Rhosgobel, the House of Radagast

The home of Radagast the Brown lies on the western edge of the forest, just north of the Old Forest Road, southeast of the Carrock and Beorn’s realm.

Rhosgobel is a sprawling building built over many centuries, clustered about the trunk of an ancient sequoia in a grove of pines. By building around the great trees and, it would appear, encouraging their growth, Radagast has achieved a house that becomes as one with the natural world. Indeed, most of Rhosgobel consists of gardens, greenhouses, seeding rooms and dry stores of seeds and herbs. Beside and in the sprawling pens and paddocks are kept all manner of creatures, all of whom stay of their own accord and many of which are rescued to be healed by Radagast. Above, in the eaves of the forest, dwell Radagast’s friends the birds - great flocks of them circle and roost about Rhosgobel, filling the air with their songful voices.

Radagast the Brown, Istari

Radagast the Brown is known as a Wizard, yet of an unusual sort for his affinity is with all living and growing things, the creatures and plants, rather than spells of fire and ice.

Few have heard the tale of his origin, and it varies according to the teller. Elves speak of his arrival from over the sea with the other Wizards, whilst woodmen legends insist that he emerged from the belly of an ancient tree or is, in fact, a great eagle transformed into a man.

Radagast remains at Rhosgobel. He fell aside from directly pursuing the struggle against the Shadow soon after arriving in Middle-earth, for his fascination with the wild creatures and flora of the land dwarfed any concern he had for the affairs of Elves and Men. However, he attended the White Council and lent his assistance whenever asked.

When Saruman’s treachery was exposed Radagast was mortified, for he counted Saruman as a close friend and had clearly fallen under the spell of his fellow Wizard’s voice. This brought the realisation that should the Shadow be victorious all he treasured; bird, beast and flower would be twisted and blackened. Radagast was thus galvanised into action and was strongly active in the remainder of the Third Age, aiding the Elves of Lothlórien and Mirkwood with intelligence and spirited fighting from his avian and bestial hosts. In addition it was Radagast who helped persuade Thorondor, Lord of the Eagles, to lead his host east to the Battle of the Five Armies and south to the Last Battle at the gates of Mordor. His timing was impeccable.

Radagast himself had cause to fight when a small host of goblins attacked Rhosgobel. He took the form of a bear - doubtless influenced by his association with Beorn - and with the aid of his loyal animals slew the entire group. This he found entirely distasteful, and since he has recruited a few strong woodmen to act as his Rangers and guardians.

The woodmen are glad to assist Radagast, who for centuries has aided them with healing and the lore of herbs and husbandry. Each year five pupils, often daughters of the village elders and healers, are sent to study beneath him. He is an erratic teacher at best, but his knowledge is encyclopedic.

Radagast is said to have the mastery of transformations, conjuring, healing, naturalist and animal magic of all kinds. Though such feats (or, for that matter, Radagast himself) are rarely seen in public, it is said amongst the woodmen that Radagast can bring a tree to fruit in winter and a forest tiger to curl up purring like a kitten.

"I am a wizard," continued Gandalf. "I have heard of you, if you have not heard of me; but perhaps you have heard of my good cousin Radagast who lives near the Southern borders of Mirkwood?"

"Yes; not a bad fellow as wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again," said Beorn.

- The Hobbit

‘At first I feared, as Saruman no doubt intended, that Radagast had also fallen. Yet I had caught no hint of anything wrong in his voice or in his eye at our meeting. If I had, I should never have gone to Isengard, or I should have gone more warily. So Saruman guessed, and he had concealed his mind and deceived his messenger. It would have been useless in any case to try and win over the honest Radagast to treachery. He sought me in good faith, and so persuaded me.

‘That was the undoing of Saruman’s plot. For Radagast knew no reason why he should not do as I asked; and he rode away towards Mirkwood where he had many friends of old. And the Eagles of the Mountains went far and wide, and they saw many things the gathering of wolves and the mustering of Orcs; and the Nine Riders going hither and thither in the lands; and they heard news of the escape of Gollum. And they sent a messenger to bring these tidings to me.

‘So it was that when summer waned, there came a night of moon, and Gwaihir the Winlord, swiftest of the Great Eagles, came unlooked-for to Orthanc; and he found me standing on the pinnacle.

- The Fellowship of the Ring