recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
First Age 455

**First Age 455** (abbreviated to **F.A. 455**) is the 455th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth. This year is also known as the **Fell Year**.

Notable events in this year include:

## Winter

* The Fourth Battle of Beleriand: Dagor Bragollach (*Battle of the Sudden Flame*). Morgoth breaks the Siege of Angband marking the end of Long Peace.
* The Ard-galen is destroyed by Morgoth's rivers of fire and is renamed the Anfauglith, the Gasping Dust.
* Glaurung leads forth an army of balrogs and orcs. The Noldor suffer heavy losses and are scattered across Beleriand.
* Finrod Felagund is cut off from the rest of army in the Fen of Serech; he is saved by Barahir. Thereafter, oaths are made between Barahir and Finrod and Barahir receives a ring which becomes an heirloom.
* Dorthonion is lost and its people remove to Hithlum. Celegorm and Curufin are defeated and flee to Nargothrond. Orcs capture Mount Rerir, destroy Thargelion and defile Lake Helevorn; Caranthir removes to Amon Ereb.
* Deaths of Angrod, Aegnor, Bregolas, Hador Lórindol and Gundor.
* Gelmir is captured.
* Turgon, learning of the battle, sends ships to Valinor to ask for aid. No aid comes and few ships return.
Durin's Bane

**Durin's Bane**" refers to the particular **Balrog** of Morgoth that had fled following the War of Wrath to dwell deep within the depths of the Dwarven kingdom of Khazad-dûm. Although its true name and particular history are unknown, this Balrog eventually became an important figure during the War of the Ring after being awakened by the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm.

## Background

Durin's Bane was the last of the Balrogs. His true name was never revealed. Living in the mines of Moria, the Balrog was awaken from his slumber when the Dwarves dug to deep in the mines. The Balrog destroyed Durin III, causing his people to retreat from Moria. Ancient people had dubbed it Durin's Bane and none dare to enter the mountain.

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

Many centuries later, the balrog is woken up from its slumber after Pippin Took inadvertently alerted the enemy and Durin's Bane of their presence. It began pursuing the Fellowship all the way to the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, where Gandalf confronted the creature to protect the fellowship so they could make their escape. Durin's Bane brought Gandalf down along with it.

### The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Gandalf and the Balrog  entered a battle for two days when Gandalf finally killed the beast, and the Balrog was no more,
Crossings of Erui

The **Crossings of Erui** or ***Ethraid Erui*** were fords in Gondor.

## History

Some fifty miles south of Minas Tirith, the main road to Pelargir crossed the river Erui. In the Kin-strife of T.A. 1447, Eldacar battled Castamir the Usurper at the crossing. Eldacar won and killed his foe, but many Gondorians fell that day.

The Crossings of Erui were found in Eastern Gondor, and connected Upper Lebennin to Lossarnach. During the War of the Ring, the ford was haunted by ancient Gondorian armour animated by water under the command of the angry River-maid the Lone Lady, preventing the invading Haradrim from crossing. The Lone Lady animated the long-lost armour of Castamir himself before being calmed by her sisters.
Gwaith-i-Mirdain

The **Gwaith-i-Mírdain**, the **People of the Jewel-smiths**, was a brotherhood of Elven master craftsmen of the Second Age who created the Rings of Power.

## History

The Gwaith were founded by Celebrimbor and other Noldor of Lindon who settled in Eregion, close to the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm and their *mithril* mines. Their capital was Ost-in-Edhil (S.A. 750).

Noldor and Dwarves cooperated for about a thousand years, and their rare friendship was the closest between Elves and Dwarves in history. Celebrimbor helped to construct the famous and magical West-gate of Moria. The Gwaith were said to be the most talented artisans to have worked since the time of Fëanor himself (who was Celebrimbor's grandfather).

Sauron, after failing with Gil-galad and Elrond, targeted the Gwaith. In the guise of Annatar the "Lord of Gifts" in S.A. 1200 he presented himself as an agent of the Valar and taught them how to forge the Rings of Power. The Gwaith were easily tempted since they wanted to bring to Middle-earth the joys of Valinor. The Rings would prevent or slow the decay of the mortal world, preserve what was desired or loved and also enhance the natural powers of a possessor even if that would mean disrupting the natural course of the mortal world.

The Gwaith together with "Annatar" made several rings in S.A. 1500. Because of their friendship with the Dwarves, Celebrimbor presented King Durin III with a Ring of Power. When Annatar had left (actually for Mordor) about S.A. 1590 Celebrimbor made the Three Rings partly using the teachings of "Annatar".

Then Sauron betrayed them and forged the One Ring. However, the Gwaith realized his plan and denied to hand him their Rings, resulting in the War of the Elves and Sauron. Eregion was devastated in S.A. 1697 and the survivors of the Gwaith followed Elrond and retreated to Rivendell.
First Age 542

**First Age 542** (abbreviated to **F.A. 542**) is the 542nd year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Eärendil and Elwing reach Aman. Eärendil delivers the message of the Two Kindreds to the Valar.
* The Valar answer Eärendil and agree to help the peoples of Middle-earth against Morgoth.
* Eärendil and Elwing are told that they must choose which Kindred to be counted amongst. The both choose to be counted as elves. The choice is also extended to their sons, Elrond and Elros.
* Wearing the Silmaril, Eärendil is borne up in his ship Vingilótë as a Star to provide hope to the peoples of Middle-earth.
Bifur

**Bifur** was one of the original fourteen members of Thorin's Company and the twelve companions of Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield. He was also the paternal cousin of Bofur and Bombur. He once had an ax in his head due to an accident with an Orc and was not ever able to speak the Westron Language ever again. He went on the Quest of Erebor from April 24 to November 23 and also survived the Battle of the Five Armies.

