recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Paths of the Dead

The **Paths of the Dead** was a haunted pass through the White Mountains. The paths started at the Dark Door at the end of the long valley of Harrowdale, beyond the Firienfeld and the forest of Dimholt, wedged in between the mountains Irensaga, Starkhorn, and the Dwimorberg.

## History

After the Dark Door, the pass went under the Dwimorberg, past another door where Aragorn and the Grey Company found the remains of Baldor, son of the second King of Rohan, Brego. The pass then continued past forgotten cities, emerging at the southern end of the White Mountains in Morthond vale, near the Stone of Erech.

In the Second Age, a people related to the Dunlendings had lived in the White Mountains, and they had for a time served the Dark Lord Sauron. They later swore allegiance to Isildur of Gondor, but betrayed him during the War of the Last Alliance and refused to fight on either side. For this reason, Isildur cursed them, proclaiming that, if the Alliance triumphed, they would linger in the mountains until one of his heirs called them again to fight against Sauron.

Isildur's curse succeeded: their people dwindled and eventually died out, until only their ghosts remained at the end of the Third Age. In the early days of Rohan, Brego and his son Baldor rode up to the paths and made to enter. At that point a man so withered they had mistaken him for stone spoke: *"The way is shut, his voice said again. It was made by those who are Dead, and the Dead keep it, until the time comes. The way is shut."* Baldor asked when that time would be, but at that moment the man fell on his face and died. Later at the feast celebrating the completion of Meduseld, Baldor rashly vowed to walk the Paths of the Dead. He never returned.

When Aragorn and company took the Paths of the Dead and, deep within the mountains, summoned them to the Stone of Erech, their shades followed him. At the Stone at midnight, Aragorn unfurled his banner, declared himself the Heir of Isildur, and commanded the dead to aid him. In this they obeyed, and defeated the Corsairs of Umbar who were invading southern Gondor.

The Paths are depicted with an unnatural mist, mass crypts, and piles of skulls. As Aragorn and company travels through, Legolas senses the Dead closing in behind them. When entering a vast clearing in front of a necropolis, the Army of the Dead appears and surrounds them until Aragorn threatens them with a reforged Narsil, holding them to their oaths. The Dead refuse at first, but later reappear by the Anduin river and agree to fight for Aragorn. The Army of the Dead accompanies Aragorn to Minas Tirith to defeat Sauron's Orcs, after which Aragorn declares their curse lifted.
Lords of Emyn Arnen

**Lords of Emyn Arnen** was a subsidiary title created for Faramir, the Steward of Gondor and his descendants by King Elessar.

## History of the Title

The hills of Emyn Arnen lay southeast from Minas Tirith, within sight of that city but across the Anduin in South Ithilien. They had long been associated with the Stewards of Gondor, and the House of the Stewards traced their ancestry back to Húrin of Emyn Arnen, who had served King Minardil in the seventeenth century of the Third Age. At the end of that Age, when the new King Elessar appointed Faramir as his own Steward, he also gave him the titles Prince of Ithilien and Lord of Emyn Arnen, and the new Lord took up his residence in those hills.

Given the Stewards' descent from Húrin, it is possible that 'Lord of Emyn Arnen' was a title held by each of his descendants, and that each Steward was therefore also a Lord. As Faramir is the only named Lord of Emyn Arnen, however, it is equally possible that the title was devised individually for him by Aragorn.
King of the Reunited Kingdom

The **Kings of the Reunited Kingdom**, also known as the **High Kings of Gondor and Arnor**, were the rulers of the Reunited Kingdom after the War of the Ring. They came to be called the House of Telcontar.

## Before the War of the Ring

In the north, the realm of Arnor had fallen into troubled times. It broke into three separate kingdoms, and in time these fell, so that the Dúnedain of the North-kingdom of Elendil were reduced to a wandering people led by a Chieftain. Nonetheless, they were able to maintain Isildur's line in unbroken descent. However the House of Anárion failed in Gondor, when Eärnur was lost, without heirs, in TA 2050. Gondor's rule was taken up by the Stewards.

There were two attempts to reunite the kingdoms. The first of these occurred when Arvedui of Arthedain claimed the High Kingship of the Two Kingdoms. His claim was rejected by Steward Pelendur and the Council of Gondor, who elected to maintain their independence.

## Reunification

More than a thousand years later, after the War of the Ring, Arvedui's direct descendant Aragorn II came forward to make the same claim. This time, the people of Gondor accepted a High King, and the Two Kingdoms were reunited at last.

Taking the name King Elessar, Aragorn ruled from Minas Tirith, which became even greater and more beautiful than it was in the first days after its construction, but he travelled throughout his wide lands, and rebuilt Annuminas. When he went north he would rule from there. The Shire was an exception to this, and though it lay within the Reunited Kingdom, Aragorn made a law that Men should not enter it, a law that he observed himself.

After Aragorn's death, his son Eldarion took up the High Kingship, and the Reunited Kingdom endured for many years under the new King and his descendants.
Destruction of Lake-town

The **Destruction of Lake-town** took place when Smaug burst from the Lonely Mountain and flew over to Esgaroth to destroy the city and its people, in retaliation for the aid they gave to Thorin and Company on their quest to take back the treasure-hoard of Thrór.

