Forth rode Théoden. Five nights and days
east and onward rode the Eorlingas
through Folde and Fenmarch and the Firienwood,
– The Return of the King (Book 5), Chapter 3
The Folde is the region of Rohan in which both the current capital of Edoras and former capital of Aldburg is situated. Known also as the King’s Lands, they form a central part of the realm, with many towns, villages and farms populating the region.
History
Originally a part of the Gondorian province of Calenardhon, the region that would become the Folde was hit hard by the Great Plague, and the Dúnedain population dwindled. In T.A. 2510 the Folde was granted to the Éothéod by Steward Cirion after the Battle of the Field of Celebrant. Eorl the Young set up his capital in an old Gondorian fortress at Aldburg, though it was moved to Edoras by his son Brego, with control of Aldburg given to Brego’s son. In T.A. 2570, King Baldor disappeared after passing through the Dark Door at Dunharrow. Five years later, when Dunlendings, led by Wulf, overran Rohan, King Helm fled the Folde for the Hornburg. After the War of Dwarves and Orcs, Orcs fleeing south from the Misty Mountains briefly traversed the Folde, and were hunted down and killed by the Rohirrim.
Geography
The Folde is roughly in the centre of Rohan, bordered by the White Mountains to the south, Eastfold to the east, Westfold to the west and the plains of the Westemnet to the north, beyond the river Snowbourn. The region features many settlements, including the capital of Edoras and the fortress of Aldburg. South of Edoras is Harrowdale, where Dunharrow and the Dark Door lie in the shadow of the Starkhorn. Whilst the land is more elevated among the foothills of the White Mountains, it levels out into plains towards the Westemnet, making it ideal for farming. As the Folde is in the centre of Rohan, the location of the Muster of Rohan is featured within, in Harrowdale. The Great West Road traverses the Folde.
Climate
The Folde has a climate ideal for raising horses and growing crops, sheltered from the worst storms by the White Mountains.
Culture
As the centre of the kingdom, Rohirric culture dominates the Folde. The people live in longhouses, in Anglo-saxon style settlements. They are proficient horse-riders and warriors, and enjoy tales and songs.
Governance
As a part of the King’s Lands, the Folde is governed directly from Edoras. Local troops answer to the Muster of Edoras in times of war. One of the King’s allies usually lives in Aldburg.
Economy
The economy of the Folde is a little more advanced than that of other regions within Rohan, as the king and his retinue in Edoras require more complex goods. However, it is still largely agrarian, with farming and horses providing much of the employment. Some specialist industries exist within the larger cities, and there are some stone quarries in the foothills of the White Mountains.