## Biography

### Early life

Bifur was born nineteen years after the Battle of Moria, therefore was not part of it. He lived in Blue Mountains with presumably his parents, aunt and uncle, but definitely his cousins.

Following Thorin II Oakenshield to a new life in the Blue Mountains, he continued his life as a toy maker.

### Quest of Erebor

Answering Thorin Oakenshield's Quest of Erebor, he went to the meeting at Bag End with his cousins Bofur and Bombur, where he played the clarinet. On the quest, he was nearly cooked on a spit by trolls and nearly killed by Goblins, Wargs, Stone giants, Great Spiders, and the dragon Smaug himself. A valiant and brave warrior, Bifur never gave up, and fought in the Battle of Five Armies with all his strength, killing numerous enemies. In the fallout of the great battle, Dáin II Ironfoot gave him his share of the treasure, and he retired to live at the Lonely Mountain.

## Family/Relationships

* Bofur (cousin)
* Bombur (cousin)
* Unnamed aunt
* Unnamed uncle
* Unknown parents
Desolation of the Morannon

The **Desolation of the Morannon** was the dead land that lay just before walls of Mordor south of the Dagorlad. The terrible barrenness of the landscape was due to the labours of Sauron's slaves, who had so defiled the land that it was diseased beyond repair. It was a foul place of horror for absolutely nothing grew in the polluted soil. Pools of water were choked with ash and muds, slag-mounds of crushed and powered rock abounded, and cones of earth fire-blasted and stained with poison rose as if they were part of a graveyard.

Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, reached the Desolation of the Morannon on 4 March, T.A. 3019. The hobbits spent the next day hiding in sight of the Gate, and at dusk they resumed their route.
Field of Cormallen

The **Field of Cormallen** was a tree-lined field in North Ithilien, near the bank of the Anduin near Cair Andros and Henneth Annûn.

## History

After returning from the Battle of the Morannon in April T.A. 3019, Aragorn set up his camp on the Field of Cormallen. There, he received Frodo and Sam after their rescue from the wreckage of Mount Doom. On 8 April the Ringbearers were greeted by many friends, and were praised in the celebration of the victory in the War of the Ring.
Ephel Duath

The **Ephel Dúath**, also known as the **Mountains of Shadow** or the **Outer Fence**, were a range of mountains making up Mordor’s western and southern borders.

## Description

These mountains met the Ash Mountains at the Black Gate, sealing Mordor from the outside. The Morgul Vale, where the city of Minas Morgul stood, was a large valley, opening into the Morgul Pass. The Pass of Cirith Ungol bore secret access through the Ephel Dúath via the dangerous tunnels of Shelob. In the northern reaches of the mountains on the east side lay the castle of Durthang, west of Udûn. The river Poros flowed down out of the mountains to the Anduin, as did the Morgulduin, and another unnamed tributary flowed into the Sea of Núrnen.
Guards of the Citadel

The **Guards of the Citadel** or **Tower of Gondor** were those honoured guards of Minas Tirith who were charged with protecting the Citadel, the highest and most important tier of the city, and participated in official functions. When on duty they were not permitted to leave their post for any cause, save at the command of their lord.

They also guarded the White Tree that stood in the Court of the Fountain. At the time of the War of the Ring it had been dead for nearly 150 years, until the new King Elessar and Gandalf found a new seedling of the Tree, and the Guards' great duty was refounded.

## Appearance and Attire

At the end of the Third Age, they were the only soldiers of Gondor entitled to wear the Livery of Elendil himself - a white tree in blossom, surmounted by a silver crown and stars, all embroidered on a field of black. They also bore heirlooms of Gondor's ancient wealth, tall helmets wrought out of *mithril*, with close-fitting cheek-guards and bearing the carved wings of sea-birds. On 10 March T.A. 3019 Peregrin Took was arrayed as a Guard of the Citadel, at the command of the Steward Denethor. His appearance in this uniform gave strength to the rumour that he was indeed *Ernil i Pheriannath*, the Prince of the Halflings.

## Organisation

There were at least three companies, each of which had its own storehouse; Beregond, son of Baranor belonged to the Third Company. The Captain-general of the Guards was probably the heir of the throne; during the time of the Ruling Stewards it was the heir of the Steward.
First Age 5

**First Age 5** (abbreviated to **F.A. 5**) is the 5th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Fingon, with the help of Thorondor, rescues Maedhros from Thangorodrim.
* The feud and hatred between the House of Fëanor and the House of Fingolfin was assuaged.
Harfoots

**Harfoots** were one of the three breeds of hobbits in Middle-earth, along with Stoors and Fallohides.

## Description

They were browner of skin than other hobbits, lacking beards and wearing no footwear. They lived in holes they called *smials* and tunnels, a habit they maintained for the entire Third Age and beyond.

