Fanghorn Forest

Birch is a family of trees with between 30-60 different species. Of those 11 are considered threatened. So, it is a bit fitting that one of the trees the ents specialize in is also pushed close to extinction in real life. They are also a pioneer species. Apparently birch is super opportunistic and hard to keep out. Burning is often an important way to get the birch population under control - otherwise they take over an area. So when the ents take over Isengard’s devastated territory, it makes sense to see Birch be part of the force that moves in. For the broader perspective birch is used for arrows and medicines. Two of the three main elven kingdoms are based in forests and the elves are master healers and archers. It would seem likely that birch trees would prove to be the starting point for an alliance between ents and elves.   Oak is apparently a prized wood for making ships out of – high ranking viking ships were often made out of oak in the 10th century. This wood is also popular for making wine, sherry and the corks for their bottles. These appear to be the main beverages I remember people drinking besides ales. North American oaks are apparently prized for lumber. Often oak is used as a symbol of strength and endurance – again, fitting given the state strength of the ents and their extreme life spans. Politically oaks are associated with the British Tory party. We can then assume that the ents would be a bit more conservative.   Rowan trees are between 10-20 meters tall. The wood is rather dense. According to folklore, they prevent harm from evil spirits and keep travelers from getting lost. They are also noted for their specific protections against witches. So it is fitting that the ent responsible for the protection of these trees led the charge against an evil wizard. Interestingly, the fruit is small and red, often used as a dye. So it could be said that the rowan trees formed a red line, which the devastation of caused a declaration of war.   Ash is apparently a rather divers group in that the name “ash” is applied to plants not really related to each other. The fraxinus genus is the genus of ash trees that has representation in the UK, which is the basis for my commentary at this point. This genus is medium to large deciduous trees. This genus is also effective wood for making bows. Guitars and drums are also made out of this wood.

No known mineral resources.