Shadowfax is the Lord of the Mearas, an exceptionally swift and intelligent breed of horses from Rohan. He’s a friend of Gandalf and carries him into battle. While still under the influence of Wormtongue, Théoden is angry with Gandalf for taking Shadowfax, but he later gifts Shadowfax to Gandalf in thanks for exposing Wormtongue as a spy for Saruman.
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Shadowfax Character Timeline in The Two Towers
The timeline below shows where the character Shadowfax appears in The Two Towers. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 3, Chapter 2
...him that Gandalf is no longer in Théoden’s favor because he took the king’s horse Shadowfax. Gandalf is a “herald of strange events: a bringer of evil, some now say.” It...
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Book 3, Chapter 3
...the orcs along the river. All Pippin knows about the Rohirrim is that Gandalf’s horse Shadowfax comes from their land, a thought which sounds hopeful. Still, Pippin wonders how the horsemen...
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Book 3, Chapter 5
...three times and calls three horses—the two that Éomer gifted to the Three Hunters and Shadowfax, the lord of horses, which Gandalf will ride into battle. He explains that the Rohirrim’s...
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Book 3, Chapter 6
...he owes his freedom to Éomer and Gandalf, and offers Gandalf a gift. Gandalf chooses Shadowfax, whom Théoden gives him happily, along with armor for Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas.
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...Gimli to ride with him. Gimli agrees, if Legolas can ride beside them. Gandalf calls Shadowfax and throws back his grey cloak, revealing his white clothes beneath.
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Book 3, Chapter 7
Gandalf tells Théoden that he has to leave with Shadowfax on an errand and to wait for him at Helm’s Deep, then rides swiftly away....
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Book 3, Chapter 11
Pippin, warm on Shadowfax and safe with Gandalf, begins to feel better. He marvels at Shadowfax’s speed, and Gandalf...
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...Minas Tirith, and advises Pippin to stop asking questions and sleep while he can. As Shadowfax runs, Pippin, falling asleep, feels as though he and Gandalf are sitting still while the...
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