## History

Harfoots were the most common race of hobbit, and in their earliest known history they dwelt in the Vales of Anduin by the south of the Misty Mountains. The Gladden River approximated their southern boundary, and a woodland of the later Eagles Eyrie, near the High Pass, was their northern boundary. In unspecified ways, the Harfoots were frequently involved with the Dwarves in the early Third Age.

The Harfoots were the first to migrate westward into Arnor, and there the Dúnedain named them *Periannath* or *halflings*, as recorded in Arnorian records around TA 1050. They tended to settle down for long periods, founding villages as far from the Vales of Anduin as Weathertop.

By the 1300s of the Third Age, they had merged with the Fallohides and reached Bree, which was the westernmost home of hobbits for a long while. Described as bolder than the Harfoots, the Fallohides presided over them.

When the Shire was settled and founded centuries later, in TA 1601, its population's majority were Harfoots.

A tribe of hobbits called Harfoots are featured as living somewhere east of the Misty Mountains. The cast & crew have described them as several different tribes who have come together for mutual defense (explaining why different families look like different human races). They are a semi-nomadic people, still in the migratory period known as the "Wandering Days". When the series begins they have not yet reached the Vales of Anduin, but are still much farther east - traveling around in Rhovanion, the lands south of the forestlands of Greenwood the Great (its name before it became Mirkwood). Due to their small size, they strictly avoid being seen by other races, having become very skilled at hiding with camouflage for themselves and their village. They do not yet live in excavated holes but live out of carts, draped in camouflage nets, and ready to pick up stakes and flee on short notice if any danger enters the region they are currently in. They still live close to the land with farms and livestock, but when their current region experiences a crop failure or bad weather they will pack up their wagon-train and search for better farmland elsewhere.

When the series begins, the village of Elanor Brandyfoot, Poppy Proudfellow, and Sadoc Burrows is surprised to spot human huntsmen coming close to their land out of season. This causes Nori to speculate that the "big folk" might have been driven north by some sort of troubles in the south - though she does not know it, it is indeed due to Sauron rallying the surviving Orcs father south in what will become Mordor.
Fourth Age 80

**Fourth Age 80** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 80** or **F.O. 80**) is the 80th 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 80 was also known as **S.R. 1501** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Birth of Harding of the Hill, son of Holfast Gardner and great-grandson of Samwise Gamgee.
Azanulbizar

**Azanulbizar**, also called **Dimrill Dale** and **Nanduhirion**, was the valley below the East-gate of Moria on the east side of the Misty Mountains.

## Description

The valley was very deep and lay between mountain ridges leading up to the peaks of Bundushathûr in the north, and Zirakzigil in the south. The great peak Barazinbar, which was also called Caradhras, towered over the vale in the west. The Pass of Caradhras came down into that valley by the Dimrill Stair, a deep-cloven way that was carved by the Dwarves.

The East-gate of Moria came out to the huge steps that were called the threshold of Moria. Less than a mile away from those stairs there was the lake Kheled-zâram and the monument Durin's Stone.

The river Silverlode, called *Kibil-nâla* by the Dwarves, ran through the valley eastward through Lothlórien and into the Anduin. Its origins were in deep well of water near Kheled-zâram, but as it flowed through the valley it was joined by many smaller mountain-streams and became a swift and powerful river. An old Dwarven road lay alongside it.

## History

In earlier centuries, the valley was considered beautiful and sacred, but by the later part of the Third Age was barren and desolate, serving as a geographical buffer between the Orc-infested mines of Moria and the Forest of Lothlórien. The final and greatest battle in the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, the Battle of Azanulbizar, was fought here in 2799 of the Third Age. In that battle the Orc captain Azog was slain by Dáin Ironfoot, and Thorin son of Thráin II earned the name *Oakenshield*.

Balin son of Fundin also came to the vale in his attempt to retake Moria and fought some battles in the vale. He was killed there when he went alone to look into the waters of Kheled-zâram.

The Fellowship of the Ring paused here in their flight from out of Moria, after the loss of Gandalf.
Fourth Age 17

**Fourth Age 17** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 17** or **F.O. 17**) is the 17th 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 17 was also known as **S.R. 1438** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Birth of Ruby Gardner, eleventh child and sixth daughter of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton.
Erui

**Erui** was a river in Gondor. This swift-flowing river began near Mindolluin in the White Mountains, flowing south through the province of Lossarnach, where it met the Anduin about 75 miles south of Minas Tirith. Of old, it was part of the border between Anórien and Lebennin.

The main road from Minas Tirith to Pelargir crossed the Erui at the Crossings of Erui. It was not counted amongst the Seven Rivers of Gondor.

The river began near Mount Mindolluin in the White Mountains, flowing south through the province of Lossarnach, where it met the Anduin about 100 Númenórean miles south of Minas Tirith.

