[HairOfTheDog]

So the Barrow-wights are not the spirits of the kings who were buried there at all? - they are demons who came there later and took over the barrows?

[Overtaxed]

So the Barrow-wights are not the spirits of the kings who were buried there at all?

Some trace of the kings' spirits are present in the barrow, aren't they? When Merry wakes up he says:

'Of course, I remember! The men of Carn Dum came on us at night, and we were worsted. Ah! the spear in my heart!' He clutched at his breast. 'No! No!' he said, opening his eyes. 'What am I saying? I have been dreaming.'

Now I have to look up Carn Dum!