Were the Ents and the Eagles Considered Free Peoples in Middle-earth?

The term 'Free Peoples' in Middle-earth, as used in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, primarily refers to those who are children of Eru Ilúvatar or those who, like the Dwarves, are under the grace of the Valar. This includes Elves, Men, and Hobbits. One might wonder whether the Ents and the Eagles, with their unique characteristics and actions, are also among the Free Peoples.

Defining the Free Peoples of Middle-earth

While neither Ents nor Eagles are traditionally considered 'people' in the sense of humans or Elves, they do possess qualities that align with the broader concept of the Free Peoples. These qualities include sentience, the capacity for independent thought, and a willingness to oppose Sauron and his forces.

The Early Misconception

Some might claim that Ents and Eagles were not considered among the Free Peoples based on the fact that none of the characters in Tolkien's books explicitly stated this. However, this oversight does not diminish their role in the narrative. For instance, the Eagles chose to leave the mountains and fight at the Black Gate, and the Ents chose to defy and defeat Saruman. These actions demonstrate their free will and opposition to dark forces.

The Eagles: Agents of Manw?

Specifically regarding the Eagles, it is important to note that they were indeed servants of Manw?, King of the Valar. While this does not fully qualify them as Free Peoples, it does show their independent nature and decisions. The Eagles, in many instances, acted on their own accord, even when presented with complex situations, such as flying Gandalf only a short distance due to their own reasons, not because of any external constraint.

The Ents: Independent Territory Guardians

The Ents, on the other hand, seem to have been more insular and protective of their own territory. While we do not have explicit records of their opposition to Sauron, we can deduce that their actions against Saruman were driven by a desire to protect their lands and counter the malevolent presence of Saruman. This aligns with the broader concept of the Free Peoples, which includes the principle of defending the home and resisting darkness.

Potential of Being Considered Free Peoples

The Ents and Eagles do not fully meet the traditional definition of Free Peoples but come close. Hence, they can be seen as part of a broader category of beings that share key characteristics. Ents, as ancient and sapient beings, demonstrate a level of sentience and independent thought. Eagles, being servants of Manw?, possess the capacity for decision-making and action, even if they are under the watchful eye of a Valar.

Conclusion

While the Ents and Eagles may not be explicitly classified as Free Peoples, their actions and the way they interact with the broader narrative of Middle-earth suggest they share many qualities with those considered Free Peoples. They possess sentience, freedom to choose, and a willingness to oppose evil, making them significant contenders for inclusion in this broader category of Free Peoples in Middle-earth.

Keywords: Ents, Eagles, Free Peoples of Middle-earth