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A follower of the House of Eorl
Pronunciation
goo'thlaav1
Meaning
'Survivor'2
Title of
Banner-bearer to King Théoden of Rohan

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About this entry:

  • Updated 15 January 2021
  • Updates planned: 1

Guthláf

Banner-bearer to Théoden

The banner-bearer of King Théoden of Rohan. He rode to the relief of Minas Tirith with his Lord in the War of the Ring, and there fought in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, where he was slain.


Notes

1

The u sound in Guthláf's name is not accented to indicate a long vowel sound, so the first syllable of his name might be taken to be pronounced simply as 'guth', with a short u. That syllable derives, however, from Old English gūþ, 'battle', which does have a long u sound, and we presume here that the original 'gooth' pronunciation should be preserved.

2

The literal interpretation of Guthláf's name comes from Old English gūþ lāf 'battle leaving'; that is, one left alive at the end of a battle. He perhaps earned his name from some earlier battle, but it brings with it a certain irony, because Guthláf is listed among those who did not survive the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

See also...

Mounds of Mundburg

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 15 January 2021
  • Updates planned: 1

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