Thegen was a common title for a Chieftain among the Northmen. Among the Rohirrim the equivalent Thane designated a follower or squire (100 Royal Thanes were subordinates of the local Reeves and led each one Éored), while among the Hobbits the Thain designated the nominal military leader of the Shire-folk. Among the Woodmen the Thegna or later Degan was the nominal Chieftain of the Woodmen of Rhovanion who traditionally resided at Theihstathbaurg.
Derived Titles:
- Hauhthegna (Old Rhovanian) – High-Thane or High-Chief ("Huithyn").
Speculations:[]
The older ICE MERP source-books use the terms Thyn and Thign. While Thyn is an incorrect form, the word thign derives from Anglo-Saxon þegen, Old Frankish degan, and Old Norse þegn, all words meaning a free man, Hero, Warrior, servant, thane.