Folde

From Tolkien Gateway

The Folde was a region in the centre of the realm of Rohan, between the Westfold in the west, the White Mountains in the south and a line from the confluence of the river Snowbourn with the river Entwash running approximately south-west to the White Mountains in the east. The Eastfold lay beyond that line in the east.[1][2]

The Folde formed a part of the King's Lands.[3]. The town of Edoras, the defensive centre of the Folde and the seat of the King[1] and Aldburg, the former seat of the King were located in the Folde[3]..

History[edit | edit source]

The Folde was originally part of the realm of Gondor until in T.A. 2510 the fief of Calenardhon was granted to Eorl the Young by the Ruling Steward of Gondor, Cirion. Thereafter the Folde was part of Rohan.[4] The first King of Rohan, Eorl the Young lived in a house in Aldburg. After his son Brego moved to Edoras, Aldburg passed into the hands of the third son of Brego, Eofor and his descendants.[3]

During the War of the Ring, Éomer, the nephew of King Théoden of Rohan, who claimed to be descended from Eofor had his home in Aldburg.[5]

On March 6 and 7[6] Gandalf rode with Peregrin Took through the Folde on the road to Minas Tirith.[7]

On March 11 T.A. 3019[8] the riders of Rohan led by their King Théoden travelled with Meriadoc Brandybuck through the Folde on their way to Minas Tirith.[9]

In early August T.A. 3019[10] the funeral escort of King Théoden passed through the Folde on its way to Edoras.[11]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Folde is a name in the language of Rohan, which is represented by Old English. Folde means "earth", "land", or "country" in Old English]].[1]

References