Great Eagle

The Great Eagles are a sapient species of giant bird that have the ability to speak and to carry on their backs riders of human size. Their exact nature is shrouded in mystery. They may be Maiar spirits that have taken the form of birds, or natural beasts that were granted the ability to speak by the Valar.

According to the Elves, the Eagles are the servants of Manwë, the Lord of the Valar. They often bear his messages or carry out his will in Middle-earth. The Eagles have long been allies of the Free Peoples and have occasionally aided them. Great Eagles of the Misty Mountains rescued the members of Thorin and Company from the Goblins of Goblin-town and later fought in the Battle of Five Armies. Gwaihir the Windlord saved Gandalf the Grey from his imprisonment in Isengard. Eagles were also present at the Battle of the Morannon, helping to turn the tide of that conflict. The circumstances under which the Eagles can intervene in the affairs of other races are mysterious and known only to themselves.

Many Great Eagles nest in the Eyrie high atop a mountain in the Vales of Anduin. While primarily based in the lands of Rhovanion, the Great Eagles can be found in many places throughout Middle-earth. In the Shield Isles and the lands of Umbar, they are known as Rocs, a giant bird featured in local folklore.

Known Great Eagles:

• Anórohir
• Egraedir
• Fameldir
• Fanglind
• Gwaihir the Windlord
• Landroval
• Meneldor
• Raghârik
• Raghda-gûn

Gallery

• 
  Anórohir
• 
  Egraedir
• 
  Fameldir
• 
  Fanglind
• 
  Gwaihir the Windlord
• 
  Landroval
• 
  Meneldor
• 
  Raghârik
• 
  Raghda-gûn