The Grey Company
Mankind
> Grey Company
The Grey Company,
responding
to a message sent by Galadriel
to Rivendell, rode from the North to Rohan
to
aid Aragorn,
joining him just before he entered the Paths of the Dead. They were
thirty northern
Rangers,
Dunedain, grim of face, like weathered rocks, mostly silent, and
courteous.
They
were armed with spears, bows, and swords. They wore dark grey, hooded
cloaks,
the hoods covering helms. Each cloak was pinned on the left shoulder
with
a brooch shaped like a rayed star, possibly in honor of Earendil. They
wore
nothing that would catch the light. They made the riders of Rohan
appear
almost as boys. With them they brought the standard made by Arwen with
which
Aragorn would proclaim himself as the returning king. Also welcome,
they
brought his horse, Roheryn, also from Arwen. All the horses were strong
and proud, but
rough-haired from weather.
Halbarad
was of that company, speaking for the
group. He bore the standard of the High King, Aragorn, his kinsman.
Elladan
and Elrohir, sons of Elrond and brothers to
Arwen,
rode with them in gear less somber. Elrohir brought word from Elrond to
Aragorn:
"The days are short. If thou are in haste, remember the Paths of the
Dead."
Later was added, "Bid Aragorn remember the words of the seer, and the
Paths
of the Dead." Elrohir also brought a silver horn, which he gave to
Aragorn to summon the Oath-breakers
to redeem themselves.
The Grey Company traveled with Aragorn to the rout
of the Corsairs
of Umbar, took over the ships and went with Aragorn to the battle
for Minas Tirith, then on to the Black Gates. They continued to support
him loyally thereafter.
Reference: Return of the King: "The Passing of the Grey Company"
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