In these times the unbidden stranger finds us swift and hard.
EOMER
It is important to notice that, while Men, the people of Rohan are not the same as the Numenoreans; neither the distant Rangers of Arnor, nor their allies in Gondor. They are strongly distinct.
A younger nation of different ethnic stock; a simpler culture, less 'high' and learned; and an impetuous and warlike national character. They throw the Men of the West into striking contrast - the Eorlingas are the fledgling Norse to Gondor's decadent, dimished Greece or Rome.
We first meet the Rohirrim, fittingly, galloping across the Eastemnet down the trail of the Orcs they have just destroyed; brave yet suspicious, long hair flailing in the wind. Their 3rd Marshall describes his people with proverbs as unvarnished as he.
EOMER
Where to the Men of Dale fit in JRRT's scheme? And in relation to the other men in his wider works?
Posted by: RNR | June 20, 2010 at 06:06 PM
As I understand it, the men of Dale are 'cousins' of the Rohirrim, as are the Woodmen, the Beornings, and the ancient princes of Rhovanion. All are descendants of the three houses of the Edain (as are the Numenoreans), but, it is presumed, were those who never reached Beleriand.
Unfinished Tales explains it (in 'Cirion & Eorl') I think, but I don't have it with me.
Breelanders, Dunlendings, Druadain, Haradrim, Wainriders/Easterlings and men of Khand are the other races of Men of which I'm aware.
Posted by: MisterDavid | June 20, 2010 at 11:08 PM