Dunharrow

Dunharrow was a high clifftop used as a refuge by the Rohirrim. It was hidden in the White Mountains above the vale of Harrowdale, between the mountains of Irensaga, Starkhorn, Dwimorberg. It was fortified against attack from Rohan's enemies.
== Description ==
Dunharrow was positioned on a flat upland overlooking Harrowdale, the valley of the river Snowbourn. It was located at the feet of the mountain Starkhorn, with the peak of Irensaga in the north, and the large dark mountain Dwimorberg to the east. The refuge could be reached by way of a winding path known as the Stair of the Hold. This path was lined with statues known as the Púkel-men, statues originally carved by the Men of the White Mountains, in the likeness of the Drúedain. The Firienfeld, a large grassy area for the encampment of soldiers, was right before the stair and below the clifftop. Large carved stones marked the entrance to the Dimholt forest, with a road leading to the Paths of the Dead.
The hamlets of Upbourn and Underharrow lay north of Dunharrow, in the dale.
== History ==
Dunharrow had been used as a natural stronghold by the Middle Men of the White Mountains during the Second Age several centuries before Rohan, and was scouted by Brego and his son Baldor in the early years of the kingdom.
In TA 2759, during the War between Rohan and the Dunlendings, Rohirrim refuge-seekers led by Fréaláf took shelter in Dunharrow during the Long Winter. From there Fréaláf led a successful raid to retake Edoras.
Later, in the year TA 2851, Brytta Léofa was slain by Orc refugees from the War of the Dwarves and Orcs while riding from Dunharrow.
In TA 3019, during the War of the Ring, Aragorn, along with Legolas, Gimli, and the Grey Company, passed through Dunharrow on their way to the Paths of the Dead. After a Nazgûl passed over Edoras, Gandalf commanded that muster of Rohan be moved to Dunharrow. Having ridden by mountain paths, Théoden arrived two days later and stayed the night before riding for Minas Tirith.
== Etymology ==
Dun is an English word for a dull grey-brown color, and a "harrow" is a farm implement used for leveling or stirring plowed soil.
Underharrow's name denotes 'under Dunharrow', as the hamlet was down the valley from Dunharrow.