recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
High Pass

The **High Pass**, also named ***Cirith Forn en Andrath*** (S. "Northern Pass of the Long-climb"), was an important pass over the Misty Mountains.

On its western end was the refuge of Rivendell, and from there the Great East Road climbed into the mountains until it reached the mountain under which lay Goblin-town, and from thence down eastward into the Vales of Anduin.

## History

### First Age

The High Pass was first created before the First Age by Oromë the Vala, in order to allow for a crossing of the mountains by the Eldar. Later in the First Age the High Pass was used by the Dwarves, who connected their roads (the Great East Road and the **Men-i-Naugrim** through Mirkwood) with it.

### Second Age

In the later days of the Second Age, the High Pass was used by the armies of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men led by Gil-galad and Elendil when they marched through it on their way to confront the armies of Sauron in Mordor.

### Third Age

During the later Third Age the Pass became dangerous again because of the Orcs increasing in the mountains. Only with the advent of the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, which nearly eliminated these Orcs, did the pass become safe again. Afterwards, the pass was considered safe for about one-hundred and forty years until TA 2940, just before the Quest of Erebor when goblins of Goblin-town had delved an entrance to their underground tunnels on the pass. Thorin and Company were captured there in TA 2941 when they intended to pass through the mountains on their way to the Lonely Mountain.

After the Battle of Five Armies, the pass was once again free from danger and was maintained by the Beornings, and for many years afterwards it became important for trade between Eriador and Rhovanion. During the War of the Ring, the Fellowship of the Ring bypassed the High Pass because the eastern side of the Misty Mountains had become too dangerous due to a winter snow storm. It was also the most obvious route they could have taken from Rivendell.
Grey Company

The **Grey Company** was a group of thirty-one Dúnedain Rangers of the North during the late Third Age.

## History

The Grey Company was led by Halbarad and the twin sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir. They traveled from the north seeking Aragorn at Galadriel's request. To Aragorn they brought advice from Elrond, his horse Roheryn and a banner made by Arwen bearing the emblems of the House of Elendil. Their horses were strong and proud but rough-haired. As their name implies, they wore cloaks or mantles of grey colour and carried no symbols save for a silver star on each of their brooches.

They accompanied Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli through the Paths of the Dead and went with them to fight at the Battle of Pelargir and then the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. It was at this battle that Halbarad fell after slaying many servants of Sauron. Later, the Grey Company presumably accompanied Aragorn and the army of the west to the Battle at the Black Gate. The survivors returned north with the company of the Hobbits and Gandalf, parting from them somewhere before Bree.

Other than Halbarad and the Sons of Elrond, sixty-two other Rangers and the player form the Grey Company as they journey south. Their path through Dunland is beset by many dangers, as many Rangers are killed and some are forced to either turn back or stay behind until only thirty remain by the time they finally meet with Aragorn. Other than Halbarad, seven other Rangers are killed in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields while the rest join the Host of the West on the march towards the Black Gate. Only one of the Rangers falls during the battle and all of the survivors attend the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen after which they finally part ways. Some decide to return north to Eriador while others choose to remain in Gondor and serve King Elessar alongside Rangers of Ithilien against the dangers still remaining in Mordor.

All sixty-three Rangers of the Grey Company are named in the game, though some are more developed than others. The majority of them are already familiar with the player from earlier storylines such as the Angmar campaign, including Calenglad, Candaith, Corunir, Daervunn, Dagoras, Golodir, Halbarad, Lothrandir, Mincham and Saeradan. After Halbarad's death at Pelennor Fields, his second-in-command Daervunn takes charge of what remains of the Company and with many of the major characters among them now dead, several Rangers who only played minor role previously come to the forefront of the story.
First Age 466

**First Age 466** (abbreviated to **F.A. 466**) is the 466th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

## Quest for the Silmaril

* Beren travels to Angband by himself but Huan brings Lúthien to him. Beren and Lúthien travel to Angband disguised as Draugluin and Thuringwethil.
* Passing Carcharoth, Lúthien puts Morgoth under a spell and Beren takes a Silmaril from the Iron Crown.
* Trying to escape, Carcharoth bites off Beren's hand holding the Silmaril. The Silmaril hurts Carcharoth. Beren and Lúthien are rescued by Thorondor and the eagles who take them to Doriath.

## Hunting of the Wolf

* Thingol, Beren, Beleg, Mablung and Huan hunt Carcharoth to retrieve the Silmaril.
* Carcharoth mortally wounds Beren. Huan kills Carcharoth who dies in the process.
* Thingol receives the Silmaril.
* Death of Beren.
First Age 465

**First Age 465** (abbreviated to **F.A. 465**) is the 465th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

## Spring

* Beren hears Lúthien singing and awakes from his trance. They fall in love.
* Thingol commands Beren to return with a Silmaril in exchange for Lúthien's hand in marriage. Quest for the Silmaril.

