The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The Ents originated shortly after the Elves
Location
Ent-draughts were known to have been used by the Ents of Fangorn Forest
Race
Settlements
The draughts used by Treebeard were created in his Ent-house of Wellinghall
Source
Treebeard's draughts came from the springwaters of the river Entwash
Pronunciation
e'nt-dra'fts
Meaning
Ent means 'giant'; draught is an old word for a drink1

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About this entry:

  • Updated 16 February 2023
  • This entry is complete

Ent-draughts

The waters of the Ents

"Mortals cannot go drinking ent-draughts and expect no more to come of them than a pot of beer."
Words of Gimli
from The Return of the King VI 4
The Field of Cormallen

The mysterious and potent waters consumed by the Ents. Though little is known about them in detail, they seem to have been made from the water of the springs of the river Entwash, but with a unique and subtle flavour reflecting the Ents' association with trees and forests. Their power of growth was most evident when they were drunk by beings other than Ents: the Ent-draughts taken by Merry and Pippin added three inches or more to their heights, making them the tallest Hobbits in the history of the Shire.


Notes

1

The old word draught is derived from the verb 'draw'; that is, it might represent something drawn from a barrel, or something drunk ('drawn in') by a person. As a noun, the word was most historically used for medicinal or restorative substances. While any or all of these related meanings might apply to the Ent-draughts, Tolkien tends to use the word draught as meaning simply 'drink'. For example, even before they met Treebeard, Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took 'took many draughts' directly from the waters of Entwash (The Two Towers III 4, Treebeard).

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 16 February 2023
  • This entry is complete

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