Pop quiz, Tolkien fans! Who was the wife of Tom Bombadil, also known as River-woman's daughter? This River-maiden is also in Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, so you might have met her on your travels as well if you play the MMO. Take a guess and head to the full article to see if you're right.

 

With today's MMORPGs chock-full with enough content to make a player's head spin, it's always been a good thing to step back, relax, and enjoy the digital scenery around your character to gather your wits. It's the same case with Codemasters' The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, with the developers recreating well-known and not-so-well-known places in Middle-earth for players to explore. This update is about another one of them, namely the peaceful-looking but bandit-infested Greenway.

Built as a highway connecting the South and North Kingdoms, the Greenway unfortunately saw little use, becoming overgrown with moss and grass. Adventurers are warned not to take its benign countenance for granted. As not only does it harbor thieves, bandits and other undesirable ilk, it also has its share of life-threatening perils in the wilds it runs through.

Of course, those who wish to take up this challenge should also know that they walk upon the footsteps of legends - as the Greenway is the route Tom Bombadil took Frodo and his companions on after their narrow escape from Cardolan's last prince. Which means you'll be facing the same exact dangers they faced - so it helps to be prepared.

More updates as we get them!

Okay before I say anything else, you should know that the Old Man Willow has been going through difficult times lately. Why? Because he was constantly being compared with Harry Potter's Whomping Willow. Bwahahaha! (Funny, right? No? Damn, tough crowd.)

Lame jokes aside though, you guys have probably noticed that we've been touring you around Middle-earth bit by bit: we brought you guys to the Hall of Fire in Rivendall and also to Crickhollow. So if you're really not that into geography (even if it's in the realm of Lord Of The Rings Online), today, we'll introduce you to one more interesting character in the game. Fellas, meet Old Man Willow.

Old Man Willow, with his huge trunk and spread-out branches, stands along the banks of Withywindle. And because he dwells just near the river's valley, a lot of adventurers and travellers are easily drawn to the lure of his shade. He is also one of the first great and ancient powers in Middle-earth that you'll probably encounter so you might wanna be wary when approaching him. He's very (and we mean VERY) protective of the dark forest, so again, proceed with caution. Otherwise, you'll find yourself tangled up in the roots and fissures of Old Man Willow.

If you're lucky, Tom Bombadil might be around to save you just like he saved Frodo and the gang in the Fellowship of the Ring. But just in case old Tom isn't around, don't say we didn't warn ya.

"Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow -
Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow."

He's jolly, good-natured, and an excellent host - but beneath his affable exterior there is a Being of extraordinary power and wisdom. Is he Maia, one of the lesser supernatural beings sent  from the Deathless Lands to protect Middle Earth in its time of troubles? Who - and whatever he is, Tom Bombadil, whom the Quendi (Elves) name "Iarwain Ben-Adar"  is far older and more powerful than anyone can imagine.

Tom Bombadil and his companion, Goldberry the River Maiden are now part of the virtual world of Lord of The Rings: Shadows of Angmar. Weary travelers between Buckland and the Barrow-Downs will be glad to encounter his welcoming abode in the middle of the Old Forest. They will also benefit from his protection; within his forest realm, Tom Bombadil is indeed the absolute master.

Lord of The Rings: Shadows of Angmar is published by Turbine. The game has not yet been released, but beta testing will be starting soon.