## Autumn

* Beren departs Nargothrond with Finrod and ten companions (including Edrahil). Finrod appoints Orodreth as regent.
* Arriving at Tol-in-Gaurhoth, Beren, Finrod and companions are captured by Sauron.
* Lúthien leaves Doriath seeking Beren; she encounters Celegorm and Curufin who take her to Nargothrond. She escapes Nargothrond with the aid of Huan.
* Death of Finrod and his ten companions in Tol-in-Gaurhoth.
* Huan and Lúthien arrive at Tol-in-Gaurhoth. Huan kills Draugluin and defeats wolf-Sauron in battle; Sauron flees in the form of a vampire and goes to Taur-nu-Fuin.
* Celegorm and Curufin are banished from Nargothrond and subsequently attack Beren and Lúthien. Huan betrays his master out of love for Lúthien. Beren leaves for Angband.
First Age 506

**First Age 506** (abbreviated to **F.A. 506**) is the 506th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

## Yule

* The Second Kinslaying. The Sons of Fëanor attack Doriath seeking the Silmaril.
* Dior slays Celegorm. Death of Curufin and Caranthir. Dior, and his wife Nimloth, are killed.
* Eluréd and Elurín are abandoned to die.
* Elwing flees Doriath with the last Silmaril.
First Age 50

**First Age 50** (abbreviated to **F.A. 50**) is the 50th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Turgon and Finrod, sleeping beside the Meres of Twilight, receive a dream from Ulmo. The dream urges them to seek places of hidden strength against Morgoth.
Hunt for Gollum

The **Hunt for Gollum** was commissioned by Gandalf.

Just as Gandalf was finding out more about the Ring, he immediately sought Gollum for answers with the assistance of Aragorn. However,  the enemy had gotten to Gollum first and tortured him into revealing where the Ring was, and gave them two clues: "Shire" and "Baggins." Realizing Frodo was in danger now and uncertain if he had the Ring, Gandalf returned to Frodo, who learned of the hunt for Gollum by Gandalf when Frodo's ring is *the* One Ring.
Isildur

**Isildur** was one of the Founders of Gondor, the eldest son of King Elendil, brother of Anárion, and father of Elendur, Aratan, Ciryon and Valandil. He was also the ancestor of Aragorn and Eldarion.

## *The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring*

### The Last Alliance

In he year 3434 of the second age, during the prologue, Isildur was one of the many warriors to fight off Sauron and his forces. Isildur witnessed his father's death at the hands of the Dark Lord. He took his father's broken sword and used it to cut off Sauron's finger that bore the One Ring. Isildur took the ring for himself. Elrond, who was a young elf at the time, saw Isildur pick up the evil ring and took him to Mount Doom. He urged Isildur to cast the ring in the fires of the mountain. However, Isildur was corrupted by the Ring's influence and refused.

He married an unknown woman and had four children. He was killed on the road by Orcs, who could sense him by scent before killing him.

## Legacy

Centuries after Isildur's death, the Line of Kings fell to lesser sons and instead, the realm of Gondor fell under rule of a Stewardship.

Of his descendants, Isildur's descendant Aragorn feared that he will one day end up like Isildur and succumb to wanting the Ring's influence. However, his lover and eventual wife, Arwen, assured him he was nothing like Isildur.

Many years later, Elrond told Gandalf how he once tried to get Isildur to throw the Ring into the fires, but ultimately, failed. He was haunted by it for years.
Gifts of Galadriel

The **Gifts of Galadriel** were items Galadriel gave to the Fellowship of the Ring on 16 February T.A. 3019 to aid them in their journey.

Before the parting feast, the Galadhrim gave the members of the Fellowship these items:

* Lembas for food
* Elven cloaks with Elven brooches
* Some Elven rope for Sam
* Boats for the Anduin

For all the surviving Fellowship of the Ring - Elven cloaks personally woven by Galadriel and her maidens that helped shield their wearers from unfriendly eyes. Their brooches were in the form of a green leaf veined with silver.

At the parting feast, Galadriel presented specific gifts to each member of the Fellowship:

* The Elfstone for Aragorn II
* A sheath for Andúril for Aragorn II
* A golden belt for Boromir
* A silver belt for Merry
* A silver belt for Pippin
* A Galadhrim bow strung with elf hair and arrows for Legolas
* A small grey wooden box with a silver rune "G for Galadriel". Inside the box was earth from Galadriel's orchard. The box also contained a silver nut from a Mallorn tree, the last east of the sea and west of the mountains. This was given to Sam.
* Three strands of Galadriel's hair for Gimli
* The Phial of Galadriel for Frodo
Hama

**Háma** was a Man of Rohan, the doorward of Meduseld and captain of Théoden's guard.Háma greeted Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli when they arrived to speak with King Théoden. He told the company to leave their weapons behind, by order of Gríma Wormtongue, before entering the King's hall. He disarmed Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, but against the King's orders permitted Gandalf to keep his staff with him as a courtesy, though he knew, as he remarked, that "The staff in the hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age."

He is later killed by a Warg-rider scout during Saruman's attack on the retreating Rohirrim, and then devoured by the Warg while its rider fights Gamling and is killed by Legolas. Háma's body is left behind. His only known relation is his son, Haleth (a non-canon character), who is one of the many youth made to protect Helm's Deep.
Breeland

**Breeland** was a land in Eriador, west of the Shire, centered around Bree-hill and the town of Bree. It was inhabited by Gwathuirim people known as Bree-folk, as well as by Hobbits, and prospered off of the traffic in the intersection of the Great East Road and the North Road.

Bree-land was a lowland area with a hill and a small forested area in its northeastern part. The climate was moderate with warm and moist prevailing winds from the Sea. The prevailing language of the land, as far as is known, was Westron.

Bree-land was about twenty-five miles in diameter. Normally it could be approached via the Great East Road coming out of the Shire in the west, and from the Greenway from north or south.

