Lord of the Rings/Characters/Darethor Thornfall
Darethor Thornfall
Darethor Thornfall is the last known heir of the ruling house of Lethrain. He was trained as a ranger by his father and grew up with the knowledge that King Borlan Thornfall II, one of his ancestors, had fallen under Sauron’s influence and become one of the Nazgûl.
During a quest to reclaim his heritage, Darethor discovered an ancient sword connected to Borlan II and his cursed Ring. When Darethor touched it, the sword seared his hand and left a jagged black-and-red scar that glows faintly in the presence of evil. The wound tethered him lightly to the Ringwraith’s power. He began to experience visions, hear whispers from the Unseen Realm, and sense nearby servants of the Shadow.
Although the scar heightens his perception, Darethor constantly resists its influence. Known as the “Shadow of Lethrain,” he wanders Middle-earth hunting evil and searching for a way to sever his bond with the Ringwraiths before it consumes him.
While crossing Rohan, Darethor followed an Orc band entering the Mark. He met Ulfrik, who was tracking Gorbad the Slaughterer. The two Orc parties joined into a larger warband, prompting the rangers to combine Darethor’s stealth and unnatural perception with Ulfrik’s knowledge of Rohan and skill in battle. They now hunt the united force across the plains of the Mark.