## History

### Background

Later in TA 2941, Bilbo Baggins of the Shire accompanied a company of Dwarves led by Thorin II Oakenshield to recapture the whole Kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug. The party reached the mountain later that year on Durin's Day and sent Bilbo in through the secret door to carry out his duty as their burglar. Bilbo had already done some exploration of the old hallways using the Back Door and had stolen a golden cup from the treasure. By this deed and by Bilbo's bold speech Smaug's anger was kindled. Erroneously believing, due to some remarks Bilbo had made during his conversation with Smaug, that some scheme of the people of Esgaroth was the reason for the Dwarves' (and Bilbo's) presence, Smaug flew to Esgaroth to show them who was "the true King under the Mountain".

### Fire and water

Smaug appeared first in the north, his light turning the Lake golden. At first, the Lake-men thought it was gold flowing down the river, but a grim-voiced man named Bard (a descendant of Girion, Lord of Dale) realized that it was the dragon, awake and roused to wrath. At his warning, the bells were rung, and the town prepared for battle, by cutting off the bridge, covering the roofs with water, and filling every vessel with water. When Smaug arrived, he tried to land on the bridge only to find it destroyed, and instead flew over the town, spouting flames and smashing buildings with his tail. The Archers of Lake-town fired at him, but only managed to enrage him further. As he set the town aflame, the Lake-men tried to douse the flames, but to no avail, as he methodically destroyed the town. The townspeople abandoned and escaped into the water, and the Master fled in his Golden boat. Only the company of archers led by Bard stood their ground, and in the end, even they fled. As Bard bent his bow with his last arrow, a thrush arrived, and to his amazement, found he could understand it, as he was of the race of Dale. It told him about the dragon's weak spot. Bard fired the Black Arrow, an heirloom of Dale, and with his last shot killed the dragon. With a final scream, Smaug flew up into the air, turned over and fell onto the town, destroying it.

## Aftermath

After the Dragon's death, the people turned on the cowardly master of Lake-town, and Bard became their leader, while still acknowledging the master as the elected Ruler. The death of Smaug had massive consequences, creating struggle for the treasure of Erebor, and leading to the Battle of Five Armies.
Khamul

**Khamûl** was the second most powerful Nazgûl after the Witch-king of Angmar was. After the death of their leader, Khamûl took over as the leader, before his demise when Sauron was destroyed for good.

He was a king of Easterlings during the Second Age, and he was one of the nine Men to whom Sauron gave one of the Rings of Power. Like the others, he became a powerful sorcerer and ruler until he eventually faded into a Wraith and his will was surrendered to Sauron. By S.A. 2251 he was already one of Sauron's servants.

It was said that, after the Witch-king, Khamûl was the most ready to perceive the presence of the One Ring, but is power was most confused and diminished by daylight.

In T.A. 2951 Sauron returned to Mordor and declared openly to his enemies. Khamûl and two other Ringwraiths were sent to the fortress of Dol Guldur, with the former taking command.

During the War of the Ring he was one of the Ringwraiths who entered the Shire, and asked Hamfast Gamgee for "Baggins". However it was the day after Frodo Baggins had left Hobbiton, and he then pursued the Hobbits to Bucklebury Ferry in the Shire some days later. He was also one of the six or nine Ringwraiths, led by the Witch King, that followed Gandalf on Shadowfax and attacked him at night on Weathertop; they were repulsed after a violent fight on 4 October, and Frodo and Aragorn saw the lights of that battle from their camp. The Witch King and Khamûl remained watching Weathertop (waiting for the Ring Bearer to come) for two days thereafter, along with three other Wraiths. After the Ringwraiths find Frodo and the Hobbits on Weathertop, they are confronted by Aragorn after the Witch-king stabs Frodo, at which they are forced to flee. After they're repelled by Arwen, they take on fell beasts as mounts.

Khamul takes part in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, killing Gondor's soldiers. After the Witch-king's death, he retreated to Mordor. He and the remaining Nazgul attacked the Army of the West at the Black Gate on his mount before fighting the Eagles. Following the destruction of the One Ring, Khamûl perished with the rest of the Ringwraiths.
Saenathra

**Saenathra** is the spider daughter of Shelob.

## History

Saenathea was probably born near the end of the Second Age. Daughter of Shelob, the legendary **Spider-Queen**, **Saenathra** has built her own empire deep within the shadows of Mirkwood. With legions of ghastly **Giant Spiders** at her command, she has accumulated an untold fortune of treasure – which is now coveted by the dragon Úrgost.

She was one of the allies of Sauron and the Queen of the Mirkwood spiders, second only to Shelob herself (being possibly even a little bigger than her mother). She was commanded by Agandaûr (whom she calls "He") to eat Radagast so he could not send anymore messages which was his talent. She succeeded with capturing him, but wanted him to hang a bit so he would be tastier (much like the spiders in *The Hobbit*). Meanwhile, the three heroes, Andriel, Eradan and Farin appear seeking Radagast. Saenathra makes herself invisible, and then attacks them, saying that one is not enough for her, but four is a feast. She calls in many of her minions, but the heroes are able to defeat her quite easily along with her spiders and free Radagast. Similarly to Shelob being the greatest daughter of Ungoliant, Saenathra was likely the greatest daughter of Shelob. With Saenathras's death, her minions flee, leaving Eradan, Andriel, Farin and Radagast alone. She dwelt near Dol Guldur.
Marchwarden

**Marchwarden** was a position given to highly skilled Elf rangers and warriors who guarded the outer borders of their realms.