## Geography

Breeland was cented around Bree-hill and nestled into the Breeland forestlands known as Chetwood, and contained four main settlements:

## History

With the construction of the North road connecting Arnor with Gondor, they prospered off of the traffic across both that road and the Great East Road, which intersected along Breeland. It was also the only place of Middle-earth where Men lived with Hobbits on a daily basis: the population of the Bree-land had become a mix of Men and Hobbits, who had migrated away from Angmar's threat around TA 1300. The ratio varied between each of the four townships of the Bree-land.

In TA 2940, Thorin passed by Bree on his way back from Dunland where he looked in vain for his father Thrain. There he encountered Gandalf the Wizard who learned of a plot to assasinate Thorin, which roused his suspicion of rising darkness. This meeting hatched the Quest of Erebor which was begun the next year.

In any case, they were still thriving in Bree long after Arnor had collapsed and the memory of fallen kings faded into the grass. The now independent land enjoyed the (unknowing) protection of the Rangers of the North.

In TA 3001, Frodo Baggins and his Hobbit companions likewise passed through Bree, where they met Strider and narrowly evaded a Nazgul attack on the town. They left the next day into Chetwood and out to Midgewater Marshes, heading towards the Weather-hills. The town was mildly harassed during the War of the Ring. After the War of the Ring, Bree-land became part of the Reunited Kingdom.

Bree-land was a major region, that covers a large area: from Buckland in the far west to the Weather Hills to the far east. The Old Forest, Barrow-downs, Midgewater Marshes and Chetwood were all included within its boundaries. During the War of the Ring, Bree-land was threatened by both Isengard and Angmar. Saruman's thugs and half-orcs came up from the south and barricaded the Greenway at Andrath. Angmar temporarily secured the allegiance of the Blackwold bandit gang and invaded the northernmost reaches of the region with orcs.
Fourth Age 91

**Fourth Age 91** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 91** or **F.O. 91**) is the 91st year of the Sun of the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Unless otherwise stated, Tolkien Gateway follows Shire usage in Appendix B for reckoning Fourth Age years: Fourth Age 91 was also known as **S.R. 1512** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Death of Dwalin.
Hurin

**HúrinHúrin the Tall**, also referred to as "Lord Húrin" or **Húrin of the Keys**, was the Warden of the Keys of Minas Tirith at the time of the War of the Ring.

## History

Húrin fought in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, and along with Forlong, Hirluin, and Imrahil came to the aid of the Rohirrim when they were outnumbered and hard-pressed.

He was left in command of the small garrison that stayed behind while the armies of Gondor and Rohan marched to the Black Gate. At the coronation of Aragorn, he opened a barricade (laid in place of the destroyed gate) at the gatehouse of Minas Tirith for the new king.

Before the siege of Minas Tirith begins, Húrin can be found right inside the city gates, making the final preparations for the upcoming battle. During the siege proper he fights on the walls of the First Circle alongside other Lords of Gondor. After the battle is won, he is found right outside the city gates next to Imrahil and tasks the player with quenching the remaining fires and burying those who died fighting within the First Circle. He stands behind Steward Faramir during the coronation of King Elessar.
Fourth Age 220

**Fourth Age 220** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 220** or **F.O. 220**) is the 220th year of the Sun of the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Unless otherwise stated, Tolkien Gateway follows Shire usage in Appendix B for reckoning Fourth Age years: Fourth Age 220 was also known as **S.R. 1641** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* The New Shadow arises in Gondor.
* About this time, Eldarion's reign as High King comes to an end, and his presumable death.
House of Isildur

The **House of Isildur** were the descendants of Isildur, elder son of Elendil. The House came close to destruction at the beginning of the Third Age, when Isildur and his three eldest sons were lost at the Disaster of the Gladden Fields. His youngest son Valandil was kept safe in Rivendell, however, and from him came the line of the Kings of Arnor that led over three thousand years to Aragorn II Elessar.

### Realm of Arnor

Elendil and his two sons, Isildur and Anárion founded the two Númenórean realms in exile: Arnor and Gondor. Elendil was the High King of all of the Dúnedain but the rule of the southern kingdom of Gondor was delegated to joint ruled under his sons. After the War of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men both Elendil and Anárion were dead, so Isildur became the new High King. When he left Gondor to take up his kingship in Arnor he delegated rule of Gondor to Anárion’s son, Meneldil. However, Isildur and his first three sons perished in the Disaster of the Gladden Fields. From that time forward the two realms were sundered, with the Kings of Gondor descending from the House of Anárion and the Kings of Arnor descending from the House of Isildur.

### Realm of Arthedain

Due to dissention among the sons of King Eärendur, the realm of Arnor was divided in three separate kingdoms. The eldest son, Amlaith, became the first King of Arthedain and his descendants maintained the line of Isildur while the line died out in the other two kingdoms.

### Chieftains of the Dúnedain

After the destruction of Arthedain by the attacks of Angmar the heirs of Isildur ceased to be kings. Instead, they continued as chieftains of the remnant of the northern Dúnedain until Aragorn II was crowned as King Elessar of the Reunited Kingdom.
High Fells of Rhudaur

The **High Fells of Rhudaur** was the location of the tombs made for the Nazgûl, created following their defeat at the hands of the Men of Arnor.

