recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Gil-galad

**Gil-galad** is a minor character in *The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring*. He was the High King of the Ñoldor and King of the High Elves.

## Biography

Raised in the safety of the isle of Balar during the Wars of the First Age, Gil-galad became the heir to the line of the High Kings of the Noldor in Middle-earth. He ruled from Lindon, aided by Cirdan and Elrond. He wielded Aeglos, a great spear. When the Rings of Power were crafted in Eregion, a Noldorin realm, Gil-galad was given Vilya, the Ring of Sapphire.

After Sauron forged the One Ring and sacked Eregion, Gil-Galad's forces - aided by the Men of Númenor- held him at bay in Eriador while the Dark Lord consolidated his dominion of Anorien and Harad.

Gil-galad made a Last Alliance with the Numenoreans under Elendil, and together they overthrew Sauron. However, Gil-galad was killed (offscreen) by the burning touch of Sauron's hand.

He was suceeded by Elrond, who took Vilya, but refused to use the title of High King of the Noldor. Cirdan ruled Lindon, now reduced to the Grey Havens.

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

In Amazon Studios' *The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*, Gil-galad is a major character, portrayed by Benjamin Walker.

At the series' outset, Gil-galad is High King of the Elves, ruling from the realm of Lindon. He authorizes Galadriel to lead an expedition into Forodwaith to search for evidence of Sauron's survival, though he places limits on the mission, which Galadriel's followers compel her not to exceed. At her return, he chooses to overlook her perceived insolence in attempting to defy his orders, and honors the company for their heroism with a ceremony, reciting a speech written by his herald, Elrond. As a reward, Gil-galad gives them the opportunity to return across the Sundering Seas to Valinor.

Elrond afterwards questions Gil-galad about his motives, to which Gil-galad expresses the belief that Sauron does indeed remain, but attempting to search him out could cause the Dark Lord to become an even greater threat. However, Gil-galad encourages Elrond to focus on other pursuits, and gives him a new charge to accompany the Elven-smith Celebrimbor back to Eregion and assist him in his quest to create a highly important new work.
Fourth Age 20

**Fourth Age 20** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 20** or **F.O. 20**) is the 20th 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 20 was also known as **S.R. 1441** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Legolas brought south Elves out of Greenwood, and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the "fairest country in all the westlands."

## Mid-year's Day

* Samwise Gamgee is elected Mayor of Michel Delving for the third time .
Goblin Gate

The **Back-door** (also called the **Goblin-gate**) was a stone door on the eastern side of the Misty Mountains. It was used as a means of escape in the event of an emergency, and also as access to the lands beyond.

It could be reached by the tunnel that came from the Great Goblin's cavern and the one that came up from Gollum's cave. The room that it was located in was somewhat small in size.

## History

The door was evidently built by the Orcs when they tunneled out what was later called Goblin-town deep within the Misty Mountains, during their great increases in number between the years TA 2060 and TA 2480.

In the year TA 2941, Thorin and Company escaped the goblins through the back-door, shortly before Bilbo Baggins, pursued by Gollum, just managed to squeeze through the door, losing a few of his buttons in the process.
Forest Gate

The **Forest Gate** was the western entrance to the Forest Road, which led through the forest of Mirkwood.

It was described as an arch-like opening made by two large ivy layered, lichen covered trees bearing only a few blackened leaves, that had leant together forming a dark narrow tunnel.

## History

Thorin and Company passed through the Forest Gate on the twenty-fifth of July 2941 after Gandalf departed with the ponies.
Fords of Isen

The **Fords of Isen** were located along the river Isen, and guarded by the Rohirrim in the Third Age. The Fords were notable as the only crossing of the Isen into Rohan, until Saruman built a bridge upstream close to Isengard.

The fords were located at the mid-point of the Gap of Rohan and formed the border of the kingdom. The Great West Road crossed the Isen at this point. The fords had an eyot in the middle, which was fortified by the Rohirrim.

## Geography

The River Isen (Sindarin **Sîr Angren**) could not be crossed anywhere south of Isengard, except at the Fords of Isen, which were just above the point where the river bent west towards Belegaer. In this area the river became broad and shallow, flowing across a stony shelf and branching into two arms about a large eyot. Only here could large forces effectively cross the river. During much of the time the Fords were closely guarded from the fortresses of Isengard and the Hornburg at Helm's Deep.

## History

It was here that the Nazgûl were said to have crossed the river Isen on Midsummer's Eve by Saruman to Gandalf upon his visit to Orthanc. The Fords of Isen had two battles in the War of the Ring that were fought between Orcs and the Rohirrim. It was at these fords that Théodred was killed during the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. He was buried in a mound on the eyot where he fell. It was near the Fords of Isen that the Rohirrim met with the Grey Company.
Gilraen

**Gilraen** was the wife of Arathorn II and mother of Aragorn II, the future King Elessar of the Reunited Kingdom.

## Biography

Gilraen was born in TA 2907. Her father was Dírhael and her mother was Ivorwen. She was also known as "Gilraen the Fair". Gilraen married Arathorn son of Arador in TA 2929. Her father Dírhael was opposed to the match because he felt Gilraen was too young to marry and because he had a sense of foreboding that Arathorn would not live long. But Ivorwen counseled her husband to acquiesce, saying "If these two wed now, hope may be born for our people; but if they delay, it will not come while this age lasts".