## History

### First Age

During the First Age, King Thingol of Doriath was served by marchwardens, who guarded the borders of their forest. Two marchwardens, Beleg Cúthalion and Mablung, fought in the Nírnaeth Arnoediad and survived. Turin Turambar briefly served as one of the marchwardens, and was often given tasks with his friend Beleg. At the end of the First Age, Doriath was sacked by the Dwarves of Nogrod and later by the remaining Sons of Fëanor, which resulted in the Second Kinslaying. Doriath was ultimately defeated, and its marchwardens along with it.

### Third Age

When the Fellowship of the Ring arrived in Lothlórien, its marchwardens, led by Haldir and his brothers Rúmil and Orophin, encountered the group. These wardens were described to wear grey-hooded cloaks. Haldir led the Fellowship to Caras Galadhon, to meet Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, once a Prince of Doriath.

## Named Marchwardens

* Beleg Cúthalion, Chief Marchwarden of Doriath
* Mablung, Marchwarden and Chief Captain of King Thingol
* Turin Turambar
* Haldir, Marchwarden of Lothlórien
* Rúmil
* Orophin
Regent of Gondor

The **Regent of Gondor** was a title of Gondor. It was a title applied to those granted executive authority in place of a legitimate reigning king.

## Númenorean precedent

Before the time of Tar-Aldarion, no King had ever left the island during his reign. When Tar-Aldarion resolved to travel to Middle-earth, the Council of the Sceptre sought a regency to rule in his place. The king's father, Meneldur, refused the regency when offered, and Meneldur's cousin, Hallatan of Hyarastorni, became regent instead. Ancalimë served as regent on more than one occasion while her father voyaged.

## Gondor

In all the history of the Kings of Gondor, only one Regent of this kind was ever appointed, Minalcar.

Minalcar was the grandson of Atanatar II Alcarin and son of Calmacil. In the closing years of his grandfather's rule, he had become a forceful presence in the royal councils as neither of the King's sons, Narmacil nor Calmacil, showed great interest in state affairs. Just a few short years after his uncle Narmacil succeeded the King, he conferred the office of Karma-kundo on Minalcar; from that point he effectively ruled Gondor for no less than sixty-four years, though officially doing so in the King's name. Minalcar would eventually ascend to the throne of Gondor himself under his better-known name Rómendacil II.

After the death of Ondoher and his sons, Steward Pelendur ruled Gondor briefly between T.A. 1944 and 1945 until Earnil I was appointed as Ondoher's successor. The Ruling Stewards were effectively "Regents" who ruled Gondor indefinitely in the King's absence.
Second Age 1200

**Second Age 1200** (abbreviated to **S.A. 1200**) is the 1200th year of the Sun of the Second Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Sauron endeavours to seduce the Eldar. Gil-galad refuses to treat with him; but the smiths of Eregion are won over.
* The Númenóreans begin to make permanent havens.
Keys of Orthanc

The **Keys of Orthanc** were described as two great, black keys of an intricate shape, joined by a ring of steel.

During the rule of the early Stewards of Gondor, the Tower of Orthanc was locked and its keys were taken to Minas Tirith. The Steward Beren then gave them to Saruman in TA 2759 to act as Warden of the Tower on behalf of Gondor.

At one point during *The Two Towers*, Gandalf said to Saruman that if he handed over the Keys to Orthanc with his staff, he might soon be pardoned and receive both back. Saruman did not surrender them immediately, but did eventually, to Treebeard, who passed them to King Elessar.
Moon runes

**Moon-letters** were special Dwarven runes written in ithildin that could only be revealed by the Moon at a certain time. They are only mentioned in *The Hobbit* when Elrond held up Thror's Map to read to Thorin and Company.

## Description

Moon-letters were a system of writing invented by Dwarves - they were ordinary runes, but written in such a way that they could only be read when the light of the moon shone behind the writing. Some moon-letters could be read by any moonlight, but it was possible to make the writing even more secret. More sophisticated moon-letters could only be read by the same shape of moon, or at the same time of year, as when they were written.

Moon-letters were written with silver pens. The substance ithildin, made the from the precious metal mithril, reflected only starlight and moonlight.

An example of these moon-letters would be on the map of the Lonely Mountain and surrounding areas that Gandalf gave to Thorin Oakenshield. The moon letters were of the more secret variety, and were written on a midsummer's eve under a crescent moon. They read:

"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole."
Pipe-Weed

**Pipe-Weed** (also known as Halflings' Leaf or simply Leaf) was a plant developed by the Hobbits of the Shire.

## Properties

The Leaf was famous for its fragrant flowers. It preferred southern climates and it grew abundantly in Gondor. In northern regions, like Eriador, it was not as rich and large, and never found wild; it flourished only in warm sheltered places like the southern slopes of the Bree-hill, or Longbottom of the Shire.

## History

Apparently the plant grew in Númenor and was brought to Middle-earth by Númenóreans during the Second Age. In Gondor it grew as a wild herb, appreciated primarily for its fragrant blossoms and the Gondorians knew it as ***sweet galenas*** or more popularly as ***westmansweed***, a reference to its origin.

It was not until the Third Age when it reached Eriador, probably through the Greenway, and the Bree-hobbits were the first to put it in pipes and use it for smoking. As Bree was an ancient cross-road, the habit of smoking pipe-weed spread to other regions, as well as to other races, such as Men, Dwarves and Wizards. Meriadoc Brandybuck considered *The Prancing Pony* as the "home and centre" of the smoking art.