Described more as a prison of the dead than as a grave, the tombs were located north of the Trollshaws within the boundaries of the old kingdom of Rhudaur; near the source of the river Hoarwell and south of the Coldfells.

## History

When Gandalf was on the edge of Mirkwood, he was telepathically contacted by Galadriel, who told him to search the High Fells to confirm the truth of Radagast's story to see if the Enemy had returned. He left Thorin and Company to venture into the forest alone and went to investigate the tombs of the fallen Kings who became the Nazgul. He contacted Radagast to meet him there, and what they found was the tombs were empty. Gandalf surmised that the Necromancer was no mere sorcerer.
Goblin King

The **Great Goblin** was a large goblin leader of the Misty Mountains in Middle-earth during the Third Age.

## Biography

The Great Goblin was a goblin chieftain of the Misty Mountains. He was a very large creature with a huge head. He was the chief of a group of goblins who lived in Goblin-town near the High Pass. They preyed on travellers who used another, easier pass near the main gate of Goblin-town until people started avoiding that route over the mountains. The goblins then made another gate opening into a cave they called the "Front Porch", at the top of the High Pass. The Great Goblin sometimes ordered his goblins to catch fish for him in Gollum's Lake, and these goblins were sometimes killed by Gollum.

In the summer of TA 2941, the Dwarves of Thorin and Company, along with Bilbo Baggins, were captured on the Front Porch and were brought before the Great Goblin in his great cave, where he was seated on a flat stone and surrounded by armed guards. The Great Goblin demanded to know what the Dwarves were doing in the mountains. (He seems less hostile in this passage than the Orcs are during the later War of the Ring, as his questioning seems to imply that he has not decided beforehand whether he will order the party killed, make them slaves, or even let them go, but that he will decide according to their answers. It is also possible he was just toying with the group and would kill them afterwards.) When it was revealed that Thorin carried the Elvish sword Orcrist - which the Orcs fear and which they called "Biter" - the Great Goblin was enraged and at once leapt to attack Thorin. Immediately, all the torches in the cave were extinguished and a glowing sword "bright as blue flame" appeared. It was Glamdring, called "Beater" by the goblins, and now wielded by Gandalf. As the Dwarves were escaping, He is knocked off a cliff by Thorin when Gandalf saves the company, and is killed after the fight through Goblin-town when Gandalf slashes his abdomen and cuts his throat.
Horn of Gondor

The **Horn of Gondor** was an heirloom of the Stewards of Gondor, fashioned by Vorondil from a horn of the Kine of Araw, and passed to his descendants, in particular the heirs of the Stewards, until its destruction at the death of Boromir. Tipped with silver and inscribed with ancient characters, it was said to be audible at any place in Gondor when winded.

## History

The horn was crafted before the line of the Kings of Gondor was broken, when Vorondil the Hunter, father of Mardil Voronwë, hunted the wild Kine of Araw in the far fields of Rhûn. It was said that "if it be blown at need anywhere within the bounds of Gondor, as the realm was of old, its voice will not pass unheeded."

Boromir blew it before leaving Rivendell with the Fellowship, as he always did when setting out on a journey. He sounded it again in Moria, causing the Orcs and even the Balrog to pause in their advance. The third time he blew it was on the banks of Parth Galen, calling for help in defending Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. This last call, in addition to being heard by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, was faintly heard by his brother Faramir and his father Denethor II. The horn was broken into two pieces during Boromir's last fight with the Orcs and Uruk-hai of Saruman at Amon Hen, and placed by Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli with Boromir's body at his final send-off over the Falls of Rauros.

Some days later, the two halves were found by the Rangers of Ithilien in separate locations on the Anduin, and returned to Denethor in Minas Tirith. Denethor kept them in his lap for some time, where they were witnessed by Gandalf and Peregrin Took at their arrival in the city.
Gandalf's Fireworks

**Gandalf’s Fireworks** were fireworks made by Gandalf the Grey, sold or given away in the Shire during his many visits there, in particular during Bilbo's Farewell Birthday Party.

Gandalf created many different kinds of fireworks, namely "squibs, crackers, backarappers, sparklers, torches, dwarf-candles, elf-fountains, goblin-barkers and thunder-claps", as well as rockets that burst in either stars of blue and green and or in a rain of flowers. He also created fireworks shaped as trees or dragons, and it is possible that his skill with pyrotechnics was based on his possession of Narya, the Ring of Fire, or else that Narya augmented his native power as a Maia.

Each firework was marked with a large red 'G' and an Elf-rune. Certain Hobbit children speculated that the G stood for 'grand'.
House of Eorl

The **House of Eorl** was the house of the descendants of Eorl the Young, including all of the recorded Kings of Rohan.

## First Line of the Kings of Rohan

After the victory of Gondor and the Éothéod at the Battle of the Field of Celebrant, the Steward Cirion gave the land of Calenardhon to Eorl and his people. Eorl swore the Oath of Eorl and brought the Éothéod to their new home, which they named Rohan. Eorl thus became the first King of Rohan and began the First Line.

## Second Line

After the deaths of Helm Hammerhand and his two sons, Fréalaf, the son of Helm’s sister Hild, became king. Not only was he closely related to the previous king, but Fréalaf also recaptured Meduseld and killed the usurper, Wulf. Thus began the Second Line of the Kings of Rohan.

