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The world of Arda is broken up into several continents, Endor (The Middle Lands) being the
most well known. It is more commonly referred to as Middle-earth and it is here that the Lord of the Rings
and the Hobbit is set. For those of you with explorers boots, it might be wise to know a little of the
major regions of middle-earth during the third age (especially of Rhovanion, home of this kinship).
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>> Rhovanion includes the land east of the Misty Mountains (Hithaeglir) and west of the river Carnen
(Redwater). The two primary rivers are, Celduin and the Anduin (Great River). The Celduin flows from the
lonely mountains in Erebor and joins with Carnen to flow into the sea of Rhun. The Anduin (Great River)
which flows south from the lonely mountains and runs between the Misty Mountains and Greenwood the Great
(Mirkwood). The Anduin features in many tales regarding the history of middle-earth. It is here that some
of the Teleri settled and were later joined by some Avari, Sindar and Noldor elves to eventually become
the Silvan Elves. It is also here that Isildur was slain and lost the one ring (that was cut from Saurons
hand by Isildur himself), which was latter found by Gollum.
>> Lothlorien is one of the woodland realms of the Silvan elves and is home to Lady Galadriel and Celeborn.
The forest of Lothlorien is situated between the Misty Mountains and of the same latitude as the south of
Mirkwood.
It is the most ancient of elvish kingdoms to survive after Gil-Galads fall in the second age and the most
beautiful of the all forests in Middle-earth. Lothlorien was able to survive the wrath of Sauron
through through the power of Galadriel (owner of one of the rings and power). It acted as a refuge for
the fellowship of the ring on their journeys. "There is in her and in this land no evil, unless a man
bring it hither himself." Three times during the war of the rings was Lorien assaulted from forces
heading west out of Dol Guldor. The times these dark forces were defeated. Celeborn led some of the
elves of Lorien into the south of Mirkwood and took Dol Guldur, allowing Galadriel to put and end to its
dark pits. For a time the southern Mirkwood became east Lorien. It was later the resting place of Arwen.
Lothlorien is the last place left in Middle-earth where the mallorn trees grow, their silver bark and
golden leaves adding to the enchantment of the forest. It is the dwelling place of the Irmo and Este of
the Valor and its fountains provide refreshment for many of Valinor. Lothlorien's chief city is Caras Galadon
and is the site of the court of Celeborn and Galadriel. The city lasted until the end of the third age
when it was for the most part deserted with the passing of elves into the west. Cerin Amroth, the Hill
upon which Amroth had his kinship may have been the center of another city of Lothlorien.
>> Mirkwood, originally called Greenwood the great is the largest of Middle-earths forests and home
to the woodelves (Silvan Elves).
When the Sindar elves came to Middle-earth at the beginning of the second age two realms were established
Rhovanion. Admir settled in Lotholorien while Orophers realm was in Greenwood the Great, specifically upon
the hill of Amon Lanc in the south of the fores so that he was close to Admir. Eventually, Oropher led his
people north to the Mountains of Middle-earth, towards the center of the forest.
Early in the third age Sauron under the guise of the necromancer established a fortress upon Amon Lanc
(later called Dol Guldur - Hill of Sorcery) from whence the dark lord could spread his corruption.
Greenwood the Great became a dark and gloomy forest, plagued by orcs, black squirrels and giant spiders
(believed to be descendants of Ungoliant) and the forests name was changed to Mirkwood. Thranduil, son of
Oropher led the elves north and established his halls by the forest river, whence they stayed well into the
fourth age.
The Forest River was a dark and enchanted river that would induce a deep sleep upon anyone who fell into
it. The Old Forest Road runs through Mirkwood, made most likely by dwarves to carry their wares on
journeys of trade, but has become a dangerous and little used road. After the War of the Ring Mirkwood
was cleansed and renamed Eryn Lasgalen or Taur e-Ndaedelos in the Sindarin tongue.
>> Fangorn is an ancient and mysterious forest at the southern end of the Misty Mountains.