One year later, Arathorn II became Chieftain of the Dúnedain when his father was killed by Hill-trolls. Gilraen gave birth to Aragorn on March 1, 2931. In TA 2933, Arathorn was slain by an Orc arrow. Gilraen took her two-year-old son Aragorn to Rivendell where Elrond accepted the boy as a foster-son and gave him the name Estel, meaning "Hope".

Gilraen and Aragorn lived together at Rivendell until TA 2951, when Aragorn turned twenty and was told of his heritage by Elrond. At that time also Aragorn met Elrond's daughter Arwen and fell in love with her. Gilraen noticed a change in her son and questioned him about it. She warned Aragorn that Elrond would not easily consent to a marriage between his only daughter and a mortal Man. Gilraen feared that the line of Isildur would end, and she told Aragorn that it was his fate to wander in the Wild. She said no more to him of her fears and Aragorn left Rivendell to face many perils and hardships.

Aragorn and Arwen plighted their troth in TA 2980. A few years later, Gilraen left Rivendell and went to live alone near her people in Eriador. She did not often see her son for he continued to journey throughout Middle-earth. When Aragorn came to visit his mother, she foretold her coming death.

On the morning of the Fellowship's departure, Aragorn visits the grave of his mother, Gilraen. Elrond tells him that she thought he'd be safe growing in Rivendell, and that she knew he'd be perpetually hunted, but will never escape his fate. Aragorn, however, refuses to wield Narsil and take the mantle of king.

Gilraen died before the next spring in TA 3007. Her son Aragorn fulfilled the Rangers' lifelong goal of restoring the Kingdom of the Dúnedain when he became King of the Reunited Kingdom on May 1, 3019.
Iron Hills

The **Iron Hills** was a mountain range in the north of Middle-earth, inhabited by Dwarves.

## History

The Longbeard Dwarves of Khazad-dûm colonized the Iron Hills in the First Age. The Hills were their primary source of iron-ore. The Dwarf-road through Greenwood ran north-east to the Hills for the dwarf-traders and merchants between Khazad-dûm and the Hills. Also in the First Age, some Men who migrated out of the east—"laggard kindred" of the Edain—chose to settle in the lands between the Iron Hills and Mirkwood, becoming the Northmen of Rhovanion.

After Sauron destroyed Eregion in the Second Age, the Longbeards sealed Khazad-dûm and Orcs took control of the northern Misty Mountains and the Grey Mountains. This ended communication between the Iron Hills and Khazad-dûm for some time.

In TA 1981 the last of the Dwarves living in Khazad-dûm fled from the Balrog who had slain kings Durin VI and Náin I. Some of those who escaped wandered as far as the Iron Hills and resettled there.

In 2570 dragons began afflicting the Dwarves in the north and in 2589 King Dáin I was slain by a cold-drake outside his halls in the Grey Mountains. Due to these depredations, in 2590 Grór son of Dáin left the Grey Mountains and established a Lordship in the Iron Hills.

Over the next few centuries Grór and his people built the hills from just an ancient mining colony to a great realm, especially after the destruction of Erebor in 2770 when the Dragon Smaug scattered the Longbeards who dwelt there. Most of the survivors subsequently went to their kinsmen in the Iron Hills, swelling its numbers.

Before the death of Smaug in TA 2941, the Dwarven realm in the Iron Hills was the only force in the north-east of Wilderland capable of offering a large and strong enough resistance to the forces of evil. Sauron sought to secure his flank from them by conquering Erebor and rallying Smaug to his cause, which would have allowed him to secure the lands of Angmar.

In 2941 Lord Dáin Ironfoot led his warriors in the Battle of Five Armies near Erebor. The battle was won, but Thorin was slain and Dáin became the new King under the Mountain and King of the Longbeards as Dáin II. He relocated to Erebor with many of his people, and re-established it as Durin's folk's greatest and strongest dwelling in the north.

The Iron Hills are an area in the region of "The Dwarf-holds", ruled by "Lord Náin the Slakeless", brother of King Thorin Stonehelm. The hills and the scrub-land connecting to the Dale-lands are also known collectively as the "Ironfold". Settled by "Farin Blackmattock" in the First Age, the capital "Járnfast" was destroyed by the fall of Thangorodrim and afterwards rebuilt. During the time it features in the game, Járnfast has been damaged by tremors caused by Mount Doom's recent eruption. It is also the site of a seal that confines a horde of Nameless creatures in "The Howling Pit" below.
Forbidden Pool

The **Forbidden Pool** was a basin of water created by the waterfall that concealed one of the two entrances into Henneth Annûn, the hiding place of the Rangers of Ithilien.

## History

The Rangers fiercely protected the secrecy of their refuge. Anyone who came to the place unbidden was to be killed, and this pool was deemed one of the boundaries. Gollum, searching for fish, chanced to find the pool by accident, but was spared death thanks to his master, Frodo Baggins.
First Age 469

**First Age 469** (abbreviated to **F.A. 469**) is the 469th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Beren and Lúthien return to Middle-earth, both mortal. They inhabit Tol Galen and the area becomes known as Dor Firn-i-Guinar, "the Land of the Dead that Live".
* The Union of Maedhros clears Beleriand of orcs, but in doing so reveals the Eldar's full strength to Morgoth.
* The Evil Breath is unleashed from Angband and Túrin falls ill.
* Death of Lalaith.
* Birth of Manthor.
Fourth Age 14

**Fourth Age 14** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 14** or **F.O. 14**) is the 14th 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 14 was also known as **S.R. 1435** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Birth of Primrose Gardner, ninth child and fifth daughter of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton.
* Death of Olo Proudfoot.
Lord of Dale

The **Lord of Dale** was the title of the ruler of the realm of City-state of Dale before its fall to Smaug in TA 2770.