Through Morwen of Lossarnach, both Thengel's heir Théoden and his grandson Éomer carried the blood of the ancient Princes of Belfalas. Since the Princes of Dol Amroth were akin to the Lords of Andúnië, Théoden and Éomer are related to Elendil and descended from the House of Elros.

## Third Line

After the deaths of Théoden and his only son, his nephew Éomer became king, who fought with great distinction at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields where Théoden was killed. Just like Fréalaf, Éomer was closely related to the previous king. Thus began the Third Line of the Kings of Rohan, concurrent with the Reunited Kingdom.

*2991-FoA 63*
of Dol Amroth
Hill of Erech

The **Hill of Erech** was the location of the black Stone of Erech in the northwest of Gondor, looking out upon the Ered Nimrais and the Vale of Morthond in the north and the Neck of Tarlang some forty miles to the south-east. The Hill of Erech had a murky reputation, as the people who dwelt in the nearby lands said it was a meeting place for the Restless Dead, who whispered in the shadows of the Mountains.

## History

Erech was a hill in Gondor situated in the far north of the province of Lamedon at the mouth of the Blackroot Vale, far to the west of Minas Tirith. It lay near to the southern entrance to the Paths of the Dead. Upon the summit stood a smooth black globe, the Stone of Erech.

In the Second Age, Isildur brought with him the stone as a symbol of his lineage and Gondor. He set it upon the hill of Erech and made the local hill tribes swear an oath of loyalty on the stone. The hill tribes later broke their oath and were doomed to haunt the place as the Dead Men.

The area was completely abandoned by the end of the Third Age. On 8 March, TA 3019, at midnight, the heir of Isildur, Aragorn, came to Erech to hold the Dead to their oath again, promising that upon its fulfillment they would have peace. Several days later, they held true to their oath and formed the Host of the Dead to help Aragorn defeat the Corsairs of Umbar at Pelargir. After the battle at Pelargir, Aragorn released them from their oath and they were allowed to rest.
High Road to Eregion

A **high road** ran between Ost-in-Edhil and Khazad-dûm, through the land known as Eregion. Built during the Second Age by Elves of Eregion and Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, it enabled an unprecedented friendship between the two peoples and would last as long as their realms did.

Eregion's jewel smiths, under Celebrimbor, achieved the highest levels of craftsmanship since Fëanor, and the Dwarves of Durin III's work in mithril enamored all who beheld them as trade between the two realms grew.

## Description

Eregion was nigh to the great mansions of the Dwarves that were named Khazad-dûm, but by the Elves Hadhodrond, and afterwards Moria. From Ost-in-Edhil, the city of the Elves, the highroad ran to the west gate of Khazad-dûm, for a friendship arose between Dwarves and Elves, such as has never elsewhere been, to the enrichment of both those peoples. In Eregion the craftsmen of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, the People of the Jewel-smiths, surpassed in cunning all that have ever wrought"

"There are the Walls of Moria,' said Gandalf, pointing across the water. 'And there the Gate stood once upon a time, the Elven Door at the end of the road from Hollin by which we have come."

"Here the Elven-way from Hollin ended. Holly was the token of the people of that land, and they planted it here to mark the end of their domain; for the West-door was made chiefly for their use in their traffic with the Lords of Moria.
Host of the North

The **Host of the North** was Morgoth's army during The War of Wrath. The army was comprised of Orcs, Balrogs, and Dragons (led by Ancalagon the Black). Most of the army was destroyed at the end of the First Age by the Host of the West. Some of the survivors eventually fell under Sauron's influence and helped bring about the Dark Years.
Fourth Age 15

**Fourth Age 15** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 15** or **F.O. 15**) is the 15th year of the Sun of the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Unless otherwise stated, Tolkien Gateway follows Shire usage in Appendix B for reckoning Fourth Age years: Fourth Age 15 was also known as **S.R. 1436** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* King Elessar rides north and dwells for a while in Annúminas by Lake Evendim. He comes to the Brandywine Bridge, and there greets his friends. He gives the Star of the Dúnedain to Master Samwise, and Elanor is made a maid of honour to Queen Arwen.
* Birth of Bilbo Gardner, tenth child and fifth son of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton.
* Death of Glóin.
Hunter Orcs

The **Hunter Orcs** were a ruthless group of Orcs who served Azog the Pale Orc and followed Fimbul and Yazneg. The Moria Orcs and Gundabad Orcs who roamed the lands east of the Misty Mountains were among those recruited by Azog, as they were known to be particularly aggressive Orcs. Mounted on Gundabad Wargs, they could quickly cover and control broad territories.

## Known members

* Azog (Leader)
* Bolg
* Yazneg
* Fimbul
* Narzug
Flies of Mordor

**Flies of Mordor** were tiny beasts that dwelt in Mordor. These bloodsucking insects were loud, hateful, and hungry.

## History

It was said that the Dark Lord 's power was spread to even to the smallest living things in his land. At the end of the Third Age, the flies were a nuisance to Frodo and Sam as they journeyed in Mordor, crossing the Morgai towards Mount Doom. The flies can be disturbed by cutting down their nests, after which they will attack nearby Uruks.
Gondor Road

This road ran from the city of Minas Tirith south through Lossarnach, passing over the Crossings of Erui and then south to Pelargir. After Pelargir it turned west through Lebennin, passing through Linhir before turning north, by-passing the Hills of Tarnost to reach Ethring. From there the road turned north west, passing Calembel and through the defile at Tarlang's Neck to terminate at Erech.

