
Absolutely amazing videos. Chills
Elves: "We shall allow those who aided in defeating Sauron to sail West to the Undying Lands"
Frodo: *sails with Bilbo*
Legolas: *sails with Gimli*
Gandalf: *sails with a fucking horse*
"Language"
Come hither man's bane and get a new name. Love that line.
Excellent video - Shadowfax ftw!
Also love the bfme2 music in the background!
Great video!
Such a beautiful video about a beautiful horse.
Shadowfax being the Horse King (as it were), it would be inconceivable if he did not produce Many offspring… Stallions tend to keep Herds of Mares… And they defend their herds with abandon.
Was Glorfindel's horse in Fellowship a Meara? He put the.wounded Frodo on it, and said it could outrun, basically anything, including the Ring Wraiths, if it came down to that.
I noticed how you say "Gandalf and Shadowfax _traveled_ together" Gandalf didn't _ride_ him - he traveled with him.
Hey GeekZone. Your channel is amazing please make a lotr theory video on What if Dain ll Ironfoot allied himself with Sauron after the messenger of Mordor came to Erebor
Great video
What music do you use in your videos? I thought I recognized a different version of the music from one of the WoW trailers, but I haven’t been able to find the same version and it sounds so good!
I should clarify that it’s not just the music in this video, but music in a lot of your videos that are perfect for these lore vids.
@@earlmehraban It sounds like "Times Change"
Mesmerising and captivating
Pretty good narrator. But I miss Karl.
I love how Guy Michaels pronounces "episode" 😀 Karl's voice is warmer though
Karl is Indian right?
@@emppme4066 No Karl is from Malta, a small island nation South of Sicily.
@@emppme4066 Thank goodness, no
Best episode ever next to the hound of valinour
Thanks guys
cool video enjoyed it
I've always thought that Orome and Nahar were much bigger than an average man and horse. I thought Orome was at least Beorn's size and Nahar would have to be proportionately larger. Also, I don't think Nahar neededto procreate in Middle Earth, or even had sexual urges to do so.
I like your comments pal... sexual urges made me chuckle 😁
8:00 Nice illustration, but I believe the horses of the Ringwraiths were always black, and it was always black horses that the forces of Mordor would steal from the Rohirrim.
Thats such a nice ending
If Theoden was mounted on Shadowfax instead of Snowmane he would be alive. Snowmane threw him and he died as a result
I miss Karl. Don't get me wrong this new narrator is great but he sounds "too professional". Karl had a very enthusiastic voice despite having very basic equipment to record his videos.
We miss you Karl! 🇲🇹
Sorry my ignorance, but when did he give up the chanel? Or why?
@@alvakaren1 I'm only speculating, but since these are so well written I presume Karl still writes his own content, just outsources the narration.
I think the reason being this new narration sounds more professional and etter equipped.
@@alvakaren1 Karl is busy studying for his masters degree for the time being.
The outer part of the shadow is called the penumbra!
- xkcd 1272
Asfaloth VS Shadowfax, which one is the quicker or the best ?
Can you do a video on the lands to the Far East and South of Middle-Earth. Not Rhun, Umbar or Harad but the Remote Corners of Middle-Earth.
From what I know, there's very little information on even those three, let alone anything further beyond. Additionally, I don't believe there *is* anything beyond those nations. Everything North-East of Mordor is just "Rhun" and South of Mordor is "Harad". I could be mistaken, of course, but that's my understanding based on maps and other lore-related videos on YT.
Ha! The idea of taking revenge on a horse because dad did something stupid. Great video.
greattt
could Shadowfax along with his direct ancestors be MAIA them self or even some of the VALAR?
👏
I believe the spirit of Shadowfax still lives in some horses
👏🏻
Where did the art at 9:58 come from? I love it and need it haha
This should be it: www.flickr.com/photos/christopherclarkart/38902592611
@@GeekZoneMT awesome! thanks a lot. New wallpaper lol
A thought just occurred to me...
Just as Sauron poured his malice, cruelty and his will to dominate into The One Ring... what if Melkor poured his evil attributes into 3 or 2 or just one Silmaril Crystal?
Since the 2 Blue Wizards failed their task the second time in Middle Earth, "what if the Blue Wizards find the one Crystal lost in the Earth?"
Will they resurrect Melkor, by foul craft?
The Silmarils had already been fashioned by Fëanor. Even Morgoth could not fashion such jewels, which is why he stole them in the first place. The rings of power, though, were forged with the assistance of, or in the case of the One Ring, solely by Sauron, so he could therefore fashion them as his will desired.
@@whiteknightcat
Now that makes sense!!!
Thank you...so how about the Arkenstone. Why was that gem able to mystically glow??? Was it also a Feanor creation or was their an enchantment placed upon it by Melkor??? If so, for what purpose? Gandalf has a gem on his staff. Where did it come from? Saruman had a glowing orb on his, did he fashion that orb?
Hey, I want to thank you for your input and answers to my inquiries...👍
@@joeybox0rox649 There are multiple videos and sites online regarding the Arkenstone and its nature. In short, it simply appears to be a large and unique precious stone, not connected to anything else from the past.
www.glyphweb.com/arda/a/arkenstone.html
@@whiteknightcat
Maybe, but a ticking time bomb is just a metallic rock until you mishandle it.