## History

Its only known holder was Girion who perished in the destruction of the city. Girion's noble descendent Bard did not renew the title instead being known as a 'King'.

The title was probably a hereditary one.

**Lords of Dale ( ? - TA 2770)**
Gift of Illuvatar

The **Gift of Ilúvatar** is death, the inheritance of Ilúvatar's Younger Children, which allows them to go beyond the confines of Arda, this world. Though the phrase commonly refers to this type of mortality, death is actually only part of the broader Gift given to Men: it is one with their ability to operate beyond the Music of the Ainur, which "is as fate to all things else". With this Gift, Men were to fulfill the world down to the finest detail.

It was said among the Elves that after they died, the *fëar* of Men were gathered in the Halls of Mandos, and then departed from the World for a destination unknown even to the Valar. Whereas all other beings in Arda, including the Valar themselves, were bound to the World and its fate, the Gift freed Men from this destiny, allowing them to shape their own lives as they wished. For this reason, the Elves, who must live as long as Arda exists and become burdened with its sorrows, often envy the Gift given to Men, and it is said that even the Valar shall do so as well.

But like all other aspects of life in Arda, the Gift of Men became darkened by Morgoth's shadow. Men came to view death with great dread, and it became a Doom to them rather than a Gift. Ancient lore kept in memory by the Wise among Men held that Morgoth had indeed brought the Doom of mortality upon them by inducing all Men to turn from Ilúvatar and worship him instead.

The fear of death, though ubiquitous in all populations of Men, reached its peak in the later years of the isle of Númenor, where even the long life given to the Númenóreans was not enough to satisfy them because of their envy of Elvish "immortality", and their wise men did all they could to try to escape death altogether. These attempts to escape the Gift were of course unsuccessful, since "the will of Eru may not be gainsaid". In the end, this desperation for immortality prompted the last King, Ar-Pharazôn, to take a great fleet to the Undying Lands in an attempt to wrest them from the Valar, falsely believing that these lands held the secret of obtaining everlasting life. But Ar-Pharazôn's hopeless quest for immortality brought its opposite to his people: Númenor was utterly destroyed, and the "Doom of Men" was visited upon all its inhabitants.

However, those Men with the greatest understanding treated death as the Gift it was originally intended to be, and when their time came gladly gave themselves up to it. For example, the earlier Rulers of Númenor in the Second Age, and Aragorn in the beginning of the Fourth Age, accepted the Gift at the natural end of their lives.
Fourth Age 42

**Fourth Age 42** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 42** or **F.O. 42**) is the 42nd 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 42 was also known as **S.R. 1463** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Faramir Took I, son of Thain Peregrin Took I, weds Goldilocks Gardner, daughter of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton.
Fourth Age 8

**Fourth Age 8** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 8** or **F.O. 8**) is the 8th 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 8 was also known as **S.R. 1429** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* Birth of Pippin Gardner, fifth child and third son of Samwise Gamgee and Rose Cotton.
Haleth

**Haleth** was a young boy of Rohan, estimated to be around fourteen years old, who is forced to fight at the Battle of Helm's Deep.

## Biography

### The Two Towers

Haleth is the son of Háma, the door-warden of Meduseld who has died in a Warg attack. Haleth's only appearance is at Helm's Deep, where he has a grim conversation with Aragorn, telling Aragorn that the men believe that they will not survive the night. Aragorn then reassures him, stating that there is always hope. It is uncertain whether Haleth survived the battle or died defending the fortress alongside many others.
Forest River

The **Forest River** was a river of Rhovanion.

It ran approximately two hundred miles in length that ran from the Grey Mountains in Rhovanion through the northern portion of Mirkwood forest and through the mountains of Thranduil's underground realm, before joining the River Running at the Long Lake. The Enchanted stream flowed into the Forest River about ten miles west of the Elvenking's Halls.
Folde

**Folde** was an ancient and historic region of Rohan, close to the King's courts in Edoras, which indeed originally held the King's seat at the town of Aldburg. It was the homeland of the royal family.

The Folde was the centre of the kingdom. Its boundary eastward was roughly a line South-west from the junction of the Snowbourn and Entwash to the mountains; the Eastfold was the land from that line east to the Fenmark between Entwash and the mountains; the Westfold was along the mountains as far as the River Isen.

The defensive center of the Folde and Eastfold was at Edoras.
Meneldor

**Meneldor** was a Great Eagle who dwelt at the Eagles Eyrie, at the north half of the Misty Mountains.

## Biography

He was a friend and follower of Gwaihir and probably dwelt with him on their eyrie in the Misty Mountains. He along with Gwaihir and Landroval was one of the Eagles who rescued Frodo and Sam from the slopes of Mount Doom (Orodruin), after the destruction of the One Ring.
Heir of Isildur

**Heir of Isildur** was a title of forty known Lords of the Dúnedain, descended in right line from Isildur son of Elendil, from Isildur's son Valandil to Aragorn II Elessar, who reunited the Kingdoms of the Dúnedain in Middle-earth.