It once was the eastern region of a forest that spread right throughout all of Eriador. It is named
after Fangorn, oldest of all Ents (an ancient tree like race) living there during the third age and
protector of the forest. Some regard the forest as dangerous and evil and indeed there are dark places
that reek of Morgoth and seem apparantly untouched since his rule over middle-earth. Fangorn is the last
home of the Ents and it is in this forest that Merry and Pipin meet Treebeard and where Gandalf is
reunited with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.
>> Dale is a city of men found on the southern slopes of Erebor. It was destroyed in the third age
2770 by Smaug and many of city's people found refuge in Esgaroth. With Smaugs death in 2941 Dale was
rebuilt by Bard who became their first King. During the War of the Ring Dale was laid seige by Easterlings.
Those that escaped to Erebor later returned and combined their forces with the Dwarves to defeat Dales
attackers.
>> Esgaroth is the city of men situated along the Long Lake and is also known as Lake town. It is
involved in trading (in particular food and drink) to Erebor and the Woodelves of Mirkwood. Smaug
destroyed the city in the Third Age 2941, though was killed in the attack himself and the city was
rebuilt with a portion of his hoard. The Long lake is an oval shaped body of water. The Forest River
and the Running River (which flows from the Lonely Mountains) empty into the Long Lake
>> Elves of Rhovanion
The first elves to Settle in Rhovanion were known as the Nandor, a portion of the Teleri that abandoned
the "Great Journey" in the vales of Anduin. A tribe of Avari elves known as the Penni tribe, merged with
the Nandor and became known as the Silvan Elves. Early in the second age Noldor, Sindar and perhaps
some Laiquendi elves merged with the Silvan people and are generally regarded as one race.
>> Men of Rhovanion
Men from the vales of Anduine established many tribes and kingdoms, however only three main groups of men
survived, the Woodmen, the Men of Dale (and Esgaroth) and the Beornings.
>> Woodmen of Western Mirkwood settled in the western regions of the center of Mirkwood. They were
constantly threatened by Orcs, spider and other foul creatures and evils that poured from Dol Guldur.
However, they were a resiliant people and survived through the third age and enjoyed the peace of central
mirkwood that came with the cleansing of the forest in the fourth age. The woodmen were good hunters,
espevially with the long bow and courageous in battle when defending their homes.
>> Men of Dale
The men of Dale are descended from the Edain. When their city was destroyed by Smaug the men of Dale were
scattered, though many found home in Esgaroth. After the city of Dale was rebuilt the men of Dale became
close friends of Dwarves once again. They fought valiantly in the retaking of their city during the War
of the Rings when it was laid seige by Easterlings.
>> Beornings are men from the Vales of the Anduin that live by the river near Carrock. They are
of Edainic descent. They were very distrustful of outsiders during the third age and were fierce enemies
of the orcs. They were friends of the animals and choose not to eat meat. Perhaps the most famous of
Beornings was Beorn himself who had the remarkable ability to change form into a large bear (though most
beornings did not have this ability).
>> The Misty Mountains (Hithaeglir - Peaks of Mist) are the huge range of mountains that run north to south for 900
miles through
the middle of middle-earth. They were originally raised by Melkor in an effort to slow the riding of Orome
and the Eldar during the "Great Journey." The high pass and the Redhorn pass are the two major passes
through the mountain range. During the third age it was infested with scores of orcs. Deep within the
Misty Mountains lies the great Dwarf-palce of Khazad-dum as well as the sleeping place of a mighty Balrog.
The great eagles also lived in the central regions of the misty Mountains.
>> The Lonely Mountain (Erebor) is the mountain east of Mirkwood, west of the Iron Hills and north
of Esgaroth. It was ruled by Thrain until his kingdom was overrun by Smaug the mighty dragon. When Bilbo
and a group of dwarves led by Thorin awakened the great dragon, it flew south to Esgaroth laying
waste to the city but was killed in the process by Bard, an archer from Lake Town. Dain II re-established
the Kingdom under the mountain.
