Marcho and Blanco

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Marcho and Blanco
Hobbits
Biographical Information
LocationBree
The Shire
Notable forFounding the Shire
Physical Description
GenderMale

Marcho and Blanco were brothers, Bree-hobbits of Fallohide stock who founded the Shire in Third Age 1601.[1][2]

History[edit | edit source]

In T.A. 1601, the two brothers led a group of mostly Harfoot hobbits westwards from Bree.[2] They crossed the river Baranduin at the Bridge of Stonebows, and with the permission of King Argeleb II they settled in the royal hunting grounds of Arthedain and founded the Shire.

Soon after (c. T.A. 1630) they are joined by Stoors, who come up from Dunland and settle in the Shire.[3]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Marcho contains the Gothic element marh ("horse"), which corresponds to Old English mearh ("horse")[4] and Blanco derives from Old English blanca ("white or grey horse").[5]

Inspiration[edit | edit source]

The two brothers are perhaps based on Hengest and Horsa, who brought the Jutes to Britany.[6]

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue", "Concerning Hobbits", p. 4
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix C, "Baggins of Hobbiton", p. 1099
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age", p. 1086
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", "Notes", Note 6
  5. "Wiktionary - blanca", en.wiktionary.org (accessed 27 January 2024)
  6. Jim Allan, An Introduction to Elvish, "An etymological excursion among the Shire Folk"