The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Thrived around III 2941; died sometime before III 30181
Race
Culture
Founder of the Beornings
Meaning
Both 'warrior' and 'bear'3

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 2 September 2000
  • Updates planned: 7

Beorn

The Skin-changer of the Vales of Anduin

The skin-changer who dwelt in the Vales of Anduin near the western eaves of Mirkwood, who could take the form of a Man or a huge black bear. He played a great part in the victory over the Goblins at the Battle of Five Armies.


Notes

1

Tolkien makes it clear in his letters that despite his remarkable qualities, Beorn was nonetheless a Mortal Man. Assuming that his lifespan was typical of ordinary Men, it's unlikely that he survived much beyond III 3000. (see The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, No. 144, dated 1954).

2

In the same comment referenced above, Tolkien confirms that despite his abilities, Beorn definitely belonged to the race of Men: 'Though a skin-changer and no doubt a bit of a magician, Beorn was a Man'.

3

The etymology of Beorn's name is interesting. The Old English word originally meant 'bear', but evolved over the centuries to the point where it came to mean 'warrior'. So, Beorn's ability to transform from a bear to a man echoes the linguistic development of his name.

The original meaning of Beorn relates to the bear's love of honey, and contains béo, meaning 'bee'. This also appears in the name Beowulf: like Beorn, this means 'bear', but is literally 'bee-wolf'. This bee connection explains the references in The Hobbit to Beorn's bee-pastures and huge bees: 'The drones were bigger than your thumb, a good deal, and the bands of yellow on their deep black bodies shone like fiery gold' (The Hobbit 7, Queer Lodgings).

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 2 September 2000
  • Updates planned: 7

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