But it was in the Shire where it was first domesticated, by Tobold Hornblower of Longbottom in Southfarthing around S.R. 1070. The cultivation and exportation of this herb became a key industry in the Shire, especially in the south. Popular varieties of pipe-weed included Longbottom Leaf, Old Toby, and Southern Star from the Shire. Perhaps less popular was Southlinch from Bree.

The Wizard Gandalf learned to smoke pipe-weed from the Hobbits and was often seen blowing smoke-rings. Saruman initially derided him for this, but at some point he took up smoking himself, and even had commerce with the Shire: After the destruction of Isengard, pipe-weed was found among its stores, but the Hobbits Merry and Pippin failed to realize the sinister implications.

After the War of the Ring, Meriadoc Brandybuck authored *Herblore of the Shire* discussing the origins and history of the Hobbits' 'art' of smoking Pipe-weed.
Quest of Erebor

The **Quest of Erebor** was an event that occurred prior to and had a strong impact on the War of the Ring at the end of the Third Age. It was begun by Thorin and Gandalf's decision to retake the Lonely Mountain, and was recounted from the perspective of Bilbo Baggins.

## History

### Background

Gandalf knew that Smaug would pose a serious threat if used by Sauron in war, then dwelling in Dol Guldur in Mirkwood. He was thinking about the matter when he met Thorin Oakenshield at Bree. Thorin also was concerned about Smaug, but had the different motive of vengeance and the reclaiming of the Dwarves' treasure in the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf agreed to help Thorin.

Gandalf thought Bilbo, an unlikely choice, to be a suitable companion of Thorin and his Dwarves for a number of reasons. First, he had observed that Bilbo took an interest in the world at large, and was thus adventurous. Another reason is that Smaug would not recognize the scent of a hobbit, advantageous to a stealthy operation. Thorin also did not think highly of hobbits, and putting Bilbo in the expedition might prevent the proud Thorin from rash actions, such as openly challenging Smaug.

It was Thorin's objections to Bilbo that Gandalf found most difficult to overcome. Thorin believed that Bilbo was incapable of helping their adventure and that Gandalf might be simply meddling in his affairs for his own reasons. After much debate, Gandalf convinced Thorin that Bilbo would be a worthy member.

### The Quest

The Company started from the Shire to the Trollshaws. Three Stone-trolls, Tom, William and Bert caught them. Luckily, they were saved when Gandalf tricked the trolls into arguing all-night until sunrise, thus turning them to stone.

Then they passed the Hidden Valley and arrived in Rivendell; eventually leaving to venture over the High Pass. After being captured by goblins, Gandalf saved saved them again in Goblin-town, they were hunted by Wargs. They were saved by Gwaihir and the other Great Eagles. After having a night in Beorn's house, they went to Mirkwood. Thranduil caught them and locked them in the cells. Bilbo, who was wearing the Ring, saved the Company by Barrels. And they found Bard who brought them to Lake-town. They encountered the Master of Lake-town and afterwards successfully reached the Lonely Mountain.

### Aftermath

The Quest achieved its purpose, as Durin's Folk could consequently repopulate Erebor, and reclaim their gold. The company's arrival at the mountain, however, set in motion the events that led to the Battle of Five Armies. Additionally, by virtue of Bilbo's finding of the Ring, the quest indirectly caused the War of the Ring nearly eighty years later.
Sebastian

**Sebastian** is the name of Radagast's hedgehog.

Radagast discovers a sickness falling upon Greenwood the Great while just outside his home one day, seeing several plants and animals that are dead or dying -- Sebastian being one of the latter. He brings the hedgehog back in an attempt to revive him, but none of his home remedies work. In the process, several large spiders begin to descend on Rhosgobel. Radagast decides to use his magic on Sebastian, and when he finishes his incantation of the spell, the spiders return to the place from whence they came. Meanwhile, the spell has cured Sebastian, and he appears completely back to normal.
Old Forest Road

The **Old Forest Road** also known as **Men-i-Naugrim** in Sindarin, was the remnant of the Dwarf Road that originally ran from Khazad-dûm to the Iron Hills. Starting at Khazad-dûm, the road went north, passing over a causeway in the Gladden Fields and then turned east where a bridge crossed the Anduin river at the Old Ford. Passing through Greenwood the Great, the road crossed another bridge over the River Running and turned northeast to the Iron Hills

The surviving section through Mirkwood was around three hundred miles in length.

## History

It was laid out during the First Age to connect the Dwarves of the Iron Hills with their kin in the Misty Mountains. The road was completed early in the Second Age and saw its greatest use in that time due to the increase of Khazad-dûm's population with refugees from the Blue Mountains.

After Sauron's occupation of Dol Guldur in the Third Age, the forest of Mirkwood became more and more dark and dangerous, so most chose not to travel upon it for fear of being attacked. The fall of Khazad-dûm to the Balrog also decreased traffic, with the result that by the end of the Third Age large stretches of the road had fallen out of use and did not appear on maps.
Lone-lands

The **Lone-lands** was an area of Middle-earth which was either located in the region of Eriador or was synonymous with it.

## History

"Lone-lands" was a name used by Hobbits, and possibly the Men of Bree, for the wilderness found east of Bree.

The eastern end of the area (towards Hoarwell) was described as being bare and stony, whereas the western end (towards the South-Downs) appeared to be more broken and full of bushy thickets.

