Original Character Ideas

LOTR OC #41

Tauragon

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

OTHER NAMES
    •    Tauragon ("Mighty Bull" in Sindarin)
    •    Gorthar Taur ("Bull of Wrath" among Orcs)
    •    Thaurhul ("Soul of the Forest" in ancient lore of the Entwives)

TITLES
    •    The Wanderer of Farothrîn
    •    King of Tarathûn

BIRTH
Early in the Fourth Age

DEATH
Unknown, possibly still alive (due to his Tauran longevity)

SPOUSE
Míriel Elenath

WEAPON
A mighty double-headed battle axe carved with Tauran runes, known as "Bragollach" ("Sudden Flame").

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

RACE
Tauran (a Minotaur-like species)

HEIGHT
Nearly 10 feet (towering over all Men and Elves)

HAIR
Dark brown with streaks of silver and white scars from battle

EYES
Golden, glowing faintly in dim light; piercing and sorrowful

CULTURE
The Taurans of Farothrîn, an ancient, isolated people who lived in harmony with nature under the guidance of the Entwives

BIOGRAPHY

Origins in Farothrîn

Tauragon was born in the distant and secretive land of Farothrîn, where the Taurans thrived in the shadow of the Entwives. Their people lived according to the teachings of Yavanna, the Vala of nature and growth, and revered the balance between strength and stewardship. Tauragon was one of their greatest warriors, chosen to defend the borders of their land from intruders, yet his heart was heavy with longing to see the wider world.

In his youth, he was mentored by the Entwives, who saw in him a rare blend of ferocity and gentleness. They taught him to honor all living things, yet not to hesitate when his strength was needed to protect what was good.

Journey to Middle-earth

In the early years of the Fourth Age, driven by a mysterious call in his spirit and whispers from the Entwives, Tauragon ventured into Middle-earth. Carrying Bragollach, the ancestral axe of his people, he crossed vast lands on foot, moving with both caution and determination.

He first encountered the remnants of Sauron's Orcs, who mistook him for a beast and sought to hunt him. Their underestimation proved fatal, as Tauragon's skill in combat was unmatched. He hunted them down relentlessly, driven by a fierce sense of justice, even chasing them into the lands of Arnor.

Meeting Míriel Elenath

In the rocky plains near the borders of Arnor, Tauragon, gravely wounded from battle, encountered Míriel Elenath, a Dúnedain ranger. Their meeting was marked by mutual curiosity and courage. Despite his initial distrust, Míriel's calm demeanor and clear intention to help broke through his guarded nature. She tended his wounds, naming him Tauragon after his immense strength and noble presence.

Their bond grew over time, and eventually, love blossomed. They sought refuge beneath the Dwimorberg, where they discovered vast caverns and began building a secret kingdom.

Reign in Tarathûn

Míriel and Tauragon ruled their kingdom in secrecy, fostering a unique culture that blended Númenórean wisdom and Tauran strength. Their children, mighty in body and spirit, became a new race, hidden from the world above.

Tauragon, as king, remained a protector of his people and a force of nature against the lingering evils of Middle-earth. His legend grew among Men, though few ever saw him.

PERSONALITY

Tauragon is a complex figure, embodying both the ferocity of his Tauran heritage and the compassion instilled by the Entwives. He is introspective and carries a deep sense of duty, often burdened by the weight of his actions. Though initially distrustful of Men and Elves, his love for Míriel softened his heart and gave him hope for unity.

ETYMLOGY

Tauragon comes from Taur ("forest" or "mighty") and gon ("stone" or "strength"), signifying his unyielding nature and connection to the earth.