## See also

* Kings of Arnor
* King of Arthedain
* Chieftain of the Dúnedain
* King of the Reunited Kingdom
First Age 1

**First Age 1** (abbreviated to **F.A. 1**) is the 1st year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* The first rising of the Moon and Sun marks a new reckoning of time.
* The Second Children of Ilúvatar, Men, awake in the far east in Hildorien. Morgoth secretly leaves Angband, committing command of the war to Sauron, seeking to corrupt men.
* Following grievous losses, Fingolfin's people complete the crossing of the Helcaraxë and arrive in the north-west of Middle-earth.
* Battle of the Lammoth is fought and Argon is slain.
* Fingolfin marches across Dor Daedeloth and bangs on the gates of Angband; Morgoth remains hidden.
Harnen

The river **Harnen** ("**Southing**" in Westron) was a river south of Gondor.

## Description

The Harnen formed the southern border of the contested land of Harondor, also known as south Gondor, and as such formed the southern border of Dúnedain influence. South of the Harnen lay the land of Near Harad.

Roughly 600 Númenórean miles long, it began in the Ephel Dúath of Mordor and then flowed southwest for about 350 miles, when it bent west and sped to Belegaer, which it entered in a wide delta. The Harad Road crossed the Harnen into Harad shortly after it bent westwards. This road was used by Sauron's followers later in the Third Age.

In the first millennium of the Third Age, King Ciryaher stormed across the Harnen with a large army and routed the Men of Harad. The Haradrim were thereafter compelled to acknowledge Gondor's overlordship over their people. Ciryaher thereafter took the name *Hyarmendacil*, meaning "South-victor".
First Age 486

**First Age 486** (abbreviated to **F.A. 486**) is the 486th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Seeking Túrin, Beleg finds the Gaurwaith, but as his friend isn't there, they mistake the Elf for a spy and torture him, until Túrin returns.
* Beleg is unable to persuade Túrin to come with him, despite that he has been pardoned by Thingol. Beleg leaves to return to Doriath.
* Increasing numbers of orcs enter Brethil; the Gaurwaith are forced southwards down the old South Road.
* The Outlaws encounter the petty-dwarf Mîm who offers them his home Amon Rûdh in return for his life. It is known as Bar-en-Danwedh, the House of Ransom.
* Death of Khîm.

## Winter

* Beleg sets out again to return to Túrin.
11 October

Events that occurred on 11 October.

## In Arda

* F.A. 495:
	+ At Vinyamar, Ulmo speaks to Tuor and instructs him to go to Gondolin to deliver a message to Turgon.
* T.A. 3018:
	+ With Frodo severely wounded, Strider and the four hobbits travel slowly towards Rivendell.
	+ Glorfindel drives three Riders off the Last Bridge of Mitheithel and pursues them westward. He meets two others who flee southward. He leaves a beryl on the Bridge. He starts looking for the travellers.
	+ Gandalf hurries towards Rivendell after the Black Riders attacked him on Weathertop.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
	+ Full moon
Fourth Age 171

**Fourth Age 171** (abbreviated to **Fo.A. 171** or **F.O. 171**) is the 171st 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 171 was also known as **S.R. 1592** in Shire-reckoning.

Notable events in this year include:

* A copy of the Red Book of Westmarch is completed in Gondor by Findegil, the King's Writer.
First Age 462

**First Age 462** (abbreviated to **F.A. 462**) is the 462nd year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Morgoth sends an army of orcs to attack Hithlum.
* Death of Galdor. Húrin becomes the 3rd Lord of Dor-lómin.
* Húrin pursues the orcs across the Anfauglith whilst Círdan sends aid to Fingon. Victory for the Eldar.
High Warden of the White Tower

**High Warden of the White Tower** is a Gondorian title borne at least by Boromir, son of Denethor II. Boromir's brother Faramir told to Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee in Ithilien that Boromir 'was the High Warden of the White Tower, and our Captain-General'.

It is not known what responsibilities belonged to the office of the High Warden, or was it only a honorific title. No other bearers of the title are known. It is also possible that the title means the same as Captain of the White Tower, a title borne by Boromir, and Faramir after him.
Grima Wormtongue

**Gríma Wormtongue** was the chief advisor to King Théoden of Rohan before being exposed as an agent and spy of Saruman. He ends up being the killer of Saruman.

## Biography

Little is known of Gríma before he became counselor of Théoden in Edoras. His childhood is a mystery. What is known is that Gríma, son of Gálmód, and a native of Rohan, joined the service of Saruman in secret and worked as a spy to weaken Théoden and his kingdom, weakening the king's mind and body with false counsel and poisons.

Gríma was captured by the Nazgûl in the fields of Rohan, while on his way to Isengard to inform Saruman of Gandalf's arrival at Edoras. He was interrogated and divulged what he knew of Saruman's plans to the Nazgûl, specifically his interest in the Shire and its location. Previously, the location of the Shire had been unknown to the Nazgûl, but they knew it to be the home of "Baggins," whom they thought still had the Ring. Gríma was set free, but only because the Lord of the Nazgûl saw that he would not dare tell anyone of their meeting and might do harm to Saruman in the future. The Nazgûl set out immediately for the Shire. Had the Ringwraiths not captured Gríma, they would instead have pursued Gandalf into Rohan, and possibly not have found the Shire until much later, giving the Hobbits and then the Fellowship a considerable head start.

It is likely that Saruman had promised him Éowyn, the king's niece, as a reward for his services; Wormtongue is accused of "watching her under his lids and haunting her steps." It is also possible that he had Dunlending ancestry, since he was darker-haired and physically smaller than the other Rohirrim.

