Beregond

Beregond is a fictional character in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. He is the first Captain of the White Company; the guard of Faramir, Prince of Ithilien; and previously, a member of the Third Company of the Guard of the Citadel in Minas Tirith. He is appointed to this rank after he saves Faramir's life during the Siege of Minas Tirith, as described in "The Lord of the Rings".

Appearances

Literature

In the novel, he and his son Bergil are also noted for being the guides of Peregrin Took in Minas Tirith. Beregond is described as being a tall stern man with dark hair and grey eyes, like many of the men who live in Minas Tirith. He wears black leather and a winged helmet, and carries a sword and bow, the uniform of a guard of the White Citadel. He begins to greatly admire Pippin after hearing his story.

Despite his loyalty to the Gondorian traditions, Beregond rebukes Denethor, the grief-maddened Steward of Gondor, because instead of concerning himself with the battle outside, he focuses his attention upon trying to commit suicide with his son, Faramir, whom he believes to be almost dead. After hearing from Pippin that Denethor is about to commit suicide by burning and kill Faramir in the process, he leaves his post, forfeiting his position as a Guard. He goes to Rath Dínen, killing a protesting porter, who drew sword on him first, on the way. When he arrives there, he kills three servants of Denethor who fight him when he tries to keep them from obeying Denethor's commands to bring wood and oil. This gives enough time to allow Gandalf and Pippin to arrive and save Faramir. Beregond also serves at the battle of the Black Gate, fighting at Pippin's side, where he is knocked down by a large troll chieftain. At one point, the Hobbit saves his life by killing it.

After the War of the Ring, Aragorn, newly crowned as King Elessar, passes judgment on Beregond and transfers him to Faramir's guard in Ithilien.

Adaptations

In the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy however, he is not included, and his deeds are transferred to Pippin and Gandalf. Beregond was actually written into the screenplay for a brief scene, albeit only with one line. In this scene, Beregond was played by Ian Hughes, who has noticeably blond hair. During post-production, the filmmakers decided to change this character's name to "Irolas". In the book, Bergil mentions his uncle "Iorlas", presumably Beregond's brother. Beregrond is also a hero miniture in the Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game by Games Workshop.

External links