Among other features, the Lone-lands contained the Weather Hills and Weathertop, and in the hilly portion of the area were many abandoned castles of Rhudaur, which, according to some, gave it a "wicked" look. Also, roads were considerably worse in the Lone-lands than in the Shire, and by the conclusion of the Third Age, very few resided here.
Nardol

**Nardol** was one of the Warning beacons of Gondor, the third from east to west.

## Description

Nardol was built at the end of a long ridge which was originally part of Drúadan Forest, though masons and quarriers had long since cleared the area of trees. The beacon was manned by a guard who also protected the nearby quarries.

Nardol was well-supplied with wood, and on a clear night could be seen as far away as the westernmost beacon Halifirien, some hundred and twenty miles away.
Shortly prior to the Siege of Gondor, the beacon was lit to signal Rohan for aid.
Last Bridge

The **Last Bridge** was an ancient stone bridge that carried the East Road over the River Hoarwell (*Mitheithel*), about a hundred miles east of Weathertop and roughly the same distance west of Rivendell. Its three arches crossed the rushing river at the bottom of a deep valley and to the east the land rose again into the wooded hills of the Trollshaws. It was the only practicable crossing point south of the river's sources in the Ettenmoors.

## History

How ancient the bridge was is unknown. It may have been as old as the East-West Road, which possibly dated to the First Age, or it may have been built or improved by the Númenóreans. In the Third Age the bridge was within the bounds of the realm of Arnor and then Rhudaur, and probably these two realms kept up the maintenance of this strategic structure.

In T.A. 2941 Thorin and Company passed over the bridge on their way to the Lonely Mountain. After the crossing one of the ponies bolted back into the river and its load of food was lost. This loss of provisions and the dwarves' inability to ignite a fire in the wind and rain led to the encounter of Bilbo Baggins and his companions with the unfriendly trio of trolls.

On 11 October T.A. 3018 three Black Riders were guarding the bridge against Aragorn and the hobbits on their journey to Rivendell. Their plan was foiled by Glorfindel, who drove them away and left his token, a green beryl, on the Bridge. Two days later Aragorn found the beryl, took it as a sign that the bridge was safe, and led the hobbits over it.
Ravens

**Ravens** were large black birds of Middle-earth, sometimes associated with the ill news of death, and were known for their harsh voices. The Ravens of Erebor often brought secret news to the people of Thror, the King under the Mountain, and in return they were rewarded with bright objects to hide in their dwellings dotted around Dale and at Ravenhill. Ravens could evidently live to great ages, with 153 years being the oldest recorded.

## History

The ravens that resided at Ravenhill were capable of speech and some could even speak Westron. These specific ravens were in alliance with the Dwarves of Erebor. Carc, a notable raven chief, had been one of these along with his son Roäc who continued his father's leadership around TA 2941 - when Thorin and Company reclaimed Lonely Mountain (Erebor). Roäc was described in *The Hobbit* as being a most decrepit bird. He was getting blind, he could hardly fly, and the top of his head was bald. He was an aged raven of great size.

When Peregrin Took (Pippin) became one of the Guards of the Citadel, his new garments included a high-crowned helm with small raven wings on either side.
Nameless Things

**Nameless Things** were creatures that are said to have dwelled in the depths of Arda (though they are only known to have lived under the Misty Mountains). They tunnelled deeper than any dwarf would ever go.

They were described by Gandalf as very ancient, but their actual origin is unknown. Their nature or appearance are a mystery, but since they are as old as the world, they must have been a part of the Ainulindalë or (since Sauron knew them not), a by-product of it.

Some of such things, preferring darkness, had sneaked in the Elder Days into caves under mountains, being their ancient inhabitants. Even when the Orcs of the Misty Mountains dug around Goblin-town, such slimy creatures withdrew to the darkest niches, and lurked beyond their knowledge.

The Balrog known as Durin's Bane learned their tunnels while living in the depths of Moria. After Gandalf fell with him in the abyss, Durin's Bane seemed to know his way up and found the Endless Stair. He was Gandalf's only hope and he followed him.
Odo Proudfoot

**Odo Proudfoot** was a Hobbit of the Shire, and a cousin of Bilbo Baggins. He characteristically had exceptionally large and hairy feet.

## Biography

Odo Proudfoot was the cousin of Bilbo Baggins. Odo was born in TA 2904 (SR 1304). His parents were Bodo Proudfoot and Linda (Baggins) Proudfoot – aunt of Bilbo. He had a son named Olo to an unnamed wife and a mischievous grandson Sancho Proudfoot.

Odo Proudfoot was a guest at Bilbo's Farewell Birthday Party on September 22, 1401 (3001). He became annoyed when Bilbo used the incorrect plural of his family name: Proudfoots instead of the correct Proudfeet. When Bilbo disappeared using his Magic Ring, Odo took his feet off the table and stamped on the ground.

Odo Proudfoot died in TA 3005 (SR 1405) of the Third Age.
Mountains of Angmar

The **Mountains of Angmar** were a mountain chain in the north of Middle-earth, running west from Mount Gundabad at the northern end of the Misty Mountains. They were possibly a remnant of the Iron Mountains of old, destroyed in the War of Wrath.

## History

The evil kingdom of Angmar gave its name to the mountains after it was established there in TA 1300 by Sauron's chief lieutenant, the Witch-king of Angmar. The mountains were probably inhabited at various times both by Dwarves and Orcs. The capital of Angmar, Carn Dûm, was located at the western foothills of the Mountains of Angmar. From here the Witch-king waged war on the realms of Arnor for hundreds of years.

