In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Treebeard is an Ent.
Treebeard, whose Elvish name is Fangorn, is the oldest of the Ents encountered by the heroes in The Lord of the Rings. Ents are tree-like shepherds created to guard and care for trees. Their name is related to an Old English word for giant, and Tolkien’s portrayal combines ancient folklore with his concern for the destruction of forests.
Merry and Pippin meet Treebeard in Fangorn Forest after escaping from the Orcs. Their account of Saruman’s destruction of trees helps persuade him that the Ents must take action. The Ents later march against Isengard, damaging Saruman’s stronghold and helping end his power.
Treebeard is not himself a tree, although he resembles one and is closely linked to trees. Entwives are the female counterparts in Tolkien’s mythology. The word “Ent” should also not be confused with Maiar, a different order of spiritual beings that includes Gandalf and Sauron.