In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Treebeard is an Ent.
Ents are ancient tree-like beings who guard and care for forests. Treebeard, whose Elvish name is Fangorn, is one of the oldest and most important Ents in the stories. He lives in Fangorn Forest and becomes involved in the War of the Ring after meeting Merry and Pippin, two hobbits separated from the Fellowship.
The Ents’ attack on Isengard is one of their most significant actions. Angered by Saruman’s destruction of trees for industry and war, Treebeard helps lead the Ents against the fortress. Their assault demonstrates that the natural world of Middle-earth is not merely scenery but can act as a powerful force in history.
Treebeard is sometimes mistaken for a giant or a wizard because of his size and age. Tolkien’s Ents are a distinct people, inspired partly by old traditions about talking or walking trees and by the author’s concern with the destruction of forests.