What is the name of the horse given to Gandalf by Théoden?

The horse given to Gandalf by Théoden is named Shadowfax. He is one of the great horses of Rohan and belongs to the Mearas, a legendary line renowned for speed, intelligence, endurance, and exceptional loyalty. Théoden, king of Rohan, allows Gandalf to choose a horse after the wizard’s release from Saruman’s imprisonment.

Shadowfax carries Gandalf away from Edoras and becomes his principal mount during the War of the Ring. He can run extraordinarily fast and travel long distances with little rest. His pale or silver-grey appearance is reflected in his name, which combines the ideas of shadow and mane.

Shadowfax is not merely a fast riding animal. In Tolkien’s story, he understands speech, responds to Gandalf’s commands, and is brave amid battle and supernatural danger. He carries Gandalf to Minas Tirith and later onto the Pelennor Fields. Readers sometimes confuse him with Snowmane, Théoden’s own horse, or with Asfaloth, the horse associated with Glorfindel.