The Erui was located in Eastern Gondor and was the easternmost of the Five Rivers of Lebennin. It flowed through Imloth Melui and divided Upper Lebennin and Lossarnach. The Erui was the domain of the brooding River-maid known as the Lone Lady, one of the Five Sisters, though she and her sisters were widely considered a myth by the end of the Third Age. The Lone Lady had long been detached and troubled due to the blood spilled in her waters during the Kin-strife, and the invasion by Haradrim during the War of the Ring enraged her. She commanded the waters of the Erui to animate the armour of long-dead soldiers of Gondor to drive away any who approached the Crossings. She was calmed by her sisters, but not before raising the armour of Castamir himself from the riverbed.
Attack on Lake-town

The **Attack on Lake-town** was a skirmish between the Orcs, the Elves, Dwarves, and Bard's family during the Quest of Erebor.

## Background

After Thorin II Oakenshield and his company left the city of Esgaroth, Fili, Oin and Bofur stayed behind to look after Kili, who was suffering a terrible illness due to the infection when Bolg shot him with morgul arrow. The four Dwarves stayed in Bard's house until they were attacked by Bolg and his orcs, who were following the company's trail. When all seemed lost, Tauriel and Legolas arrived in time to save the dwarves and Bard's children, and engaged the orcs. During the skirmish Legolas kills Fimbul and chases after Bolg while Tauriel stays behind to save Kili from dying. Legolas fight off against Bolg in a brutal duel, but was savagely beaten and even made to bleed, allowing the Orc leader to escape.
Fourth Age 120

**Fourth Age 120** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 120** or **F.O. 120**) is the 120th 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 120 was also known as **S.R. 1541** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

## March

* **1** - Death of King Elessar of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor. Eldarion, son of Elessar and Arwen, becomes King.

## Later

* It is said that the beds of Meriadoc and Peregrin were set beside the bed of the great king.
* Legolas builds a grey ship in Ithilien, and with Gimli sails down Anduin and so over Sea. This marks the end in Middle-earth of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Fourth Age 7

**Fourth Age 7** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 7** or **F.O. 7**) is the 7th 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 7 was also known as **S.R. 1428** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Death of Gaffer Gamgee.
Battle of Cair Andros

The **Battle of Cair Andros** was a battle that took place on the island of Cair Andros on the river Anduin.

While Aragorn led the forces off Gondor and Rohan to the Black Gate, he sent a small army of men, who were young men of Rohan and Lossarnach to retake the small island of Cair Andros. The group was successful in retaking the island from their enemies. Afterwards, the island would serve as a place of crossing and lead them from the island to Osgiliath down the Anduin.
Helmingas

The **Helmingas**, named in honour of the powerful Rohirrim king Helm Hammerhand, were the traditional guardians of the Hornburg, the great fortress of Rohan.

## History

After Calenardhon became Rohan, the two outposts that guarded the Gap of Rohan, Isengard to the north and the Hornburg to the south, were still operated by descendants of Gondor. Eventually, Dunlendings took over control of Isengard, having mingled over the centuries with the traditional wardens of Gondor and their families. A similar situation occurred in the Hornburg, but instead of mingling with the traditional wardens of Helm's Deep, the newly settled Rohirrim were formally given the ownership of the outpost. The result was the Helmingas; those Rohirrim dedicated to garrison and maintain the Hornburg, and perhaps the only full-time soldiers in Rohan.
Fourth Age 48

**Fourth Age 48** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 48** or **F.O. 48**) is the 48th 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 48 was also known as **S.R. 1469** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

## Mid-year's Day

* Samwise Gamgee is elected as Mayor of Michel Delving for his seventh and final term.
Elured and Elurin

**Eluréd** and **Elurín** were the twin sons of Dior Eluchîl, son of Beren and Lúthien, and Dior's Elven wife, Nimloth.

## Biography

Eluréd and Elurín were born in the short-lived renewed Kingdom of Doriath under their father Dior. They were named after their great-grandfather Elu Thingol, the King of Doriath. They had a younger sister named Elwing.

The boys lived peacefully with their father and mother in Menegroth until the dreaded Oath of Fëanor descended on Doriath due to Dior's failure to turn over the Silmaril under the threat of war. When the Sons of Fëanor attacked, the twins were seized by the cruel servants of Celegorm and abandoned in the forest to die. However, Maedhros, the eldest of the Sons of Fëanor, bitterly regretted this deed and sought for them in vain in the surrounding forest.
They were never found and were presumed to have perished in the forest. Tradition among the Nandor of Ossiriand held that they were led to the safety of the woodlands by birds and beasts and thereby survived.
Halbarad

**Halbarad** was a Ranger of Eriador.

## Life

Halbarad spent his early life watching the borders of the Shire.

During the War of the Ring, Halbarad was sent to the aid of his Chieftain Aragorn. From Eriador, he led a thirty-man strong group of Rangers, calling themselves the Grey Company. With them rode Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond. In the night between the 5th and the 6th of March, the Company met Aragorn at Dol Baran. Halbarad gave his kinsman a standard, which was a gift from Arwen, and a message, summoning him to take the Paths of the Dead.

The Grey Company, now with Gimli and Legolas part of Aragorn's comitatus, passed through the Paths of the Dead, to the Stone of Erech, over Tarlang's Neck, and on to Pelargir. He captained a Corsair ship and they sailed toward Harlond.

