The only child of a "master warrior" of the Rohirrim. Hildthryth's mother died giving birth to her. She grew up admiring her father and the other Rohirric "spear warriors" of his cavalry with whom she often spent her time. She often dreamed of becoming a captain when she grew up.

Her father, however, did not believe his daughter should become a soldier for both her safety and his personal beliefs. She chose to defy him and found a swordsmaster willing to tutor her. She learned to both make and wield bladed weapons, especially spear, sword, and halberd.

When her father discovered her secret, he challenged her to a duel. Though she lost and recieved two scars on her face, her father commended her for her growth, acknowledging her as if she were his son. She was allowed to remain at the barracks as a warrior with his blessing, albeit not immediately well-liked by the other warriors.

A group of Wild Men set her father's barracks ablaze one dry summer night. She and a few other soldiers survived, the rest, her father included, perished. She and a few of those soldiers eventually left to make their own money on the road.

As she came of age, Hildthryth made her way to Bree-land under the new identity of a young man named "Hilte". Unable to find work for a while, she was without room and board until she finally got a job from the merchant Wregan.

Hildthryth's name means "battle strength". She is usually seen with her mare, Bladesung. The name Bladesung means "blazing".