The mountains remained a realm of evil for six-hundred and seventy-five years up until TA 1975 when the forces of Gondor defeated the Witch-king.
Pony

**Ponies** were small horses, used as beasts of burden in much the same manner as their larger cousins.

Given their smaller size, ponies were the usual riding mount of choice for small-statured races such as Hobbits and Dwarves.

## History

### The Hobbit

Ponies were ridden and used for the baggage by Thorin and Company throughout their journey to the Lonely Mountain, of which some were lost and granted by others such as Beorn. Bilbo made the use of one strong pony to carry his modest share of the reward promised to him for services rendered on the Quest.

### The Lord of the Rings

Several ponies are featured in The Lord of the Rings, mostly ridden by the Hobbits (due to the simple fact that ordinary horses were too large for them to control). The most notable pony in the story was Bill. He was purchased by Frodo and Company from Bill Ferny in Bree, who charged them an unfairly high price (given that the horse was very weak and ill-nourished due to Ferny's neglect). Once in the kind hands of the hobbits, he quickly recovered his strength and would later accompany them to Rivendell, partially up the Mountain through the Redhorn Pass, up and to the West-gate of Moria where with the attack from the Watcher in the Water and the perils of Moria he was released into the wild. He eventually found his way back to Bree on his own recognizance.
North Stair

The **North Stair** was a stairway situated alongside the Falls of Rauros.

## Description and history

The stair was built "in the days of the great kings" of Men, likely in the early Third Age under the direction of the Kings of Gondor. It was used as a means to bypass the Falls of Rauros traveling along the Anduin, either to or from Nen Hithoel and the lands surrounding.

In the year TA 3019, prior to the Fellowship of the Ring's attempt to navigate Sarn Gebir, Aragorn reminded Boromir of the Stair's significance while discussing which route should be taken. The Fellowship was broken shortly afterwards, however, and this path was not used.
King of Rhudaur

The **Kings of Rhudaur** were the hereditary rulers of Rhudaur, a splinter kingdom of Arnor.

The first king of Rhudaur was the third and youngest son of Eärendur who, following his father's death in TA 861, disputed the ascension of his elder brother Amlaith to the throne and declared himself king of an independent realm.

Rhudaur itself was the most isolated and inhospitable of the northern kingdoms, and it would seem that a significant number of the king's subjects were native Hill-men who resented rule by Númenóreans. The line of Isildur failed first in Rhudaur and the last kings were Hill-men, who allied their realm with the Witch-king of Angmar.

The Hill-men Kings of Rhudaur ruled for some time as vassals of Angmar, but in TA 1409 Rhudaur was finally annexed by Angmar, and the kingship terminated.
Rangers of Ithilien

The **Rangers of Ithilien**, or **Rangers of the South**, much like their distant cousins in the North, were a military group whose purpose was to defend Ithilien, east of the Anduin river, to prevent Haradrim and Orcs from entering Gondor and from gaining full control of the lost province.

## History

The Rangers were selected from the descendants of the people who had dwelt in Ithilien before it fell from Gondor's control in TA 2901, at which time the refuge of Henneth Annûn, which became a primary base for the Rangers, was constructed.

By the time of the War of the Ring, the Rangers often conducted ambushes against the Haradrim, attacked Orc scouts, and watched the old road from Minas Morgul to Osgiliath. Their Captain at the time of the War of the Ring was Faramir, son of Denethor, and among those who served under Faramir were Mablung, Damrod, and Anborn.

After successfully ambushing a force of Haradrim marching toward the Black Gate, the Rangers captured Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee and they were brought before Faramir for questioning then taken to Henneth Annûn. After parting ways the Rangers crossed the Anduin at Cair Andros, Faramir and some companions rode to Minas Tirith, whilst the remainder marched to Osgiliath to reinforce the garrison. The Rangers then participated in the Siege of Gondor and Battle of the Pelennor Fields and in the advance on the Black Gate were instrumental in foiling an ambush on the army of the west.

They were camouflaged in green and brown cloaks, and fought chiefly by stealth. They often crossed the Anduin in secret to harass forces of the Enemy in Gondor's old domain. They were known for their proficiency with the bow, and agility and stealth were said to be on par with the Elves, whom they had only heard of in stories.
Kin-strife

The **Kin-strife** was a disastrous decades-long civil war in Gondor during the Third Age.

## History

### Background

The unrest that eventually built up to the **Kin-strife** began when Valacar, the son of King Rómendacil II of Gondor, married a woman of the Northmen of Rhovanion, Vidumavi. She bore him a son, Eldacar, but many of the people of Gondor of Númenórean blood were angered by this mixing of the blood of Middle Men and Númenóreans, and the coastal provinces rebelled when Valacar grew old.

### Conflict

In TA 1432, when Eldacar succeeded his father, the already-present unrest grew into open rebellion, particularly in the Southern and coastal provinces. Many people saw Eldacar as a half-breed, therefore having no right to rule. The chief of them was his distant relative Castamir the Usurper, also known as the "Lord of Ships," who in TA 1437 usurped the throne, forcing Eldacar into exile. During the rebellion, Osgiliath was besieged, then sacked and the great Dome of Stars was destroyed and the city's palantír lost.

Castamir then murdered Eldacar's son and heir Ornendil. Eldacar fled to Rhovanion, and Castamir ruled in his stead.