Gríma banishes Éomer entirely from Rohan. When Gandalf frees Théoden, the king nearly kills Gríma until Aragorn intervenes. Gríma then spits on Aragorn's hand and flees, arriving in Isengard to give Saruman vital intelligence of Théoden's movements.
After Gandalf ended Gríma's control of Théoden and releases the King, "many things which men had missed" were found locked in his trunk, including Herugrim, the blade of Théoden. he is depicted as dark-haired, emaciated and eyebrowless, wearing black robes with dark fur, as well as being extremely pale and gaunt.
After Gandalf ended Gríma's control of Théoden and releases the King, "many things which men had missed" were found locked in his trunk, including Herugrim, the blade of Théoden. With his betrayal revealed, Théoden presented Gríma with a choice: either ride into battle for the King or be exiled. Choosing the latter, he went to dwell with Saruman at Orthanc.
House of the Golden Flower

The **House of the Golden Flower** was one of the Twelve Houses of the Gondothlim, according to the early version of the legendarium in *The Book of Lost Tales*.

## History

Glorfindel was the chief of this house, and their device was that of a rayed sun, that they bare upon their shields. Their vestments and arms are not described, but it is said that their lord wore a mantle with celandines embroidered with golden threads, and his arms were damascened with gold.:173

When the Fall of Gondolin began, Gothmog led Melko's armies to the northern gate, which was soon knocked down.:176 Meanwhile, the strength of the Golden Flower was in the Great Market, on the east part of the city, and at some moment they decided to march to the fight about the gate. They marched there by a circuitous way with the idea of surprising the foe upon his left flank, but instead they were ambushed by a host of Orcs led by Balrogs. For hours they fought, until a fire-drake came and overwhelmed them, and they had cut their way out very hardly, as the dragon began to burn all the market.:182

But Glorfindel had previously sent messengers to King Turgon with urgency, so the house of the Harp was sent to their aid. However, Salgant, the lord of this house, betrayed his men, sending them to the Lesser Market at the south part. The men of the Harp fretted thereat, and broke from their lord to come before the king's hall right in the moment that Glorfindel and his folk were chased by a press of foemen. The men of the Harp saved them, droving the enemy back into the market, but there they were trapped, burned to death or poisoned by the breath of the dragon.:182-183

Thus Glorfindel and the last of his men, along with all the remaining houses, barricaded themselves in the Square of the King. After Turgon proclaimed the fall of the city and ordered the survivors to follow Tuor, Glorfindel held the rear for those who retreated towards Idril's secret way, and many more of the Golden Flower fell there.:186

Further on, while crossing Cristhorn, Glorfindel was with the men behind the Exiles.:192 But the rearguard was attacked by a band of Orcs and a Balrog, and there happened the duel between Glorfindel and the Balrog, in which both fell into the abyss. After recovering the body of Glorfindel, Tuor let rise a cairn for him.:194-195
Houses of Healing

The **Houses of Healing** were houses in Minas Tirith at which the sick and injured soldiers of Gondor were tended to. They Houses sat on the sixth circle of the city, near the tunnel to the Citadel, surrounded by lawns and trees.

## History

### War of the Ring

Aragorn later entered the city and revealed himself as king after the Warden of the Houses said, "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known." Aragorn requested the herb Athelas, only to be told that the soldiers of Gondor that tended to the ailing soldiers of Gondor did not keep any in the Houses of Healing, as they were unaware of athelas' significance. They sent Bergil to find some. Aragorn then healed the wounded, crushing leaves of Athelas in steaming bowls to make a healing brew.

When Aragorn and the Captains of the West led their forces to Mordor, Faramir and Éowyn remained in the Houses, where they fell in love. Éowyn continued to reside there for a time even after being healed, as it was the place where she had found happiness.
First Age 116

**First Age 116** (abbreviated to **F.A. 116**) is the 116th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Gondolin is completed and Turgon secretly removes his people from Nevrast.
* Before Turgon leaves Vinyamar, Ulmo comes to him and instructs Turgon to leave armour and a sword behind. They will be worn as a token by a future warrior to warn him of impending Doom.
House of the Mole

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

## History

They were founded and led by Meglin. They bore black armour, without any emblem or design, but their round caps of steel were covered with moleskin. Most of its folk were quarrymen and ore delvers. In battle they wielded two-handed axes like mattocks.:165,172

Their lord Meglin had previously betrayed Turgon and Gondolin, allying with Melko. He knew of Idril's secret way and thought it led to the Way of Escape, so before the battle he sent in secret some of his men to Melko to set a guard about the outer side of that Way.:177

When the Fall of Gondolin began at the northern gate, Meglin led his folk to Tuor's house at the south of the city. There he tried to kill Eärendel, but Tuor soon arrived with his folk of the Wing. But a press of the Mole-folk was in front of the house, and these were the grimmest Noldoli that Meglin could get, doing nothing to stop their lord. Then the folk of the Wing attacked and the folk of the Mole was stricken asunder, so Tuor ran upon Meglin and killed him. Loyal to their lord, those from the House of the Mole turned upon his killer, but though they were numerous, they could not stand against the folk of the Wing and Tuor's wrath. The fight ended when all of them were "smitten and driven to fly into what dark holes they might, or flung from the walls".
Gwaihir

**Gwaihir**, also known as **Gwaihir the Windlord**, was lord of the Great Eagles during the Third Age. He was the greatest and the swiftest of the Eagles of Middle-earth at the time of the War of the Ring.

## Biography

Gwaihir was descended from Thorondor, the greatest Eagle who ever lived. It was said that he and his brother Landroval aided Thorondor in rescuing Beren and Luthien from Angband.

