Tarenthor was born in Gondor to a warrior named Taralthas. His father planned for Tarenthor to follow in his footsteps and become a soldier, but the boy had other aspirations; to be a famous hero like those in the stories his father would tell. When he was old enough, he set out on his own, using the skills his father had taught him, and began a career as an adventurer.

However, the naive young boy soon learned that the world is a harsh place full of evil people. He became indebted to an unscrupulous knave in Dale called Philip Lakeweed and was unable to pay his debt. In return, Lakeweed forced him into working as a bruiser, beating money out of other poor souls who had been unfortunate enough to owe Lakeweed money. Then, something happened during one of his "persuasions" that Tarenthor refuses to talk about. He turned against Lakeweed, breaking his legs and escaping from servitude.

Now free, Tarenthor has come to Bree-land. He still seeks fame and fortune, but now he has another mission; to atone for the crimes he committed in Lakeweed's service and make Middle-earth a better place.