On March 15 they arrived on the Pelennor Fields and fought in the battle. Halbarad unfurled the standard, and it showed the White Tree of Gondor and the signs of Elendil. He was killed in this battle, and would never return to the North.
Fourth Age 1

**Fourth Age 1** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 1** or **F.O. 1**) is the 1st 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 1 was also known as **S.R. 1422** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* The beginning of the Fourth Age in the reckoning of the Shire.
* Birth of Eldarion, son of King Elessar of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor and Queen Arwen.
First Age 510

**First Age 510** (abbreviated to **F.A. 510**) is the 510th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

## Midsummer

* The Fall of Gondolin: Morgoth attacks Gondolin with an army of orcs, dragons, wolves and balrogs.
* Ecthelion dies killing Gothmog, Lord of Balrogs.
* Deaths of King Turgon and many chieftains of the noble houses of Gondolin.
* Maeglin takes Idril and Eärendil. Tuor kills Maeglin.
* Idril and Tuor lead a group of survivors out a secret tunnel and across the Cirith Thoronath. Glorfindel dies there killing a Balrog. The exiles wander towards the Mouths of Sirion.
* Gil-galad becomes High King of the Noldor.
Haldir

**Haldir** was an Elf of Lothlórien, probably a Silvan Elf, and a marchwarden who guarded the forest's northern borders. When the Fellowship of the Ring arrived in Lórien, he became their guide to Caras Galadhon. He and his companions wore grey, hooded cloaks and resided on platforms or "flets".

Haldir was accompanied by his brothers, Rúmil and Orophin, who interacted little with the Fellowship because they, unlike Haldir, spoke little of the Common Tongue. Haldir could speak it fluently, as he often travelled outside of Lothlórien. Little is known about his brothers.

## Biography

### Third Age

He intercepts the Fellowship as they enter Lothlórien after fleeing the Mines of Moria. He was sent by Elrond and led an army of five hundred elves from Lothlórien to Helm's Deep. They were stationed on the battlements and behind the Deeping Wall. They held off the Isengard assault until a bomb was set off and destroyed the walls. The elves, on Aragorn's command, charged straight into a wall of Uruk-hai pikes. During the breaching of the walls, the Rohirrim and Elves retreated to the Keep. As Haldir directed Elves to the Keep, he was surrounded and wounded by two Uruks, and died in Aragorn's arms after slaying one of them.
Hordern

**Hordern** was a settlement in west-central Mordor in the Second Age, close to Tirharad and Ostirith.

## History

Hordern was home to Men whose ancestors had once sided with Morgoth, and as a result remained under the watch of Silvan Elves. The healer Bronwyn was raised in Hordern by her family many years into the Elven occupation, though she moved to the nearby village of Tirharad.

When dark signs began to appear near Tirharad, Arondir and Bronwyn journeyed to Hordern to investigate, and found the village mysteriously burned, and its inhabitants missing. A tunnel leading into the village was discovered, through which Arondir went to investigate further.
Henneth Annun

**Henneth Annûn**, also called the **Window of the Sunset**, or Window on the West, was a hidden refuge of the Rangers of Ithilien in the northern part of Ithilien along the Ephel Duath, the Mountains of Shadow. The waterfall cascading over the cliff-face had originally run through the cave itself, but was altered to flow over one of the entrances; this likeness to a window gave Henneth Annûn its name. There are two entrances into the cave system- one being the route through which Samwise Gamgee and Frodo were led, and the other being the window itself. At the bottom of the window was a bowl full of sharp stone knives.

## History

Like all of the other hidden refuges of Gondor in Ithilien, Henneth Annûn was created by the Steward Túrin II circa TA 2901 in response to incursions of Orcs from Mordor. Henneth Annûn was the longest-lasting of all the refuges in Ithilien. During the War of the Ring, Faramir, son of the Steward of Gondor, Denethor II, made it his base of operations. Caught in Ithilien, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee were taken there to be questioned by Faramir. Requiring the utmost security, the ring-bearer and his servant were blindfolded until arrival at the refuge.

Gollum found the Forbidden Pool quite by accident whilst he was diving for fish. The penalty for coming to Henneth Annûn without permission was death. However, Frodo convinced Faramir to spare Gollum, and he was also taken to the cave blindfolded.

The refuge's garrison departed just after the Ring-bearer, and was used to hold the western half of Osgiliath against the forces of Minas Morgul.
Gerda

**Gerda** was a Dwarven princess of Khazad-dûm who lived during the Second Age. She was the daughter of Durin IV and his wife, Disa, and the sister of Gamli.

## Portrayal in adaptations

### *The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*

Gerda and her brother Gamli have been born to Durin IV and Disa in the twenty years since Elrond last visited Khazad-dûm. They are playing with one another when Elrond comes to visit, and their mother tells them to stop their silliness.
Gorgoroth

**Gorgoroth**, fully named the **Plateau of Gorgoroth**, was a region located in the northwestern portion of Mordor.

## Geography

Gorgoroth stood at the heart of the dark lands of Mordor. Past the Isenmouthe and Udûn lays the Plateau of Gorgoroth, a vast wasteland in Mordor that holds not many secrets. Most of Sauron's armies lay in wait at Gorgoroth for their master's command. Five garrisons of Orcs patrol the dusty plain. Mordor gets its water from Núrn, a lake in Mordor. Orcs and Trolls set up fires to see if anyone is coming in case if an enemy has secretly passed by the Black Gate or Cirith Ungol. Gorgoroth stands near the fiery Mount Doom. Gorgoroth was always covered in the volcanic ash of Mount Doom and had no plant growth at all. The plateau was arid with extreme climates and was considered to be uninhabitable by Men or perhaps by anything else that lives.