At some point in his life, Gandalf the Grey saved him from a poisoned arrow.

Gandalf uses a moth to call Gwaihir and the other Great Eagles to help them escape Azog and his hunters. Later, Radagast rides Gwaihir during the Battle of the Five Armies after seeking his aid along with an army of Great Eagles.

### War of the Ring

In the summer of TA 3018, Gandalf asked Radagast the Brown to send word among his friends the birds to learn what they could of the Enemy's plans. The Great Eagles flew far and wide and gathered news of the Nazgûl, the muster of Orcs and Wargs, and the escape of Gollum from Mirkwood. Gwaihir went to Isengard to bring this news to Gandalf. In the early hours of September 18, he found Gandalf imprisoned by Saruman on the pinnacle of Orthanc.
Gwaihir bore Gandalf away, and when the Wizard said that he needed a horse, Gwaihir set him down in the land of Rohan.

On February 17, 3019, Gwaihir was searching for Gandalf at the request of Galadriel when he found the Wizard atop the Silvertine. Gandalf had vanquished the Balrog in the Battle of the Peak, but the entrance to the Endless Stair had been blocked, preventing him from escaping the mountaintop. Gwaihir once again bore Gandalf; he found his burden to be as light as a feather, for Gandalf's old life had been burned away, and he had been reborn as Gandalf the White.

The Eagle brought Gandalf to Lothlórien, and then at the Wizard's request he flew to seek news of the Fellowship. Aragorn and Legolas both saw him circling above the Emyn Muil. Gwaihir returned to Gandalf with the news that Merry and Pippin had been kidnapped by Saruman's Uruk-hai.

Gwaihir, Landroval, and the other Great Eagles arrive at the Battle of the Black Gate and attack the Nazgûl and their fell beasts. After the destruction of the One Ring, Gwaihir bears Gandalf and rescues Frodo and Sam from the rocks of Mount Doom.
Imloth Melui

**Imloth Melui** was a valley in Lossarnach, noted for its roses. Ioreth was raised there before she travelled to Minas Tirith.

Imloth Melui was a location in the Lossarnach area, in the region of Eastern Gondor. In Lord Forlong's absence it was ruled by his wife the Lady Vanyalos, sister of Steward Denethor. Merenir was Captain of the Guard in Imloth Melui. The river Erui flowed through the valley.
Grond

**Grond** was a battering ram, used by Sauron's forces to destroy the Great Gate of Minas Tirith during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. The ram was "a hundred feet in length", and its head was of black steel, made to resemble a wolf. It is told that Grond had been induced with "spells of ruin". During the Siege of Gondor, Grond was drawn to the Great Gate by "great beasts" and was wielded by mountain-trolls.

## History

Grond was forged in Mordor by Smithies of Barad-dûr during the final years of the Third Age, specifically for use by the army besieging the city of Minas Tirith in Gondor. It shared its name, in homage, with the "Hammer of the Underworld," a great mace wielded by Morgoth, Sauron's former master.

Grond was said to be 60 feet high, 150 feet long, and as thick around as an enormous tree, making it much larger than any other such battering ram in Middle-earth. Fire burned in its great maw. It was operated by a team of great beasts, escorted by a band of orcs, and several trolls were needed to utilize it. The creatures pulling it would occasionally go mad and run through the battlefield, trampling anything and anyone underfoot. Aided by the "spells of ruin" laid on it during its forging in Mordor, and by the Witch-king of Angmar during the Siege, Grond smashed open the formidable gate of Minas Tirith with just three or four blows.
House of the Tree

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

## History

This folk was under the leadership of Galdor of the Tree. They wore green, and carried iron-studded clubs and slings.:173

The Fall of Gondolin began with Gothmog leading his armies to the northern gate, where the folks of the Tree and of the Hammer were positioned with their lords. When the Iron Dragons knocked down the gate, Rog shouted and both houses leapt at the foe, and "there the blows of their great hammers and the dint of their clubs rang to the Encircling Mountains and Orcs fell like leaves". From the walls, the those of the Swallow and of the Heavenly Arch helped them pouring arrows, but there was great confusion.:176

After the folk of the Hammer of Wrath were completely destroyed outside the walls, they retreated to the Square of the Folkwell, and guarded its western entrance by the Arch of Inwë against a horde of goblins. Tuor and his men entered the Square from the north, and there Galdor was his salvation, because he was carrying Ecthelion, who was wounded, but Galdor rushed to kill their pursuers with his club. Then the guard of the Tree and many other houses were scattered to form a good battalion, which was led to the Square of the Palace.:181-182

After the death of King Turgon, many escaped the slaughter with their lord Galdor, following Tuor through Idril's secret way. A member of this house, Legolas Greenleaf, led the Exiles of Gondolin through the plain of Tumladin, as he knew it very well and was night-sighted.:189 When the survivors reached Cristhorn, Galdor, Legolas and other men went ahead of the women and children,:191 and they fought against an ambush of Orcs with the help of the Eagles.:193 Later they dwelt at the Mouths of Sirion, and when their lord went to Tol Eressëa, still some of them named themselves as the People of Galdor.
First Age 473

**First Age 473** (abbreviated to **F.A. 473**) is the 473rd year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

## Early

* Nienor is born.
* Túrin arrives in Doriath and is welcomed by Thingol as a foster-son.

