From Library of the Randirim

A copy of the Green Book as written by Redrogo Longbottoms; note the hawk emblem inlaid at the top and the initials RL at the bottom.

The Green Book of Harrowdale is a collection of fiction and verse bound in green vellum.

The writing of the Green Book is attributed to the hobbit Redrogo Longbottoms, of whom several adventures are recorded within. According to Redrogo's own notes, the Book was begun as a way to record his many ideas for stories and songs. Despite its initial purpose, the Book also served as a sort of journal in which the hobbit recounted several of his journies, as well as other items of interest. Family trees, historic accounts, and structural drawings are just a few of the recordings that comprise the contents of the volume.

Although the Green Book was held in the Southfarthing of the Shire for many years, it eventually found its way into the valley of Harrowdale. There, it was regarded as something of a treasure by the people of Rohan, who held a strong affinity for the Shire-folk and an even stronger curiosity still for the people they had once regarded as legendary. Indeed, it was thanks to the people of Rohan that several copies of the Book were produced and passed down throughout the generations. It was said that Redrogo himself had gifted an earlier copy of the Book to the library at Randirim Hall, but that volume was lost to the ages.

Writings from the Green Book

Here follows a poem inspired by the boastful arrogance of one Tarandil Ruincrist, who later led an assault upon Fornost and whom Redrogo met on a journey in the woodlands north of Bree:

"One night upon a dusky wood,

with silver'd blade in hand,

therein a valiant paladin,

did gallantly descend.

He came upon a brazen foe,

whose tongue did naught but wag

and with his sword still fast in hand,

he loosed it from the crag.

It hit the ground and flopped about,

Like fish pulled from the sea.

And with a flash the beast was dead,

Sword-pinned upon a tree.

The wine-lipped foe then cried aloud,

and now he fin'lly knew.

What lesson had been driven home?

Silence is a virtue!"

These are the words penned and later uttered by the hobbit upon his meeting of the elf-maid Eruanna:

"The fairest face in all the land,

echanting tunes weaved with silken hand

The Queen of Hearts she must be called

for she hath mine thus far enthralled."

Other Entries

The Longbottoms Family Tree

A Floorplan of Longfurrows