The Lord of the Rings literature is chock-full of hidden stories of conquest and conflict, often overshadowed by the more prominent characters and events. Among these tales is the saga of the Balchoth, a fierce group of Easterlings whose presence cast a shadow over the vast lands of Rhovanion. Before delving into the history of the Balchoth, it's essential to understand the context of Easterlings and the looming specter of Dol Guldur.

Easterlings, a term used broadly in Tolkien's legendarium, encompasses the various human societies dwelling in the eastern regions of Middle-earth. These lands, often shrouded in mystery, gave rise to diverse cultures and peoples, among them the formidable Balchoth. Under the sinister influence of Dol Guldur, a dark fortress situated in southern Mirkwood, the Balchoth emerged as a migratory force, their journey marked by a relentless quest for dominion over the lands they traversed.

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Aside from Sauron, there is only one other being in Middle Earth who can wield such power.

Dol Guldur, translating to "Hill of Sorcery" in Sindarin, played a pivotal role in the events of the Third Age. Popularly inhabited by Sauron, it served as a focal point for the shadow that loomed over the realms of Middle-earth. The Balchoth's close proximity to Dol Guldur, Sauron's formidable fortress, undeniably left a lasting imprint on their character and actions. In the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, depicting the vast reach of Sauron's influence:

Who are the Balchoth?

The Balchoth, inhabitants of the shadowy realms beneath the malevolent Dol Guldur, were a tenacious confederation of Easterlings. Easterlings, a term in The Lord of the Rings designating the diverse human societies dwelling east of the Sea of Rhûn, were a complex tapestry of cultures with varying alliances and motives. The Balchoth, driven by an inscrutable purpose, embarked on a migration westward from the Sea of Rhûn to the expansive lands of Rhovanion, nestled between the impenetrable forest of Mirkwood and the swift-flowing River Running.

Quick Facts:

• The Balchoth are confederation of Easterling tribes in Middle-earth during the Third Age.
• Migrated from the east of the Sea of Rhûn to the wide lands of Rhovanion.
• Emerged under the shadow of Dol Guldur, a dark fortress in southern Mirkwood.
• The Balchoth were related to the Wainriders, forming a formidable force in the east.
• They had crude weapons and few horses for riding, primarily using horses to draw their large number of wagons.
• Their unconventional approach to mobility set them apart in the open landscapes of Rhovanion.
• In the year 2510 of the Third Age, the Balchoth, along with the Wainriders, invaded Rhovanion.
• This invasion led to the fall of the kingdom of Rhovanion and the loss of Calenardhon.
• The Battle of the Field of Celebrant in 2510 marked the turning point, with Gondor and its allies defeating the Balchoth.

The looming presence of Dol Guldur, an ominous fortress in southern Mirkwood, cast its shadow over the Balchoth's movements. This dark fortress, later revealed to be Sauron's stronghold, served as a malevolent force influencing the events of Rhovanion. As the Balchoth settled in this new territory, their fate became entwined with the unfolding conflicts that would shape the course of Middle-earth.

It is notable that the Balchoth shared kinship with the Wainriders, another confederation of Easterlings whose destinies intertwined in the history of Middle-earth. The Balchoth, though possessing crude weaponry and scarce riding horses, compensated for their lack of cavalry by employing vast numbers of wagons. These wagons, drawn by horses, were central to the Balchoth's nomadic lifestyle and served as both transport and tactical advantage.

What happened to the Balchoth?

The year 2510 of the Third Age marked a turning point in the fate of the Balchoth. In a bid for expansion and dominance, they allied with the Wainriders to launch a formidable invasion into the heart of Rhovanion. Their target was the region's vulnerable kingdom, and the consequences of their actions would resonate across Middle-earth.

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The Battle of the Field of Celebrant unfolded as Gondor and the Northmen united against the Balchoth and the Wainriders. This clash of arms and ideologies determined the fate of Rhovanion. The Balchoth, renowned for their ferocity and sheer numbers, faced formidable opposition. Despite their crude weapons and limited cavalry, the Balchoth fought fiercely. However, the combined might of Gondor and the Northmen proved insurmountable.

In the aftermath of the Battle of the Field of Celebrant, the Balchoth suffered a decisive defeat. The once-mighty Easterling confederation was scattered, its dream of conquest shattered. The lands of Rhovanion were liberated from the grip of the Balchoth, and their presence in Middle-earth faded into obscurity.

As fans reflect on the tales woven by J.R.R. Tolkien, the story of the Balchoth adds yet another layer of depth to the rich lore of Middle-earth. Their nomadic existence, driven by the shadows of Dol Guldur, paints a vivid picture of the complex relationships and conflicts that shaped the Third Age. The Balchoth, though faded into the annals of history, remind Lord of the Rings fans that even in the shadowy corners of fantasy, every character, no matter how fleeting, has a story to tell.

The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings is one of the most iconic names in entertainment. The franchise started with novels from J. R. R. Tolkien before being adapted onto the big screen by Peter Jackson in one of the most critically-acclaimed film trilogies of all time. There have also been numerous The Lord of the Rings video games of varying quality.

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J. R. R. Tolkien

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