## History

During the War of the Ring, Gorgoroth was the location of mines and forges which supplied Mordor's armies with weapons and armor. Frodo and Sam looked upon Gorgoroth and passed through it on their way to Mount Doom between March 16 and March 24, 3019.
Gap of Rohan

The **Gap of Rohan**, once known as **Gap of Calenardhon** was the opening between the mountain ranges of the Misty Mountains and the White Mountains.

Through the Gap flowed the river Isen, which formed the effective western boundary of the region Calenardhon, later Kingdom of Rohan. The ancient North-South Road which connected the realms of Gondor and Arnor of old ran through the Gap, crossing the Isen at the Fords of Isen. Access to the Gap was controlled by the fortress of Angrenost, or Isengard, which in the later Third Age was controlled by Saruman.

The triangle between the Isen and Adorn rivers and the White Mountains was a contested area between the Rohirrim and the Dunlendings.

Both Boromir and the Black Riders passed westward through the Gap in T.A. 3018.

During the War of the Ring, the Fellowship of the Ring chose not to travel through the gap because they had learned Saruman was in league with Sauron, and instead passed through Moria.

The Rohirrim fought two battles against the Dunlendings and the Orcs of Saruman in the gap, during the first of which Théodred, son of King Théoden, was mortally wounded.
Grey Havens

The **Grey Havens**, known also as **Mithlond**, was an Elvish port city on the Gulf of Lune in the Elven realm of Lindon in Middle-earth.

## Description

Because of its cultural and spiritual importance to the Elves, the Grey Havens in time became the primary Elven settlement west of the Misty Mountains prior to the establishment of Eregion and, later, Rivendell. Even after the death of Gil-galad and as the Elves dwindled in numbers by the year, the Grey Havens remained a focal point of the history in the northern part of Middle-earth.

Despite being a major port, the Grey Havens had sparse population, like Rivendell and northeastern Mirkwood.

## History

### Second Age

The Grey Havens was founded at the beginning of the Second Age by the surviving Elves of the realm of Beleriand, those who chose to remain on Middle-earth after the wars against Morgoth.

It was frequently visited from the west by the Númenoreans. On SA 1700, Tar-Minastir sent great fleets from Númenor to the Havens in assistance in the war against Sauron.

It was also one of the main sources for the Elven fleet of ships that sailed back and forth between Middle Earth and Eldamar in Aman.

### Third Age

In TA 1000, the Istari arrived in Middle-earth, and it was here where Círdan gave Narya, the Elven Ring of Fire, to Gandalf.

During the War of the Ring, Galdor of the Havens was among the members of the Council of Elrond.

After the defeat of Sauron and the coronation of Aragorn II Elessar, Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond left for Valinor from the Grey Havens. The Ring-bearers Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins accompanied them to Valinor. Years later, Samwise Gamgee did likewise, himself being a Ring-bearer (although briefly).

## Fate

The Grey Havens still existed into the Fourth Age under Círdan, but its population declined as did the Elven presence in Middle-earth. It is unclear just what the Fate of the Elves of Middle-earth was in the early Fourth Age and how long Círdan or his remaining folk dwelled at the Havens and continued to build the great ships that carried the Elves to the Blessed Realm.
Attack of the Wargs

**Wargs attacked Thorin and Company** while they fled from the Misty Mountains.

After Bilbo rejoins the group once outside the Goblin Town, the moment of triumph is cut short as they are ambushed by Azog, Fimbul and his Hunter Orcs army. After taking refuge in cliff-side trees before the Wargs uproot most of them, the final tree is partially uprooted, leaving most of Thorin's Company hanging over the cliff-side. Gandalf uses his staff to set some pinecones on fire and the Company throw them to the Orcs. Unfortunately, it doesn't help much. Thorin then charges towards Azog in an attempt to save the others, but is badly wounded and knocked to the ground. Bilbo defends Thorin from being killed, and as Azog's other Orcs move in, trying to kill the Hobbit. Then Fili, Kili, and Dwalin rush in and attack them, while the others follow and a fight ensues. The group is then saved by eagles, who fly them to safety on the Carrock. Azog then continues his hunt with the rest of his Orc army.

## Post-Attack of the Wargs

After the attack, Thorin apologized to Bilbo and hugged him in an a form of apology and beginning their friendship.
Gundabad Orcs

**Gundabad Orcs**" were the Orcs inhabiting Mount Gundabad in the north of Middle-earth. They had attacked the mountain and taken it from the Dwarves of Durin's Folk dwelling there. Beforehand, they had been part of the evil realm of Angmar.

## History

### The Hobbit

The Gundabad Orcs seen in Peter Jackson's *The Hobbit* film trilogy look different from any other Orcs portrayed in film. These Orcs had dark skin, fangs, claws, and a small amount of hair. The lighter armed scouting parties wore armor of brown and white fur coats threaded with various beast's teeth and wooden shields bearing the Eye of Sauron. They, like many Orcs, used long scimitars with which they impaled and slashed their victims.