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>> Eriador is the land between the Misty Mountains (Hithaeglir) and Ered Luin, south of the Forodwaith with
the river Gwathlo (Greyflood) marking the southern border. The land is filled with clusters of hills
known as downs (rolling grassy lands often with exposed outcroppings of stone), the north, south, far and
barrrow downs being the most notable. The Barrow downs are a dangerous place inhabited by Barrow-wights
that came from Angmar during the wars with Angmar in the Third Age 1409.
The primary rivers of Eriador are Mitheithel (hoarwell) and Bruinen (loudwater) which both branch off
northwards from Gwathlo and the Baranduin (Brandywine). Bruinen is where the nazgul riders were swept away in their
pursuit of Frodo and lies just west of Rivendell.
Eriador was generally unknown to the Eldar during the first age and was mostly populated by men of whom
some fell under the power of Morgoth. During the second age three elven realms were established, that
of Gil-Galad, which lasted until the end of the second age, Eregion (Second Age 700 - 1700) and
Imladris. After the demise of Eregion during the War of Elves and Sauron Imladris was established and
lasted well into the Fourth Age. The Second Age was for the most part darkened under the shadow of Sauron.
As the end of the age came near Arnor was founded by the Dunedain.
The beginning of the Third Age saw Eriador flourish and the Kingdom of Arnor was divided into three realms
of Arthedain and Rhudaur. However, as the might of Gondor wained and after the Great Plague and wars with
Angmar Eriador begun to decline. Towards the end of the Third Age the only well populated regions were
Rivendell, Bree and the Shire.
>> Rivendell (Imladris) is the home of Elrond a land of magificent beauty whose green and fertile
valley lay a small distance west of the Misty Mountains and east of Bruinen. It is the laste elven refuge
between the mountains and the sea. It was founded in the Second Age 1697 by Elrond after the fall of
Eregion. It survived the War of the Elves and Sauron and the wars against Angmar thanks to strong elven
power, in particular Vilya, greatest of the three rings of power, given to Elrong by Gil-Galad.
>> Bree is a town where men and hobbits live together, situated at the crossroads of the Great East
Road and the North Road it acts as a temporary home to many travellers. Its most famous inn, the Prancing
Pony is a good source of news from right across Middle-earth.
>> The Shire Is small green and very fertile area between the Baranduin and the Far Downs. It is
a land of natural beauty but is known best as the home of a small people called Hobbits and pipeweed. It
is filled with rolling hills, woods, hedgerows, farms and fields and quite winding rivers. The Shire
is divided into four farthings, with hobbiton (home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins) being the west farthing.
AS the Shire became over populated, the Oldbucks crossed the Brandywine in 2340 and established a dwelling
in Buckland. Buckland was officially addded to the Shire by King Elessar several years later.
>> Old Forest is situated between Buckland and the Barrow Downs and along with Fangorn is the last
remnant of the great forests that had once covered most of Eriador. The trees of the Old Forest were
mobile and at times most unwelcoming to strangers. It is also home to Tom Bombadil lord and master of
the Old Forest.
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>> Gondor, the land of stone, is actually the name of a kingdom but the encompassing region is also
associated by the same name. During its glory years Gondor spread north to Celebrant, east to the sea of
Rhun, south along the coast to the River Harnen and west to Gwathlo. It even rules over the lands of Mordor
for a time. During the third age though, its easten borders shrunk to Ithilien and its northern came as far
south as the rivers Anduin and Entwash.
Gondor has forever suffered hardships and attacks from Sauron's forces or his allies in Harad, Rhun or
Umbar. Ithilien found itself being continuously invaded during the later parts of the Second Age and in
the Second Age 3429 Minas Ithil was taken. Gondor reclaimed it early in the third age but it once again
fell in the Third Age 2000 to the nazgul and became Minas Morgul. The palantir that was kept there was
take back to Barad-dur, where Sauron used it to bend the will of the Istari Sauraman amongst other things.
For most of the third age Gondor was the only thing that stood between Sauron and domination of
middle-earth.