## Unknown

* Morgoth sends a force to Brithombar and Eglarest which are subsequently destroyed, and Barad Nimras is cast down.
* Círdan, Gil-galad and other survivors retreat to the Isle of Balar but keep a base at the Mouths of Sirion.
* Círdan builds seven ships and Turgon sends them Valinor to ask for help. All are lost save Voronwë, who is washed ashore in Nevrast.
Girion

**Girion** was the last Lord of Dale, who ruled the city until his death in TA 2770.

## Biography

Born at an unknown date, Girion became the Lord of Dale and ruled the city peacefully under the Dwarves of Erebor. However, in the year TA 2770,, he was killed when the dragon Smaug destroyed Dale and the neighboring Dwarven realm of Erebor. However, his wife (name unknown) and son escaped. One-hundred and seventy-four years later, Bard, Girion's descendant, took revenge on the dragon, slaying him by shooting an arrow into a small gap in the old dragon's gem armor, which was the only vulnerable spot on his body.
A flashback shows how Girion attempted to slay Smaug using black arrows fired from a mounted Dwarvish windlance crossbow, but all his shots bounced harmlessly off the dragon's armour, all except for one, which broke off one of the dragon's scales and exposed his soft belly beneath. Unfortunately, Girion perished before the final arrow could be fired.

The last arrow was kept by his descendant Bard, who secretly hid it until Smaug awoke and attacked Laketown once more. Bard, with the aid of his son, managed to hit Smaug's weak spot opened up by Girion, slaying the dragon and avenging Bard's ancestors.
Great Armament

The **Great Armament** was the vast military fleet developed from SA 3310-SA 3319 by Ar-Pharazôn, King of Númenor, to cross the Sea, assail the Valar, and wrest immortality from them.

## History

For a period of nine years, many Númenórean shipwrights and armorers toiled in workshops and dry-docks, building ships and forging weapons of war. It included a vast armada of warships, and thousands of heavily armed soldiers. The flagship of the armada was the Alcarondas. Sailing to the Undying Lands, the fleet surrounded Tol Eressëa, landing a vast army which camped on the hill of Túna. However, the Valar called upon Eru himself, and the whole fleet sank into a vast rift created by what became the Change of the World. Meanwhile, on land, Ar-Pharazôn and his army were buried under an avalanche of falling rocks or hills.

In later ages, Ar-Pharazôn and his great army were long remembered by the Men of Middle-earth.
Fortress

There were many **fortresses**, **castles**, and **strongholds** in Arda, such as Minas Tirith, Helm's Deep, Isengard, Minas Morgul, and Barad-dûr. All were strong buildings most of which were built for defensive purposes. They were usually made of stone, and archers could shoot safely from behind the walls.

## List of fortresses of Arda

### Of Men at the end of the Third Age

* Cair Andros
* Dale
* Dol Amroth
* Dunharrow
* Hornburg
* Henneth Annûn
* Minas Tirith
* Osgiliath (West bank)
* Pelargir

### Fortresses/strongholds of Elves

* Caras Galadhon (the capital of Lothlórien ) (Survived to the end of the Third Age)
* Rivendell (Imladris) (Survived into the Fourth Age)
* Elvenking's Halls (Survived into the Fourth Age)
* The Grey Havens (Survived into the Fourth Age)
* Barad Eithel (destroyed by the forces of Morgoth)
* Forlond (Survived into the Fourth Age)
* Himring (after end of the First Age, mostly underwater)
* Harlond (Survived into the Fourth Age)
* Minas Tirith (in Beleriand) (torn down by Lúthien)
* Gondolin (destroyed by the forces of Morgoth)
* Menegroth (sacked and ruined by the Sons of Fëanor)
* Nargothrond (sacked by the forces of Morgoth)
* Ost-in-Edhil (Destroyed mid-Second Age in the War of the Elves and Sauron)

### Fortresses/strongholds of Dwarves

* Khazad-dûm (Moria) sometimes called the The Mines of Moria
* The Lonely Mountain (Erebor)
* The Iron Hills
* Belegost (in the Blue Mountains, ruined at end of the First Age)
* Nogrod (in the Blue Mountains, ruined at the end of the First Age)
* Grey Mountains (Ered Mithrin), driven out by dragons

### Fortresses/strongholds of Evil

* Barad-dûr (capital of Mordor and seat of Sauron, destroyed in the War of the Ring)
* Dol Guldur (temporary seat of Sauron's power as the Necromancer, destroyed in the War of the Ring)

* Minas Morgul (formerly *Minas Ithil* before being captured by Sauron, demolished early Fourth Age)
* Black Gate (destroyed in the War of the Ring)
* Durthang (formerly a fortress of Gondor)
* Isenmouthe
* Tower of Cirith Ungol (formerly a fortress of Gondor)
* Carn Dûm (capital of the realm of Angmar, ruined mid-Third Age)
* Mount Gundabad
* Isengard (after Saruman became allied with Sauron, mostly destroyed in the War of the Ring)
* Angband (Melkor's secondary fortress until his primary fortress Utumno was destroyed. Became his main fortress after his return to Middle-earth until his defeat in the War of Wrath)
* Utumno (Main fortress of Melkor until its destruction in the War for Sake of the Elves)
* Umbar (while held by the Corsairs)
Gold

**Gold** was an extremely valuable mineral in Middle-earth.

## History

Gold was present in the deeps of Arda since its creation by Eru. It was most likely discovered by the Vala Aulë, the great smith, for he was the first to make use of it. Afterwards, gold was used by all speaking peoples of Arda, particularly the Dwarves and the Ñoldor.