During the War of the Ring, Aragorn II Elessar, Legolas, Gimli and the Grey Company took this road with the Army of the Dead, driving away the Corsairs of Umbar at Linhir before proceeding to Pelargir.
High King of the Dunedain

**High King** was a title used by the Dúnedain for their ultimate ruler. Normally, "High King" would refer to a king who ruled over other lesser kings and lords, but this is not necessarily the case with the High King of the Dúnedain.

In Gil-galad's letter, Tar-Meneldur the fifth King of Númenor, was referred to as "High King", though he had no other rulers in his service.

## Realms in Exile

The more common use of the title, though, came in the later Second Age, with the establishment of the Realms in Exile in Middle-earth. In their earliest years, the Two Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor were formed under the ultimate rule of one man, Elendil, who dwelt in Arnor as the High King. The South-kingdom of Gondor was ruled jointly by his sons, but only under his suzerainty.

With Elendil's death against Sauron in the Siege of Barad-dûr, his elder son Isildur inherited the High Kingship. Isildur ruled for only two years, though, before he too was lost in the Disaster of the Gladden Fields before he could truly take up the rule of his twin realms.

### Decline

After Isildur's death, historical events conspired to separate the Two Kingdoms, each of which took Kings of their own. The High Kingship should in principle have fallen on the Heir of Isildur Valandil, but in practice Valandil became King of Arnor only, and had no power over the South-kingdom.

In the mid-Third Age Gondor was left kingless; Arvedui, as Isildur's heir, attempted to invoke the Law of Succession in Númenor to claim the throne of Gondor, thus becoming High King; the Council of Gondor voted against his claim. Shortly after, both realms would lose their kingship.

## Reign of Elessar

Before the War of the Ring, there had been no King of Gondor for 969 years, and no King of a united Arnor for 2,158 years. After Sauron's passing Aragorn the direct descendant and Heir of Isildur, as well as Anárion, through many generations, ascended to the throne of Gondor.

Aragorn took the title of **King of the West** also **King of Gondor and Arnor and Lord of the Westlands** (S. ***Hîr i Mbair Annui***) signifying his Kingship over all the Free peoples of the Westlands, from the north to the south. His rule of the West is therefore referred to as the Reunited Kingdom.

Under his crown and protection were other kingdoms, like the Kingdom of Dale and the Kingdom Under the Mountain.
First Age 496

**First Age 496** (abbreviated to **F.A. 496**) is the 496th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

## Early

* Túrin returns to Dor-lómin and discovers that Morwen and Nienor had left for Doriath. In a rage, Túrin kills Brodda the Easterling. Aerin dies in the fire in Brodda's hall.

## March

* The Fell Winter ends.

?

* Túrin, searching for Finduilas, comes to the woods of Brethil and discovers that Finduilas had been killed by orcs. He stays in Brethil and takes the name *Turambar*.
* Mablung the Hunter leads a party from Doriath to Nargothrond; it is waylaid by Glaurung and Niënor Níniel and Morwen Eledhwen are lost in the wild.
* Niënor falls under Glaurung's spell and forgets her identity. She is found by Túrin Turambar and comes to Brethil.
Forodwaith

**Forodwaith** were lands located in the north of Eriador and Rhovanion were the Northern Wastelands, north of the Grey Mountains.

## History

### Third Age

Forodwaith had been made very cold earlier in Arda's history because of the presence of Utumno and Melkor's evil cold emanating from it. The region remained cold even after Utumno's destruction. Orcs lived there during the early Third Age, before the realm of Angmar rose and began harassing the realms of Eriador and Rhovanion. It was also the land of Men known as the Lossoth. The Withered Heath became a dragon habitat, bordered on Forodwaith.

The Sindarin name *Forodwaith* translates loosely as *Northern Waste*, and was a name for the land north of the Iron Mountains of the First Age. Little was known of it, except that it was an area of immense cold due to the proximity to the Gap of Ilmen, and Morgoth's evil cold. After the War of Wrath and the breaking of the World, the Iron Mountains were mostly destroyed, and the area of Forodwaith that lay north of Eriador became known as **Forochel**, together with the great icebay and cape that carried the same name.

The Men of Forodwaith were a strange folk apparently unrelated to the Edain. During the Third Age, they were known as the **Snowmen of Forochel** or Lossoth. It was stated that they could glide on ice by tying bones to their feet. Arvedui, last King of Arthedain, fled to the Icebay of Forochel after his realm was destroyed by Angmar, and the Lossoth helped him survive the winter. Against their advice he took ship to sail south, and he was drowned in the icebay, together with the Palantíri of the North.

The chieftain of the Lossoth counseled Arvedui not to go aboard the ships and face the bitter northern winter, but the King refused and went anyway. In payment for his safekeeping, King Arvedui gave to the Lossoth his ring, the Ring of Barahir, and bade them ransom it to his kin when the Lossoth had need. Unfortunately, the chieftain's counsel proved wise, and Arvedui was lost at sea, thus ended the Kings of Arnor, and their line continued as the Chieftains of the Dúnedain of Arnor (Rangers).