A full decade later, in TA 1447, Eldacar returned with an army from Rhovanion; at the same time, a rebellion by the people of the inland provinces against Castamir's cruel rule took place. Eldacar defeated and killed Castamir at the Battle of the Crossings of Erui, but Castamir's sons and many of their supporters fled south, first to Pelargir, where they were besieged and then to Umbar. Eldacar could not follow them, as the fleet was loyal to Castamir's sons.

### Aftermath

As a result of the conflict, Gondor lost the city of Umbar and gained a new enemy in the Corsairs of Umbar and the descendants of Castamir's sons. Gondor's hold over the Haradrim was lost in the conflict, resulting in the resumption of war in and invasions of South Gondor. Also, many of the Dúnedain nobility were killed during the civil war, leaving Gondor significantly weakened. Some of the losses were replenished by a wave of Northmen settlers from Rhovanion.

The Kin-strife was, along with the losses suffered in the Great Plague and Wainrider War, one of the chief reasons for the abandonment of the fortresses in and surrounding the lands of Mordor.
Parth Galen

**Parth Galen** was a flat, grassy lawn on the western side of Nen Hithoel.

## History

Parth Galen was bordered on its western side by a long forested strip of land with a small stream that ran down from the Amon Hen nurturing the grass.

The Fellowship of the Ring rested there on February 25, 3019, in the shadow of Tol Brandir at the base of Amon Hen. Frodo's wandering away from Parth Galen gave Boromir the chance to follow and catch him alone.

Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli brought Boromir's body to Parth Galen after he was slain by the Uruk-hai defending Merry and Pippin. Here they prepared his funeral boat and set it adrift down the Falls of Rauros. It was also the place where Sam and Frodo both set off to Mordor on their own.
Roac

**Roäc** was the son of Carc, and the chief of the ravens of Ravenhill near the Lonely Mountain.

## History

By the time of the Battle of Five Armies, Roäc was 153 years old, a descendant of the ravens that remained in Ravenhill, after their allies, the Dwarves, were driven out by the Dragon Smaug. His father Carc had seen Smaug descend on the mountain. Roäc told Thorin and Company, that the Dragon was defeated.
When Bard the Bowman comes to the Mountain to make a deal with Thorin, Roäc is seen flying away towards the Iron Hills. He arrives in the midst of a confrontation between the Thorin's Company and the alliance of Mirkwood Elves and Lake-men, perching on the stone wall at the entrance to the Lonely Mountain and simply nodding to Thorin, indicating the arrival of his cousin Dáin.
Osanwe

***Osanwe*** is a Quenya word meaning "interchange of thought".

* ***The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey*:**

During the meeting of the White Council at Rivendell Galadriel greets Gandalf telepathically, and continue to communicate while Saruman is talking.
* ***The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers*:**
Before the beginning of the Battle of the Hornburg, Galadriel and Elrond have a long-distance communication about the danger awaiting Aragorn and the others there, and send a troop of Elves to fight with them.
Mount Gundabad

**Mount Gundabad** was a mountainous stronghold in the far-north of the Misty Mountains, where they intersected with the Grey Mountains.

## Before the Series

Originally a Dwarven fort and holy-ground, it was overtaken by Orcs coming from the Wastes to the North, and became the stronghold of the kingdom of Angmar.

### War with Arnor

It was in war with Arnor, Rivendell and the Woodland Realm, a war in which Arnor was destroyed, and Thranduil's wife and Legolas' mother, the Elven-queen was tortured and killed in Mount Gundabad. It was largely depopulated when Angmar was defeated, leaving only Orcs and Wargs behind.

## The Hobbit (film series)

Orcs and Wargs from Gundabad continued to come down along the ridge of the Misty Mountains. Azog hailed from Gundabad, and became the leader of the Orcs that settled in Moria after it was vacated by the Dwarves. His son, Bolg, became the leader of the Orcs of Gundabad itself. Both Orc colonies came under the command of The Necromancer. Under his orders, Bolg and Azog would menace Thorin and Company during the Quest of Erebor.

Legolas, chasing Bolg out of Laketown, saw him regroup with Orcs carrying the mark of Gundabad on their helmets, and later took Tauriel to investigate the place, intending to infiltrate it. However, before he could do so, Gundabad was emptied as its forces marched against Erebor and Dale. This was done under commands from Azog, and at the behest of Sauron, who wanted to re-establish Angmar by first conquering Dale and Erebor. The resulting Battle of the Five Armies decimated the Orcs of Gundabad (who were attacked by Beorn and the Great Eagles) and Moria.

Gundabad is translated as "Mountain-home". The region lying before the Gates of Gundabad, between Langwell and Greylin, is known as "Elderslade". Months after the fall of Sauron, Elderslade is the site of the "War of Three Peaks", in which Prince Durin, son of Thorin Stonehelm, leads an army of Dwarves to reclaim Gundabad from the forces of "Gorgar the Ruthless", son of Bolg.

Within the mountain, the "Delvings of Gundabad" are divided into five areas. "Máttugard" is the main citadel and site of Gundabad's throne. "Deepscrave" is a tall and deep cavern that once housed the common folk of Gundabad, now occupied by Orcs. The gem-studded "Pit of Stone-jaws" is home to Gundabad's tombs. In a basalt cavern at the heart of the mountain lies "Gloomingtarn", called in Khuzdul "Durthuzâram", the lake upon which Durin the Deathless awoke. The overgrown gardens of "Clovengap" are exposed to the sky through a rift in the mountainside.

To the north of Gundabad lies "Câr Bronach", the easternmost extent of Angmar. The western slopes of the mountain are called the "Welkin-lofts", and are the site of several dwarven structures, including a meeting place for the Seven Houses.