Azog is from Mount Gundabad. The band of Orcs led by Azog's subordinates, Yazneg and his lieutenant Fimbul, is made up from Orcs of different tribes, mainly from Gundabad and Moria.

Bolg is sent by his father Azog to lead forth the armies of Gundabad. There are two types of Gundabad Orcs, the armored soldiers and the Berserkers. The Berserkers have white snow-like skin and are stronger built than their fellow Gundabad Orcs, with long almost ape-like limbs and deep sunken eyes. They wield swords as well as huge maces and act as Bolg's main enforcers.

Legolas and Tauriel go to the fortress in Mount Gundabad to scout on Bolg. At night, Bolg commands the forces of Gundabad to march forth and legions of Orcs along with other foul creatures are seen leaving the pass to Angmar and follow their leader to Erebor. These armies of Gundabad Orcs are later seen marching upon the battlefield near Ravenhill. However, they are quickly engaged by Beorn and the Great Eagles led by Radagast,and their forces are soundly defeated. The remaining Orcs scatter into the mountains.
Goblin Spider-riders

**Goblin Spider-riders** were goblin units which rode on medium-sized spiders. These units can aid Mordor or Isengard in destroying the enemy base during Skirmish. The goblins have thin heads and muscular bodies, and are armed with spears and bows. The spiders have numerous eyes, four sharp fangs, long legs and poisonous stingers which can be used for "Venom sacks" at a Level 3 Spider Pit.
First Age 498

**First Age 498** (abbreviated to **F.A. 498**) is the 498th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* **Mid-year's Day** - After becoming betrothed in the spring, Túrin Turambar weds Niënor Níniel.
* Glaurung's orcs begin raiding Brethil. Túrin initially refuses to go into battle, but is persuaded by Dorlas. Túrin takes up Gurthang and defeats the orcs; news of the Black Sword reaches Glaurung.
Cardolan

**Cardolan** was a realm once part of the Dúnedain kingdom of Arnor. After the death of Arnor's tenth king, Eärendur, his sons divided the kingdom into three parts: Arthedain, Rhudaur, and Cardolan.

## Geography

The borders of Cardolan extended from the river Brandywine to the west, the river Hoarwell to the east and the river Greyflood to the east and south. Its northern border was the Great East Road, but Cardolan also claimed the Arthedain-controlled Weather Hills, which contained the fortress of Weathertop and its valuable Palantír. For this reason the Weather Hills were claimed by all three kingdoms - Arthedain, Cardolan and Rhudaur of the former Arnor. This territorial dispute continued until Rhudaur became a vassal of Angmar after the line of the Dúnedain kings failed there.

## History

When the kingdom of Angmar arose in northern Eriador, Cardolan allied with Arthedain and accepted the overlordship of Argeleb I. For over fifty years between TA 1356 and TA 1409 Cardolan aided Arthedain in holding back the forces of Angmar. However in that latter year Angmar invaded in strength and the Kingdom of Cardolan was destroyed. The remaining people became entrenched in the hill region, Tyrn Gorthad (the Barrow-downs). Arthedain could provide little aid, as it was itself under attack.

Cardolan was badly afflicted by the Great Plague, the population of Minhiriath was decimated, and the remaining Dúnedain inhabitants of the Barrow-downs perished, allowing evil spirits, the Barrow-wights, to inhabit the region. Arthedain managed to reconquer the land briefly in the 19th century, but few people wished to live there on account of the Barrow-wights, and so Cardolan was left unpopulated.

After the final fall of Arnor, and the destruction of Angmar at the Battle of Fornost, Cardolan presumably remained unpopulated save for the city of Tharbad. This was abandoned and fell into ruin in TA 2912 in the great floods following the Fell Winter. Only long after this was the land was resettled with the reestablishment of the northern kingdom under King Aragorn II Elessar, at the end of the Third Age.
First Age 509

**First Age 509** (abbreviated to **F.A. 509**) is the 509th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Maeglin is captured by orcs and taken to Angband.
* Maeglin reveals to Morgoth the location of Gondolin; in return, Morgoth promises that Maeglin will rule Gondolin as a vassal and have possession of Idril.
Fourth Age 63

**Fourth Age 63** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 63** or **F.O. 63**) is the 63rd 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 63 was also known as **S.R. 1484** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

## Spring

* Meriadoc Brandybuck receives a message from King Éomer that he wishes to see him.
* Meriadoc takes counsel with Peregrin Took; they leave their belongings to their sons, Pippin takes with him a copy of the Thain's Book and they depart the Shire from Sarn Ford into the south.
* Faramir Took I succeeds his father Peregrin Took as Thain of the Shire.

## Autumn

* Death of King Éomer.
* Elfwine, son of Éomer, becomes the nineteenth King of Rohan.
* Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took then travel on to Gondor. Peregrin brings the copy of the Thain's Book.
Fourth Age 67

**Fourth Age 67** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 67** or **F.O. 67**) is the 67th 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 67 was also known as **S.R. 1488** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Death of Elphir, Prince of Dol Amroth.
* Alphros, son of Elphir, becomes the twenty-fourth Prince of Dol Amroth.
Free Peoples of Middle-earth

The **Free Peoples of the World** were those people who were not under Sauron's domination.