Forodwaith appears as the location where Galadriel leads a small force to look for evidence of Sauron's whereabouts. They discover an abandoned fortress built by Morgoth in which remains an anvil marked by Sauron; Galadriel's followers are here attacked by a snow-troll, which she defeats.
First Age 400

**First Age 400** (abbreviated to **F.A. 400**) is the 400th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Whilst Eöl is in the mountains feasting with the dwarves, Aredhel and Maeglin escape Nan Elmoth and go to Gondolin. They are secretly followed by Eöl who is then given the choice to either stay in Gondolin or to die. Eöl attempts to kill Maeglin but Aredhel jumps in front of the dart. Death of Aredhel.
* Eöl is cast off the Caragdûr for killing Aredhel. Death of Eöl.
* Birth of Barahir.
House of Fingolfin

The **House of Fingolfin** were the descendants and followers of Fingolfin, second son of Finwë. They hold the High Kingship of the Noldor during the First Age.

## History

Fingolfin was accounted High King of the Noldor after Maedhros bestowed the Kingship to him, in gratitude for his son Fingon rescuing him from Thangorodrim and as compensation for the acts of his father against him.

During the early years of the Exile of the Noldor, the House of Fingolfin held the lands to the northwest of Beleriand: Hithlum, Nevrast and Gondolin. Of these, the city of Gondolin held until F.A. 510, but Hithlum was overrun by Morgoth in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, where Fingon was slain (Fingolfin had already met his end in the Dagor Bragollach). The remnant of the House, including Fingon's son Ereinion Gil-galad, were succoured by Círdan in the Grey Havens.

After the Nirnaeth, Tuor son of Huor was sent as a messenger to Turgon in Gondolin, and there wedded Turgon's daughter Idril. Thus was the blood of Men introduced into the House, and the descendants of their line were named half-elven, given the choice of whether they were to considered Men or Elves. All these descendants chose to be considered among the Firstborn, except Elrond's brother Elros (who became the first King of Númenor and was a direct ancestor of Aragorn Elessar), and Elrond's daughter Arwen (Queen to Aragorn at the end of the Third Age).

After the Fall of Gondolin, the survivors of the House lived as exiles at the Mouths of Sirion or in the Falas, until Eärendil, descendant of Fingolfin's second son Turgon, sailed into the West to seek the aid of the Valar, who overthrew Morgoth in the War of Wrath in c. F.A. 583.

The House of Fingolfin was probably no more as an entity; the only known descendants were the two Half-elven sons of Eärendil; Elrond and Elros, the patriarch of the Mannish House of Elros and the Kings of Númenor.
Harry Goatleaf

**Harry Goatleaf** was a Man of Bree and a member of the Goatleaf Family. He worked as the keeper of the western gate in the great hedge that surrounded the township of Bree.

As such, he was the first of the Men encountered by Frodo and his companions on their travels during the War of the Ring - he greeted them gruffly on their arrival at the town.

He is killed when the Black Riders knock the gate down and crush him underneath it as they storm Bree.
King of Durin's Folk

**King of Durin's Folk**" was the title of the head of the Dwarven clan of Durin's Folk (or "Longbeards").

The first of these rulers were inhabitants of Khazad-dûm long descended from Durin. They ruled and lived there for thousands of years until TA 1980 when miners awoke a Balrog which eventually drove out the Dwarves.

Afterwards, its successors lived elsewhere and founded other kingdoms such as places like Lonely Mountain (Erebor), the Grey Mountains (Ered Mithrin), and the Blue Mountains (Ered Luin).
House of Finwe

The **House of Finwë** was a large Noldorin royal house founded by Finwë, King of the Noldor. Its device was that of a great golden sun, even though Finwë was slain before the Sun was made.

The House of Finwë had three main branches, one for each of Finwë's sons: the House of Fëanor, the House of Fingolfin and the House of Finarfin.

### Lineage

Finwë had two wives. His first was Míriel, who passed away soon after bearing their only child, Fëanor. His second wife was Indis, of the Vanyar, who bore him two sons: Fingolfin and Finarfin, and two daughters: Findis and Írimë.
First Age 316

**First Age 316** (abbreviated to **F.A. 316**) is the 316th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Aredhel leaves Gondolin. She gets separated from her escort in Nan Dungortheb and finds herself in the forest of Nan Elmoth. She encounters the dark elf Eöl, who forces her to be his wife.
* Birth of Beldir.
Prince of Dol Amroth

**Prince of Dol Amroth** was a title used by a noble house of Gondor.

## History

The Princes are the male heirs of the House of Dol Amroth. That House was of noble Númenórean origin from the Second Age; they were Faithful akin to the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor, and later Elendil gave to their ruler the title of Prince.

After the drowning of the Elven King Amroth and the departure of the Elves, Gondorians came to occupy it and named it Dol Amroth, after the king. The first Prince of Dol Amroth was Galador, who, according to legend, was the son of Mithrellas, an Elf maid. This supposed elven strain was noticed in Imrahil many years later by Legolas.
Forochel

**Forochel** was one of the regions of the Northern Waste. It was the name of the icy tundra in the northern parts of Middle-earth, and especially of the great icebay and the lands that surrounded it.

It was inhabited by the Lossoth, a hardy tribe of Men descended from the Forodwaith. Most Men of the region lived on the Cape of Forochel near the Great Sea of Belegaer but some built their villages on the shores of the Icebay itself.