According to Longbeard legend, when he relocated his kingdom to Khazad-dûm, Durin I named his best friend, "Mótsog", the first Lord of Gundabad. He came to regret that decision, for Mótsog betrayed Durin and led his "Greymaul" followers in an uprising against their fellow Longbeards.
Lithlad

**Lithlad** was an ashen plain of Mordor, south of the Ered Lithui and east of the plateau of Gorgoroth.

It is said that Númenóreans once had dominion over Lithlad during the Second Age, populated as a remote part of their empire. Being one of many distant locations they visited, many lost artifacts and ancient ruins remained there from this time.

The region is described in the game to have become ideal for dry-land farming due to long ages of continuous fallout from Mount Doom, which enriched the region with large amounts of ash.
Bears

**Bears** were large and ferocious animals, notorious for their love of honey.

## History

There were bears in the Second Age, in Númenor, and were either of black or brown variety. Like all the animals in the isle, they were friendly, although they did not like to be disturbed. They lived in mountains or rocky areas, far from humans, but often came to visit houses and were given honey. Specifically, the black bears had "bear-dances", which they performed for the delight of Men, and sometimes Men instructed and improved them in their dances. The most famous one was the Great Bear-dance, performed annually.

Bears lived in the Misty Mountains for some time, though by the late Third Age, their number had diminished. Gandalf told Bilbo that giants had taken up their homes in that mountain range. One of the alleged origins of Beorn, the skin changer, was that he had descended from them.
Kings of Gondor

The **King of Gondor** was the hereditary title for a ruler of Gondor, the southern kingdom of the Dúnedain in Middle-earth.

## History

Through Amandil, the kings claimed descent from the Lords of Andúnië, and from there to the princess Silmariën and the Kings of Númenor. Elendil, the son of Amandil, was also the first King of Arnor and was succeeded by Isildur. Elendil ruled over both Realms in Exile as the High King of the Dúnedain. Isildur succeeded him as High King upon his father's death. Isildur committed Gondor to the rule of his nephew Meneldil, son of his brother Anárion, from whom the next thirty one kings would descend. However Isildur was by right High King over both Arnor and Gondor, though after Isildur's death his son Valandil did not press the claim, so thereafter the realms were entirely split. Thus, Isildur's heirs ruled Arnor and Anárion's heirs ruled Gondor.

In TA 2050 King Eärnur rode to Minas Morgul and was never seen again, and the Kingdom of Gondor was ruled by a succession of Stewards until the restoration of the line of Kings through the Heir of Isildur, King Elessar Telcontar, the first King of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor.
Second Age 1701

**Second Age 1701** (abbreviated to **S.A. 1701**) is the 1701st year of the Sun of the Second Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Sauron is driven out of Eriador, narrowly escaping to Mordor with but a bodyguard.
* The first White Council is held. It is decided to establish the Elvish stronghold in eastern Eriador at Imladris rather than in Eregion.
* Gil-galad gives Vilya to Elrond.
* The extent of Gil-galad's realm of Lindon has been diminished and withdrawn from Eriador back to the Blue Mountains.
* The Westlands have peace for a long while.
Kings of Rohan

The **Kings of Rohan**, also known as the **Kings** (or Lords) **of the Mark**, was a title of nineteen recorded lords of the land of Rohan. This title would span from Eorl the Young who founded that land in the early 26th century of the Third Age to Elfwine, son of Éomer Éadig who fought in the War of the Ring.

## History

All of the Kings were of the same dynasty, the House of Eorl, divided into separate Lines when a king was not succeeded by his direct male descendant (in both cases the sister-son of the king ascended the throne).
Morgulduin

**Morgulduin** was a river of Ithilien, which began in the Ephel Dúath and flowed through the Morgul Vale, under the ghastly bridge that led into Minas Morgul, and eventually into the Anduin. Because it originated in the Morgul Vale, it was icy-cold and its waters were polluted and not safe to drink from. According to *The Atlas of Middle-earth*, the river was less than twenty-five miles in length.

In the year TA 3019, Faramir warned Frodo and Sam not to drink from it, as the water was tainted and would harm whoever imbibed it. The Morgulduin appears as a wide, polluted river adjacent to Minas Morgul.
Pukel-men

**Púkel-men** referred to the statues lining the Stair of the Hold, which led to Dunharrow.

## History

They were carved sometime in the early Second Age by the Men of the White Mountains who were possibly relatives of the Drúedain, and were thought to resemble them in likeness. By the time of the War of the Ring, the statues had largely eroded, leaving many with only eye-sockets remaining.
Khand

**Khand** was the name of a land which lay to the south-east of Mordor and to the east of Near Harad. The Men of Khand included the Variags.

## History

Little is known about Khand or its people, other than that they were allied to Mordor. Khand was, at least by the Third Age, under the influence of Mordor and was known to supply it with horses.

In the year TA 1944, the Wainriders came to the south of Mordor and recruited Haradrim and Variags, using their numbers to carry out an assault on Gondor.

Years later, Variags from Khand joined the forces of Sauron to Minas Tirith, and took part in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.

It is unknown if Khand was ever conquered by the Reunited Kingdom or if they remained independent. It is also unknown if Khand ever warred with the folk of the West after Sauron's demise.

Based on the map of the region, and its proximity to Harad, Khand was most likely a dry and barren land covered in desert. Its geography is little-known, although it could either constitute dry grassland or sandy desert.