Bree-men

The Bree-men, also known as the Men of Bree, were the Men who lived in the town of Bree and its surrounding land. They were hardy folk who even beat off an attack of Saruman's ruffians towards the end of the War of the Ring.

Description & historical accounts[]

The Bree-men were mostly of Dunlendish, Middle Men stock. The early Third Age seems to be when Bree was properly founded and the townsfolk became more civilised, unlike their wild kin-folk living in Dunland.^[1] Many of the Forest-folk of Minhiriath were driven by the Númenoreans south to Eryn Vorn and north to Bree due to mistakenly being grouped as Men of the Shadow.^[2]

When the Dúnedain exiled from Númenor came to Middle-earth at the end of the Second Age, the Bree-men became part of Arnor, and after it became divided, the Kings of Cardolan claimed it; however, from the early 15th century onward it retained a certain degree of independence.^[3]

The Bree-men also lived with Hobbits (the only Men to do so) who fled from the threat of Angmar that began arriving in TA 1300.^[3]

The Bree-men lived mostly in houses on Bree-hill,^[4] and often met and socialised at the Inn of the Prancing Pony. They were not keen on travelling, but were generally welcoming to strangers and visitors.^[5][6]

One habit that the Bree-men shared with Hobbits was a love of Pipe-weed. A variety was grown in the Southlinch in the Bree-land, although it was not as highly prized by the locals as leaf from the Shire.

Family names[]

• Appledore
• Butterbur
• Ferny
• Goatleaf
• Heathertoes
• Pickthorn
• Rushlight
• Thistlewool

Translations[]

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