By the later Third Age Sauron had Orcs, Trolls and other creatures under his control, and other peoples like the Men of Darkness enslaved or allied with him. As such, the Free Peoples were the Elves, High and Middle Men, Hobbits, Dwarves, and any folk who opposed him.

In the Council of Elrond, Boromir made a mention of the "Free Lords of the Free", possibly referring to the rulers of the Free Peoples, such as Elrond or Denethor II, while suggesting that they should use the One Ring against Sauron.

The members of the Fellowship of the Ring were specifically chosen so that at least one representative of all the free peoples would be there: one for the Elves, one for the Dwarves and two for Men. As they had appeared relatively late in the knowledge of most, Hobbits were generally not reckoned among them until the War of the Ring.

By the later Third Age Sauron had Orcs, Trolls and other creatures under his control, and other peoples like the Men of Darkness enslaved or allied with him. As such, the Free Peoples were the Elves, High and Middle Men, Hobbits, Dwarves, and any folk who opposed him.

In the Council of Elrond, Boromir made a mention of the "Free Lords of the Free", possibly referring to the rulers of the Free Peoples, such as Elrond or Denethor II, while suggesting that they should use the One Ring against Sauron.

The members of the Fellowship of the Ring were specifically chosen so that at least one representative of all the free peoples would be there: one for the Elves, one for the Dwarves and two for Men. As they had appeared relatively late in the knowledge of most, Hobbits were generally not reckoned among them until the War of the Ring.
Glamdring

**Glamdring** (**Foe-hammer** or **Beater** by the Goblins and Orcs) is an Elven sword wielded by Gandalf.

## Background

**Glamdring**, Orcrist and possibly Sting were forged for Turgon, king of the Elvish city of Gondolin the First Age. It was one of the finest blades in Middle Earth, made for the wars with the Orcs. However, it was lost with Turgon during the sack of the city.

## The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

In the late Third Age, the sword somehow landed in possession of the Trolls, William, Tom, and Bert, where it was found in a Troll-Hoard by the Great East Road by Gandalf, during the Quest of Erebor.

Meanwhile, Orcrist was given to Thorin, the leader of the Company, and Sting was a sword Gandalf found and gave to his companion, Bilbo Baggins.

During the Company's visit to Rivendell, Elrond - a descendant of Turgon - identified the swords by name and heritage. The Goblin King later identified it as "beater" when Gandalf dispatched the Great Goblin.

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

Gandalf later had Glamdring, which he used to dispatch Durin's Bane, an ancient evil Balrog.

He used it during the Battle of Gondor as well.
Fourth Age 121

**Fourth Age 121** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 121** or **F.O. 121**) is the 121st 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 121 was also known as **S.R. 1542** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Arwen Undómiel lays down her life at Cerin Amroth in Lothlórien.
Galion

**Galion** was a Nandorin Wood-elf of the Woodland Realm in northern Mirkwood.

## Biography

Galion was the King's butler and was probably one of his many servants. He was also charged with shipping out the empty barrels into the underground river down the Long Lake and finally back to Lake-town. He was very fond of his wine. It is not known when or where he was actually born or if he lived in the realm when it was known as *Greenwood the Great*.
In TA 2941, he unknowingly encountered Bilbo Baggins after falling asleep as a result of drinking with the guard captain, allowing the hobbit to steal the keys and release Thorin and Company from prison.
First Age 494

**First Age 494** (abbreviated to **F.A. 494**) is the 494th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Morwen and Nienor travel to Doriath seeking news of Túrin. There is no news of Túrin in Doriath, but Thingol allows Morwen and Nienor to stay in Doriath as his guests.
First Age 150

**First Age 150** (abbreviated to **F.A. 150**) is the 150th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Caranthir encounters the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains and forms an alliance with them. The Dwarves of Nogrod and Belegost begin trading with the Noldor.
First Age 458

**First Age 458** (abbreviated to **F.A. 458**) is the 458th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* A legion of orcs passes into Brethil and is defeated by the Haladin with the aid of Beleg of Doriath.
* Following the battle, Húrin and Huor become lost and cross the Brithiach and wander into Dimbar. Spotted by Thorondor, they are rescued and taken to Gondolin.
Ford of Bruinen

The **Ford of Bruinen** was a means of crossing the river Loudwater (Bruinen) on the Great East Road, in Eriador near the house of Rivendell.

## History

At the beginning of the War of the Ring, Frodo Baggins, astride Arwen's horse Asfaloth, was pursued by the Nazgûl to the Ford of Bruinen. At the ford Frodo, poisoned by a deadly wound, made his stand, and defied the Witch-king of Angmar. She carries Frodo on her horse and is chased by the Nine; at the Ford she summons the flood, invoking the waters from the Misty Mountains in the Quenya tongue. This lured the Ringwraiths into the Bruinen, prompting Elrond to command a great flood from far away. Gandalf, who had arrived in Rivendell, caused the waters to take the form of rushing horses. This flood killed the steeds of the Ringwraiths, which led them to later make use of winged fellbeasts.