The talking trees in Lord of the Rings are called Ents. They are a species of sentient beings in J.R.R. Tolkiens fantasy world of Middle-earth who closely resemble trees. Ents are described as shepherds to the trees and are the protectors of the forests. They are instrumental to the plot of the story and are allies of the free peoples of Middle-earth during the War of the Ring. The most recognizable Ent is Treebeard, who is called the oldest creature in Middle-earth.