There has to be a good reason for finding an unnatural, internally shining and already faceted gem like the Arkenstone, deep in the Earth. It's as if an ancient being, found it long ago, poured his malice into it, shaped it into its present form and is waiting for a wizard to release him from the void...🤷♂️ i still believe that the two blue wizards will be integral in unleashing the Dagor Dagorath war.
I feel like Theoden's horse, Snowmane, was a Mearas, but since he wasn't chief of the Mearas, it wasn't worth mentioning. But he was white like Shadowfax and their predecessors.
I love how they’re all grays
I never remember he goes with Gandalf!
Music is from Total War Warhammer 2
11:32 What's the background music here? Reminds me of Hollow Knight for some reason (if it's not, it's fitting af). Sorry it has nothing to do with the topic of the video.
Can you make a video on all of the books that explain lord of the rings because i know there is more than just the hobbit, and the three lord of the rings books
Your next assignment ... The Silmarillion
You know horses are kinds scary they can murder you with a kick or it'll cause massive injuries to you you can't really out run them and if for some strange reason they become sentient and you end up in a war of attrition with a horse out in the wild it will almost definitely defeat you
Also I find their feet kinda creepy
Is Shadowf's axe stronger than Thor's hammer?
10:47 I wonder if some of these illustrators read the books carefully!
I got a truck about a month ago. Pearl white in color, manual transmission (so not just anyone can drive it), 25 years old and runs great. It's a Ford, so naming it after a horse makes since, seeing as they tend to name their cars after horse breeds. So I named my truck Shadowfax. Long story short, I'm a nerd 🤓🤓🤓🤓
Tolkien predicted string theory! Every bit of matter in the universe is made up of vibrating strings. Just the way Eru intended with the music of the Ainur.
u wot
Honestly lord of the rings got so much content you can make videos on it for the rest of your life lol
Was Brego a Meras?
Because he knows the meaning of "Haste"
..unless my eyes are cheated by some spell :o
"You owe me for killing for freedom so you are now my slave." :3
In middle earth if you needed to send a message, You sent a shadowfax!!!
When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.
Even the most minor characters have a cool history.
0:37
Is it Maeras or Mearas? I'm confused. Personally, I like Maeras, but in the name of the video it says Mearas, unlike the translation.
I don't know who you are but you MUST MAKE MORE VIDEOS!!!!!!!!!!! If you need a subject to cover, just get the phone directory and read the numbers but it must be YOUR VOICE. I like your voice!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I do.
I always wanted to find out what happened to his son that was stationed in Africa, fighting the Germans in WWll.
Wow this guys voice has changed A lot
The original narrator, Karl is also the researcher and organizer and producer of all these videos, but, recently has been too busy with university studies to also narrate his videos. Therefore he hired this English fellow to narrate the videos in the interim.
I much prefer our original narrator. Please bring our boy back!
all i can think of now is bill burrs rant about shadowfax
Theoden was furious that Gandalf took whatever horse he wanted, as he told him to? Lol Choose your words more carefully.
You know what bugs me regarding Middle-Earth's fauna? There are no reptiles mentioned besides dragons... right? Tolkien seems to focus mostly on mammals and birds.
I had to think of this ever since in your video on dragons you've suggested that lizard creatures were corrupted by Melkor. I think this is a reasonable hypothesis, yet I'm baffled that we never hear of natural snakes or lizards...
Hey, don't forget the amphibians! 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸
I can't remember any reptiles from the actual stories, besides the dragons of course. But the Elvish languages do have names for sea-serpents (lingwilóke in Quenya and lhimlug in Sindarin) and snakes (ango or lóke in Quenya and lhûg in Sindarin).
The scarcity of reptiles could at least partially be because the stories are chiefly set in regions where the climate is cool and moist, and therefore there by nature aren't many reptiles. I doubt there were many reptiles in Beleriand, nor in the Shire, Arnor and the Wilderland. There probably were more of them in Gondor, which has a Mediterranean climate.
There are quite a few insects in the lore, such as the dark emperor butterflies of Mirkwood, the giant bees of Beorn, and the crickets and the midges of Midgewater marshes.
@@AnnaMarianne Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Yes, insectes and spiders are prominent, fish are also confirmed, amphibians I don't know.
If the fellbeasts are truly akin to Dinosaurs they would not be reptiles, I think recent research indicated that some dinosaurs were warm-blooded.
It is English folklore and reptiles aren't exactly common in England so that could be why reptiles are practically absent from Middle-Earth, aside from Dragons and Sauron turning into a Serpent once, trying to escape Huan. I think snakes existed but in the south.
Gollum loves fisheses, Precious
Tolkien was a genius
foal = fowl?
my mouth would have to be taped shut to not say Shadowfax everytime the movie does
Abit of wow music eh?
I like this narrator better.
wait... thats not the voice im used to
where is the guy with the accent? i dont like that change D:
even tho liam is a great narrator...
Oh noooo where is Karl???
Man aside from the Bible itself, there is no other great piece of literature like this. Not even EAP or Shakespeare. Ok maybe I went too far 😂
In this ephisode