Elendil of the Dunedain originally founded Gondor in the Second Age 3320 and its rule was passed down the line
of Anarion (son of Elendil, brother to Isildur) until Third Age 2050. From thence onwards the Ruling Stewards
governed the might kingdom until Elessar took the crown and began the restoration.
The chief cities of Gondor in the Sindarin tongue were Osgiliath, Dol Amroth, Pelargir, Minas Arnor and
Minas Ithil.
> Osgiliath (citadel of the stars) was the first capital of Gondor and stands upon either side of
the Anduin, between Minas Anor and Minas Ithil. It was burnt during the Kin-strife, many of its people
died during the Great Plague in the Third Age 1636 and those that escaped the plague to never returned. It
was captured by the Uruks of Mordor in 2475. Although Boromir was quick to lead the re-taking of
Osgiliath, few choose to stay and it turned into a outpost to guard against attacks from Mordor. It was
again attacked during the War of the Ring and the eastern half of the city was taken by Saurons forces in
June 3018. Almost a year later in March 3019 the western half of the city was taken despite the valiant
efforts of the Rangers of Ithilien.
> Dol Amroth (Hill of Amroth) was the chief city of Belfalas. It was from Dol Amroth that the
Elves of Lorien used to sail west and it is believed that some of the Dunedain of that city had Elven
blood in them. Dol Amroth marched under blue banners with the emblem of the Ship and Silver Swan
proudly displayed.
> Pelargir is Gondors chief port city, situated on the Anduin in the mouth of the Sirith. It was
first established in 2350 and at the downfall of Numenor Telendil landed there and was for a time the
haven for the Faithful of Middle-earth. Earnil I rebuilt the port city in the Third Age 920 and was used
as a base from which attacks upon Umbar were launched. During the War of the Ring it was captured by the
Corsair who were themselves defeated soon later by the Dead.
> Minas Anor (tower of the sun) was the fortress of Anarion built in Anorien in the Second Age
3320. It became the chief city of Gondor during the third age, being reubuilt in 420 and in 1640 saw the
King's house move there from Osgiliath. The White Tower was built in 1900 and in 2002, shortly after the
fall of Minis Ithil it was renamed Minas Tirith (Tower of the Guard) and became teh foremost defence
against Sauron.
> Minas Ithil (tower of the moon) is the fortress of Isildur built upon the western peaks of Ephel
Duath (the mountain rangers that encloses Mordor) in the Second Age 3320. It was captured by Sauron in the
Second age 3429 and though reclaimed by Gondor early in the Third Age, never again held the same greatness
as Minas Anor. The nazgul led an attack on it, in the Third Age 2000 and it was eventually taken after
a two year struggle and became known as Minas Morgul. The defeat of Sauron in the War of the Ring saw
Minas Morgul return to its rightful owners and was renamed Minas Ithil.
>> Ithilien (land of the moon) is the land just west of Mordor, snuggled between Epehl Duath and
Anduin. Its suprising beauty stands out in stark contrast to the neighbouring poisoned wastelands of
Mordor. It has for many ages born the brunt of the attacks from Sauron and his allies upon Gondor and its
beauty was ruined somewhat during the War of the Ring. The Rangers of Ithilien are Dunedain descended
from Ithilien's inhabitants of old. They wore brown and green uniforms with green gloves and masks to help
them blend in with their surroundings. They carried with them great bows and spears and swords to aid them
in defense of their treasured land in Ithilien.
After the War of the Ring, Legolas and many other Silvan Elves came to live in Ithilien where it flourished
and became once again one of the fairest realms of Middle-earth.
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>> Rohan is the Kingdom of the Rohirrim or Eorlingas (so called as they are believed to be
decendants of Eorl), a race of men renowned for their great horses. It is bounded by the Misty
Mountains, Fangorn, Anduin, Mouths of Onedlò (Entwash), Mering Stream, Ered Nimrais, and Isen.