Forochel is one of the regions of the game, accessed via the northern end of Evendim. The language and culture of its people, the Lossoth, are modeled after the Finnish. An *aurora borealis* effect can be seen in the sky. Prior to the release of Western Gondor, it was the only region in the game world where the ocean was visible, but players will freeze to death if attempting to swim in it.
House of the Hammer of Wrath

The **House of the Hammer of Wrath** was one of the twelve houses of the Gondothlim, according to the early version of the legendarium in *The Book of Lost Tales*.

## History

They lived in Gondolin and their lord was Rog. They were much recruited by Noldoli that escaped from Melko's mines, so they deeply hated him and his Balrogs. They were great smiths and craftsmen, and revered Aulë more than any other Ainu. In battle they carried great maces like hammers, and heavy shields, for they had strong arms. The device of this people was the Stricken Anvil, and a hammer that smites sparks about it; this was set upon their shields, for red gold and black iron was their delight.:174

When Melko sent his armies to attack the city, Gothmog led them to the northern gate, where the Houses of the Hammer and of the Tree were positioned. When the enemies opened a breach, both folks falled upon them.:176 But later a great number of Balrogs and Iron Dragons climbed into the city. Then Rog encouraged his people in a great voice.

The Noldoli still sing how their charge slew a great number of the serpents and Balrogs, being the first of Elves and Men alike to slay a Balrog. Gothmog counterattacked cutting their withdrawal to the city, but Rog realized this and knew they were lost, so he kept the attack. Therefore, the house harried their front enemies until they reached Tumladin. There a fire-drake was loosed upon them, but they kept fighting, untill all of them perished, "and it is yet sung that each man of the Hammer of Wrath took the lives of seven foemen to pay for his own.
Fourth Age 61

**Fourth Age 61** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 61** or **F.O. 61**) is the 61st year of the Sun of the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Unless otherwise stated, Tolkien Gateway follows Shire usage in Appendix B for reckoning Fourth Age years: Fourth Age 61 was also known as **S.R. 1482** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

## Midyear's Day

* Rose Cotton, wife of Samwise Gamgee, dies.

## September

* **22** - Samwise Gamgee rides out from Bag End.

## Later

* Samwise comes to the Tower Hills and gives the Red Book of Westmarch to Elanor. Samwise leaves westwards. According to tradition of the Fairbairn, he went to the Grey Havens to pass over the Sea to West, last of the Ring-bearers.
Fourth Age 95

**Fourth Age 95** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 95** or **F.O. 95**) is the 95th year of the Sun of the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Unless otherwise stated, Tolkien Gateway follows Shire usage in Appendix B for reckoning Fourth Age years: Fourth Age 95 was also known as **S.R. 1516** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Death of Alphros, Prince of Dol Amroth.
House of the Heavenly Arch

The **House of the Heavenly Arch** was one of the twelve houses of the Gondothlim, according to the early version of the legendarium in *The Book of Lost Tales*.

## History

Their leader was Egalmoth. They were a folk of "unaccounted wealth", and were arrayed in many bright colours, for the "heavenly arch" referred to a rainbow. Their arms were set with jewels that flamed in the light over the sky. Every shield of that battalion was of the blue of the heavens and its boss a jewel built of seven gems: rubies, amethysts, sapphires, emeralds, chrysoprases, topazes, and amber. An opal of great size was set in each of their helms. They were great swordsmen, but they also had the best archers along with the folk of the Swallow, so they were positioned in the broad places of the walls.:173

During the Fall of Gondolin, Gothmog gathered his armies in the northern gate and knocked it down. The folks of the Arch and the Swallow defended the walls in the northern part, pouring rains of arrows over the hosts of Orcs, helping the houses that fought below.:176-177 When the gate was lost, many goblins held a great part of the walls, so many elves of both folks were thrust to doom. Then the House of the Fountain arrived to help, but a great gap was opened in the western wall, and bands of the Arch and the Swallow battled amid the wreck against the coming enemies.:179-180 Slowly the battle in that part of the city was lost and they retreated towards the Square of the Folkwell, where the guard of the Arch, the Swallow and others was scattered and gathered together, forming a good battalion. Led by Tuor, they marched to the Square of the King, where they met their lord Egalmoth. He had been in charge of the engines of the wall in the south part of the city, and when he saw they had to fight in the streets, he had taken some men of the Arch and of the Swallow and marched to the Square, rescuing captives and wandering men in the way.:182-183

Probably many of them survived as exiles, as it is said that their lord dwelt after in the Mouths of Sirion.
Guthwine

**Gúthwinë** was the sword of Éomer, borne by him at the Battle of the Hornburg, where he drew it alongside Aragorn to drive away the wild men battering the gate of the Hornburg. Presumably Éomer also used Gúthwinë at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, where he cast his sword into the sunlight and sang as he caught it, upon seeing the Standard of Elendil appear on the lead ship approaching on the Anduin.
Horn-call of Buckland

The **Horn-call** or **Horn-cry of Buckland** was the alarm signal of the Hobbits of Buckland, calling them to action against invaders and incursions into their land.

## History

The Horn-call of Buckland was an emergency signal and as such had not often been used. One sounding had been to warn of White Wolves crossing the frozen Brandywine in the Fell Winter of 2911.

After that, it had not been blown again for a hundred and seven years; the Brandybucks used the horn on 30 September 3018 when Fredegar Bolger gasped out that invaders, the Black Riders, had intruded into Buckland. The alarm caused the Black Riders to depart from Crickhollow and ride through the North Gate.