Born in the farmland north of Bree, Haolden is the younger son of a large family, whom he now rarely sees. When younger, the telling of tales and the singing of songs captured his heart, and with determination and his native skill he began to gain renown. He was the first of his kin to take up arms when dark forces began to stir in Eriador, and he applied himself to every task that fell to him with a glad heart and eager voice.

For a time, he was a familiar sight in western Eriador, ranging from Angmar in the north to Eregion in the south. He joined forces with others in the kinship called Defiance and risked his life often in the service of the Free Peoples of the north.

However, something soon changed. Whether it was some personal tragedy or just his experiences in fighting against the Shadow, Haolden's mood and demeanour darkened. He began to disappear for long periods at a time, and when he was seen, it was rarely for long.

None save Haolden can say the reason for this, but lately things have begun to change, and the reason for this is easier to discern. Adilyr, a warrior of Bree-land, struck up a friendship with the reclusive minstrel and began the process of dragging him out of his personal darkness. Haolden has become a familiar sight again on the highways and byways of Eriador, and has even ranged into Rhovanion, recently reaching the lands of the Horselords of Rohan.

Haolden still keeps mostly to himself, though he will help out those in need if they ask. As Defiance has long splintered, he has been persuaded to join Adilyr's The Red Company and has found in it new companions and friends to aid and guide. Time will tell if this new alliance proves well-founded, and whether Haolden's return to a life of striving is a lasting one.