The Isen river flows south from the Misty Mountains and turns west throgh the gap of Rohan to the
Great Sea acting as a border for Enedwaith and Dunland. Out of Fangorn forest flows the Onedlò (Entwash)
which seperate West and East-Emnet and from it the snowborn branches south dividing the Westfold and
Eastfold.
Rohan was once a province of Gondor known as Calenardhon and was given to the Men of Eotheod by Cirion of
Gondor in the Third age 2510. From thence onwards it was known as Rohan and wsa ruled by King Eorl
and his descendants. The larger parts of Rohan are covered in green plains in which the horses the
Rohirrim raised (the best in middle-earth) would gallop and graze. Many ancient fortesses were restored
by the Rohirrim, most noteable were Helm's Deep and Dunharrow. The chief city is Edoras with the Golden
hall Meduseld and was built just south of Dunharrow though most people preferred the small villages or
farms.
In the Third Age 2758 Rohan was overun by Dunlendings who were inturn defeated by Frealaf, tenth King
of Rohan. Between 2799 and 2864 orcs were an annoying threat to Rohan but were eventually driven out of
Ered Nimrais. From 2960 to the War of the Ring Sarumans orcs begas to harass the Rohirrim until eventually
Rohan was invaded by a great host of Ors and Dunlendings. They were defeated in the two battles at the
fords of Isen and both Legolas and Gimli fought valiantly as the only representatives of their race at
the seige of Helms Deep. Rohan always had close ties with Gondor and did them their greatest service
when the Riders of Rohan played a crucial role in the success at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
>> Riders of Rohan are legendary throughout the western lands and breed the fastest horses
in middle-earth. From them Ganalf found his horse Shadowfax and it is to them that Ganalf seeks
aid in the struggle against Saruman. They are aids to the Kings and Stewards of Gondor and were
influential in the Battle of Pelennor fields.
>> Helm's Deep
Helm's Deep
It is in this age of the ring that Theoden will throw off the burdens of his years and drive back the
orc hords of Saruman at Helm's Deep. This a defended refuge in a gorge cut by the deepening stream with
a fortification named the Hornburg. Never has any enemy taken the Hornburg and even though the battle
becomes seemingly hopeless the Riders of Rohan and the horns of the ents prove the old saying true.
>> Isengard is a fortress built by Gondor and consists of a circular stone wall surrounding
a broad, green and beautiful plain. At its center stands the tower of Orthanc. When Calenardhon was
given to the rohirrim in the Third Age 2510 Gondor kept it though few people stayed within its walls.
In 2759 Saruman the white took home in it and by 2963 he claimed ownership, fortifyin it and replacing
the green fields with stone and machinery. He fell to the will of Sauron and begun to breed an army of
orcs, men and wolves. Saruman was defeated by the Ents with the aid of Ganalf. Watchwood was planted
by the Ents in Isengard it became known as the Tree-garth of Orthanc.
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Mordor
>> Mordor is the realm east of Gondor and Ithilien enclosed by the arms of Ered Lithui (ash
mountains) and Ephel Duath (mountains of shadow), though its eastern borders lie open to Rhun. It was
first settled by Sauron at around the Second Age 1000 and has forever since been a dark place of evil.
The land itself is divided into three areas known as Udun, Gorgoroth and Nurn. Udun is the large valley
to the northwest of Modor. Its a rocky bowl-like landscape is an inhospitable place though not completely
void of life. Gorgoroth is broken in two. The northwest corner houses Amon Amrath (mount of doom) which
was the name given to Orodruin by Gondor when it exploded before Saurons attack. From it Sauron
launched a dark smoke that filled the sky and blocked the sun on his attack on gondor. It is also
from this mountains fire that the one ring was forged and into its fire again was it destroyed. The land
around Amon Amrath is completely lifeless. The second part of Gorgoroth was a vast plateue that spread
out across the norther third of Mordor. Nurn is the region to the south of Mordor, of which the southern
and eastern regions are dominated by the sea of Nurnen. Here the land is fertile and many slaves of
Sauron are kept here to raise food for his armies.
