J.R.R. Tolkien called the tree-like shepherds in The Lord of the Rings Ents.
The Ents are ancient beings who resemble trees and protect the forests of Middle-earth. Their name comes from an Old English word meaning “giant,” and Tolkien connected them to the broader tradition of animated or personified trees in mythology and literature. In the story, they are especially associated with Fangorn Forest.
The most prominent Ent is Treebeard, who meets Merry and Pippin after they enter Fangorn. Treebeard and the other Ents eventually hold an Entmoot, a formal gathering, and decide to march against Isengard. Their attack damages Saruman’s stronghold and demonstrates the power of nature against industrial destruction.
Readers sometimes confuse Ents with Huorns. Huorns are related, darker, and more mysterious tree-like beings, but “Ents” is the canonical name for the speaking tree-shepherd people. The Ents’ slow deliberation, long memories, and distinctive speech are central features of their portrayal.