ent

Ents are a fictional race in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. They are ancient, sapient, tree-like beings who act as shepherds and guardians of the forest. Physically, they are tall and humanoid, with bark-like skin, twisted limbs, and hair of moss and leaves. They move slowly and deliberately, and their speech is in Entish, a long and detailed forest language contrasted with the more concise tongues of Men and Elves. Ents awaken and sleep with the cycles of the trees, and are said to be among the oldest living beings in Middle-earth. They were created by Eru Ilúvatar at Yavanna's request to protect the forests from harm.

In their society, beings gather for Entmoot, a council that decides how to respond to threats. The chief of Fangorn is Treebeard, the eldest Ent. When Merry and Pippin arrive in Fangorn, Treebeard is persuaded to act, and the Ents march on Isengard, destroying Saruman's war industry and contributing to his downfall.

Ents dwell primarily in Fangorn Forest, north of Rhovanion, though they can be found in other wooded regions. They are closely connected to the life of the trees and are patient, enduring guardians, often reluctant to intervene but fiercely protective when the need arises. Their presence emphasizes Tolkien's themes of nature, time, and resistance to industrialization.