>> Barad Dur is the stronghold of Sauron situated deep inside Mordor. It was built by him through
the power of the One Ring between the Second Age 1000 and 1600. Though it was besieged and captured at
the end of the second age, it could not destroyed as long as the One Ring remained. It was came
to its eventual demise when the One Ring was cast into Mount Doom and unmade.
>> Ephel Duath (Mountains of Shadow) act as a very good natural defence for Mordor. It limits
access into the dark realm through a hevaily guarded gate in the north. The mountains themselves are
impossible to pass save through a tunnel guarded by thing fouler then orcs. When Sam and Frodo passed
through this tunnel they were attacked by Shelob a terrible and giant spider, of direct descent from
Ungoliant, Greatest of Spiders (who's power rivalled Melkor).
>> Cirith Ungol (Pass of the spider) is a tower just north of Minas Morgul designed to keep
the forces of Sauron within Mordor. It is situated on the only path through the Ephel Duath (save the
northern gates) though few save the nazgul dare to travel it for fear of Shelob and other evils.
>> Minas Morgul (Tower of Sorcery) was once known as Minas Ithil (Tower of the Moon) the beautiful
tower of Gondor. (See Minas Ithil under Gondor)
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>> Arnor is the senior Dunadan Kingdom of Middle-earth. At one point all the lands between
Gwathlo-Bruinen and the Lhun were gather as one crown under Arnor. During the Third Age the kingdom
of Arnor diminished and struggled to survive. It was not until after the War of the Ring that Arnor
was re-established by Elessar. See also Eriador.
>> Forodwaith (north-people) is an icy land to the far north of Middle-earth. The great
northern wastes in the first age were known as the plateau of Dor Daidelos. Therein stood the great
mountain range of Ered Engrin. However, at the end of the first age when Thangorodrim and Angband was
defeated much of Ered Engrin was destroyed or drowned. Small parts were left standing relatively tall
and these are known now in the Third age as the Mountains of Angmar and Ered Mithrin. The huge plateau
of Dor Daidelos was also destroyed and what remains today is known as Forodwaith. West of Forodwaith
is the Icebay of Forchel.
>> Rhun was the birth place of the peoples of Middle-earth. The elves awoke here by the ancient
land of Cuivienen, the lake of awakening, near the northeastern shore of the sea of Helcar. However,
after the War of Wrath Helcar was drained leaving only the sea of Rhun to survive. A great
chain of mountains known as the orocarni (Red Mountains) stretched along the eastern coasts of
Middle-earth from the north to central regions.
Man awoke in Hildorien which is situated southeast of cuivienen, just past the souther peaks of orocarni.
The only other land of Rhun that is known reasonably well is khand which stretches east of Mordor.
>> Khand is the land East of Mordor and north of Harad. The lands in this general area are
sometimes called Haradwaith. A race of man known as variage dwelt in khand, whose culture was similar
to that of the wainriders who lived to the north of them. The people of khand often engaged
in wars with northmen and possible dwarves livingt betweent he carnen and celduin rivers. Often
the men of these lands came under Saurons dominions and aided him in his wars in the west.
>> Near Harad is the land south of the river Harnen which marked Gondors southern boundary.
Although on most maps the lands illustrated as desolate, it appears many people lived here and several
kingomds or tribes were established. It is quite possible that the lands had several rivers, forests and
hilly regions. The numenoreans used to controlt he city of Corsairs in the Cape of Umbar, this was
probably a city that was part of near Harad.
>> Far Harad is a land of which little is known save that it lay beyond umbar and is possibley quite
hot. There was a chain of mountains known as the grey mountains that stretched across Far Harad's western
regions. During the Second Age several fortresses were established in these lands by the numenoreans,
who also conquered many inhabitants of the coastland and thus came into conflict with the allies of Sauron.
On its eastern coast stands the yellow mountains.
The world of middl-earth is filled with many dark and beautiful and all together wonderous places. There
is much to explore and many adventures to be had. I wish you well on your travels. Should you pass by
Rhovanion be sure to seek out the Rangers of ThinTaur.
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