(Mostly) New Locations in Bree-land

[Otaku-sempai]

The newly revealed contents page for Bree gives several new places in Bree-land that will presumably be outlined in more detail in the sourcebook. Shall we discuss them? Continuing from Falenthal's post here:

The Hall of Orgulas?
The Forsaken Inn?
The Thieves' Glen?
The Elf-dell?

You've picked my interest to see what you've come up with, for sure!

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but Orgulas Brandybuck (born TA 2868) was the youngest child of Marmadoc Brandybuck and the father of Gorbulas Brandybuck. Of course, this could be a different Orgulas (of Bree?).

I believe that the Forsaken Inn is said to be unoccupied during the suggested timeframe for Ruins of the North, but I have speculated that the place has had a number of different owners who have tried to make a go of the inn over the years. It would also be a good secret rendezvous for Rangers of the North and a possible location for them to keep a hidden cache of supplies.

The Thieves' Glen could be anything from the name of a tavern in Combe (with a less than wholesome reputation?) to a clearing once used as a meeting place for a gang of bandits. Also in Combe we have the High House. I'm guessing that it is a Mannish structure; perhaps it is notable for being the highest building in Bree-land (three floors?).

The Elf-dell might also serve as a secret rendezvous for Rangers and/or young lovers.

The Wood-castle in Archet is another intriguing place-name. Perhaps it is an old defensive fortification?

[Falenthal]

The Elf-dell might also serve as a secret rendezvous for Rangers and/or young lovers.

I have to admit I don't know what a "dell" is (*), but what comes to my mind is the fact that the Wandering Companies that travel from Rivendel to the Grey Havens are said (by Gildor?) that they can walk the whole way without being seen by mortals.

Also, I seem to remember that other glades like the one Frodo & Co. are taken to do exist. So, my guess is that the Elf-dell is an elven glade where the Wandering Companies (and maybe also some Rangers, or at least Elladan and Elrohir) can rest safely in their journeys through Eriador.

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* Unless it's an old english form of "dale", as in Rivendell (Valley of the River, if I'm not mistaken).

[Kirppu]

The Elf-dell might also serve as a secret rendezvous for Rangers and/or young lovers.

I have to admit I don't know what a "dell" is (*), but what comes to my mind is the fact that the Wandering Companies that travel from Rivendel to the Grey Havens are said (by Gildor?) that they can walk the whole way without being seen by mortals.

Also, I seem to remember that other glades like the one Frodo & Co. are taken to do exist. So, my guess is that the Elf-dell is an elven glade where the Wandering Companies (and maybe also some Rangers, or at least Elladan and Elrohir) can rest safely in their journeys through Eriador.

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* Unless it's an old english form of "dale", as in Rivendell (Valley of the River, if I'm not mistaken).

A dell is a little wooded valley, still in use today as a word, in England at least, I would happily use it to describe routes taken, campsites used etc when hiking for instance. I would assume it is a safe bet its directly related to Dale just as you say, and I've always taken it that way.

[Otaku-sempai]

The Elf-dell might also serve as a secret rendezvous for Rangers and/or young lovers.

I have to admit I don't know what a "dell" is (*), but what comes to my mind is the fact that the Wandering Companies that travel from Rivendel to the Grey Havens are said (by Gildor?) that they can walk the whole way without being seen by mortals.

----------

* Unless it's an old english form of "dale", as in Rivendell (Valley of the River, if I'm not mistaken).

The two words 'dell' and 'dale' are related with both coming from the same root. A dale is a broad, lowland valley while a dell is small and secluded.

Also, I seem to remember that other glades like the one Frodo & Co. are taken to do exist. So, my guess is that the Elf-dell is an elven glade where the Wandering Companies (and maybe also some Rangers, or at least Elladan and Elrohir) can rest safely in their journeys through Eriador.

That's also a possibility. Archet is in the Chetwood, north of Bree, and a place called the Elf-dell might well be a place where wandering companies of Elves stop to rest.

EDIT 6/27: Having now been able to look over the PDF, I can state that you nailed it regarding the use of the Elf-dell. Wandering companies of Elves use it for feasting and rest.

[Otaku-sempai]

I have just downloaded the PDF for Bree! Looking over the map, I see:

• Gridley Island, north of the Brandywine Bridge.

• The Forsaken Inn about 20 miles east of Bree, right where it should be.

I'm going to do some reading now.

EDIT (some hours later): So, I've given the PDF a read-through. There is nothing of note on Gridley Island as of yet, but there are plans for it. The Forsaken Inn does have a current owner during the period of time suggested in the book and it is in use (if in a somewhat dilapidated condition).

[Otaku-sempai]

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but Orgulas Brandybuck (born TA 2868) was the youngest child of Marmadoc Brandybuck and the father of Gorbulas Brandybuck. Of course, this could be a different Orgulas (of Bree?).

The Hall of Orgulas was indeed constructed for Orgulas Brandybuck--as a hunting lodge, now seemingly abandoned.

I believe that the Forsaken Inn is said to be unoccupied during the suggested time frame for Ruins of the North, but I have speculated that the place has had a number of different owners who have tried to make a go of the inn over the years. It would also be a good secret rendezvous for Rangers of the North and a possible location for them to keep a hidden cache of supplies.

So, not abandoned after all; it just looks like it should be condemned. Jack, the owner, does not seem to be any particular friend to the Dúnedain, at least as he is described.

The Thieves' Glen could be anything from the name of a tavern in Combe (with a less than wholesome reputation?) to a clearing once used as a meeting place for a gang of bandits. Also in Combe we have the High House. I'm guessing that it is a Mannish structure; perhaps it is notable for being the highest building in Bree-land (three floors?).

Yes, the Thieves' Glen is a woodland clearing used in the past to ambush travelers. Well, no one ever accused Bree-landers of being particularly imaginative when bestowing names. The High House is a ruin, but perhaps more than it seems.

The Elf-dell might also serve as a secret rendezvous for Rangers and/or young lovers.

This name turns out to be self-explanatory.

The Wood-castle in Archet is another intriguing place-name. Perhaps it is an old defensive fortification?

Well, that was a pretty good guess!