It was used as currency and jewelry, among other things. It was to be found all over Arda, particularly in mountainous places where the Dwarves lived and worked. Many dragons coveted gold.

The great smiths of the Dwarves and Elves would forge gold in incredible works of skill and beauty, gilding great armor and weapons, as well as crafting amazing jewelry. Even the Valar prized and appreciated gold, working some of the greatest artifacts known.

## Gold creations

* Nauglamír
* Gate of Gold

## Other precious minerals

* Mithril
* Silver
Green Dragon Inn

The **Green Dragon Inn** is one of the many inns of the Shire.

## Background

It is unknown when the Green Dragon Inn was built, but by TA 2941, it was quite popular among the citizens of the Shire.

## Menu

The Inn's central location in the Shire allowed it to import ales from across all four farthings of the Shire, including from Oatbarton, Girdley, Frogmorton and The Golden Perch in Stock. Some of the fortune of the Sackvile family, related to Lobelia Sackvile-Baggins, seems to have come from making cider for the Inn.

Advertisments from all across the Shire were posted here, including from Budgeford and Bamfurlong; as well as from the Old Grange and Ivy Bush inn at Hobbiton itself.

## Location

It is located in Bywater on the Bywater Road, besides the Marketplace, and is the building nearest to Hobbiton.

## History

#### The Hobbit (film series)

In TA 2941, Bilbo Baggins bought fish from the adjecent Marketplace for dinner. He was eating alone while a crowd could be heard from the Inn, before Dwalin stepped on his doorway.

### *The Lord of the Rings*

Rosie Cotton served at the Inn by the time Frodo was living in the Shire. The Inn is a favorite spot of Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took.

On September 22, TA 3001, Old Noakes and Hamfast Gamgee exchanged news about the War of the Ring and, unwittingly, about the failure of Balin's expedition to Moria. Afterwards, Rosie was approached by drunken Ted Sandyman, who Sam was afraid would win her over.

The Inn was a centerpiece of Frodo's vision of the Scouring of the Shire, when Galadriel showed him a possible future in which the Inn is set aflame by Orcs.

#### *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*

Pippin and Merry reminisced on it in Isengard and later in Edoras about their favorite inn.

At the end of the film, when the Hobbits returned from their journey, Sam saw Rosie serving drinks and since he had faced orcs, Sam gained the courage to go and talk to her, much to Merry, Pippin and Frodo's shock and delight.
First Age 487

**First Age 487** (abbreviated to **F.A. 487**) is the 487th year of the Sun of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Notable events in this year include:

* Beleg returns to Túrin with the Dragon-helm of Dor-lómin. Fighting side-by-side around Amon Rûdh, the area becomes known as Dor-Cúarthol, the Land of Bow and Helm.
Hamfast Gamgee

**Hamfast "The Gaffer" Gamgee** was a Hobbit of the Shire, gardener by trade and father of Samwise Gamgee.

## Biography

Hamfast was the son of Hobson "Roper" Gamgee. He married Bell Goodchild, with whom he had six children, including Samwise Gamgee, his youngest son. He was a gardener on the Baggins property at Bag End for many years. He was frequently consulted for his knowledge of root vegetables (generally over a pint at the local inn), and was seen as a particular authority on the growing of potatoes. As the time of Bilbo Baggins's birthday party drew near, he was also in demand for his stories of Bilbo and his family. He didn't particularly like Sandyman the miller.

On the evening that Frodo Baggins left Bag End, the Gaffer encountered a Black Rider asking about Frodo. He told the Rider that Frodo had gone to Bucklebury. He later reported the conversation to his son Sam, who in turn told Frodo about it.

During the troubles fomented by Lotho Sackville-Baggins, the Gaffer was turned out of his hole at Number Three, Bagshot Row, as Sam saw in Galadriel's mirror. Farmer Cotton helped look after him, sharing food, although this was against the Rules that the Chief and later Sharkey made up. When Sam arrived back in the Shire, the Gaffer was rather disbelieving of his son's adventures and disapproved of Sam's wearing "ironmongery." Once the Shire had been cleaned up, the Gaffer was restored to Number Three of the new, brick-lined holes in the hill where he was well-looked after by Widow Rumble. He would live there until his death in SR 1428.
Host of the West

**The Host of Valinor**, also known as the **Host of the West**, was a great force that crossed the Sea from Aman and defeated Morgoth in the War of Wrath, which ended the First Age.

## History

Moved by the words of Eärendil the Mariner, the Valar agreed to come to Beleriand and confront Morgoth. In FA 545, they assembled a great force led by the Maia Eönwë that consisted of the Vanyar and Ñoldor Elves of Valinor (under Ingwion and Finarfin), Manwë and presumably all the Valar, and the Teleri, who agreed only to provide and sail the ships bearing across the Sea. In Beleriand this host was quickly joined by the gathered Edain.

They met the forces sent by Morgoth in Anfauglith and easily defeated them, but as they approached the Gates of Angband, they were driven back by the great winged Dragons led by Ancalagon the Black. Eärendil came forth, and was joined by the Eagles led by Thorondor; they reinforced the Host of the Valar and defeated the forces of Morgoth. Ancalagon himself was slain, and destroyed the towers of Thangorodrim in his fall. Finally, the host routed all remaining foes in the pits of Angband, and captured Morgoth, effectively ending his reign in Middle-earth.

This Host was prophesied to assemble once more for the Dagor Dagorath at the end of days (after Morgoth's return from behind the Door of Night), in which they would be victorious.