Hunter and Rider
The Hunter and the Rider were shadowy creatures of Elvish legends, said to have plagued the newly-awakened Elves at Cuiviénen. The true identities of the Hunter and the Rider is unknown. The legend could have had its source in lies spread by Melkor about Oromë, in an attempt to deceive the Elves into thinking that he was evil. It is also possible that the Hunter and the Rider were some of the "shadows and evil spirits" sent by Melkor to spy upon and harass the Quendi, some Maiar loyal to Melkor, or even Melkor himself.
History
Melkor was the first of the Ainur to know of the Awakening of the Elves. He sent Úmaiar to trouble and hinder the first Elves at Cuiviénen. Any elves that wandered away from the larger group were captured by the servants of Melkor, and taken to Utumno. The spirit or spirits who captured the wandering elves were known in the legends of the Elves as the Hunter. The ancient legends also told of a Rider on horseback who pursued and devoured elves. These legends were created by Melkor. Either his servants took the form of riders, or he spread lies that became legends about the Rider. The purpose of Melkor's deceit was to trick the Elves into fearing Oromë. Melkor knew that Oromë was the most likely of the Valar to first discover the Elves, and he did not want the Elves to trust him.
Referencias
1. Esta ficha se ha importado inicialmente de TolkienGateway.net el día 26/05/2026.
