Ghân-buri-Ghân
Ghân-buri-Ghân is the chieftain of the Wild Men, a strange and ancient people dwelling in the Drúadan Forest near the White Mountains. He is described as a short-legged, fat-armed, thick and stumpy figure, gnarled as an old stone, with a scanty beard straggling on his lumpy chin like dry moss, and clad only with grass about his waist. To Meriadoc Brandybuck, who observes him during the muster of Rohan, he recalls the Púkel-men of Dunharrow—ancient carved images brought to life, or perhaps a creature descended in true line through endless years from the models used by forgotten craftsmen long ago. Despite his wild appearance, he speaks the Common Speech, though in a halting fashion, mingled with uncouth words.
Identity and Background
Ghân-buri-Ghân introduces himself and his people through a stark declaration of their nature and history. When questioned by Théoden and Éomer, he states plainly, "No, father of Horse-men, we fight not. Hunt only. Kill gorgûn in woods, hate orc-folk. You hate gorgûn too. We help as we can." He further explains that the Wild Men have "long ears and long eyes; know all paths," and claims that they lived in the land "before Stone-houses; before Tall Men come up out of Water." This assertion establishes the Wild Men as an indigenous people, predating the settlements of the Rohirrim and the Gondorians, and positions them as a remnant of a far older world. Their hatred of the orc-folk, whom they call gorgûn, is a defining trait, and their willingness to help the Horse-men stems from this shared enmity rather than any allegiance to the kingdoms of Men.
Role in the March to Gondor
Ghân-buri-Ghân's crucial contribution comes during the muster of Rohan, when Théoden and Éomer are seeking a way to bring their host to the aid of Gondor. When Éomer asks how the Wild Men will help, Ghân-buri-Ghân answers, "Bring news. We look out from hills. We climb big mountain and look down. Stone-city is shut. Fire burns there outside; now inside too." He warns that the enemy, "gorgûn and men out of far-away," sit on the horse-road in great numbers, "more than Horse-men," and urges haste. This intelligence proves vital, as it reveals the direct route is blocked and that the siege of Minas Tirith is already underway. His knowledge of the land and the enemy's movements provides the Rohirrim with the information they need to plan their approach.
The Vanishing and Its Significance
After delivering his counsel, Ghân-buri-Ghân performs a gesture of farewell, squatting down and touching the earth with his horny brow. As he rises to depart, he suddenly stands looking up like a startled woodland animal snuffling a strange air, a light coming in his eyes. He cries out, "Wind is changing!" and in a twinkling, he and his fellows vanish into the glooms, never to be seen by any Rider of Rohan again. Not long after, far away eastward, the faint drums throbbed again. Yet to no heart in all the host came any fear that the Wild Men were unfaithful, strange and unlovely though they might appear. This moment is both mysterious and reassuring; his sudden premonition of the changing wind hints at a deep attunement to the natural world, and his complete disappearance underscores his people's elusiveness. The trust the Rohirrim place in him, despite his alien appearance, highlights the theme that courage and loyalty can be found in the most unexpected places.
Narrative Role and Thematic Significance
Ghân-buri-Ghân serves as a brief but memorable example of the free peoples uniting against the common threat of Sauron. His people, the Wild Men, are a marginalized and ancient race, yet their knowledge and aid prove essential to the success of the Rohirrim's ride. His appearance also enriches the world-building, connecting the present conflict to the deep history of Middle-earth, as his lineage is linked to the Púkel-men of Dunharrow. His parting words, "Wind is changing," can be read as a symbolic foreshadowing of the turning tide of the war, a moment of hope before the desperate battle. His role is a testament to the idea that even the smallest and most overlooked peoples can play a part in the great events of the age, and that their wisdom, rooted in the land itself, is a power that the forces of Mordor cannot comprehend.
