recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
5 October

Events that occurred on 5 October.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3018:
	+ Together with Strider the four hobbits travel towards Weathertop.
	+ Gandalf hurries towards Rivendell after the Black Riders attacked him on Weathertop.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ Gandalf and the four Hobbits leave Rivendell for Bree and the Shire.
Crowning of King Elessar

The **crowning of King Elessar**, or Aragorn, took place on May 1st, TA 3019, upon the Pelennor Fields outside the first wall of Minas Tirith. It inaugurated the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor.

## Summary

Around the Great Gate of Minas Tirith was set up an expanse of tents and campsites; soldiers, nobles, and common folk from throughout of Middle-earth were present. The coronation ceremony began with the ringing of a trumpet, followed by a hushed silence from the crowd. Faramir, as the new Steward of Gondor, met Aragorn before the gate and declared the return of the king. The crown, usually placed on the head of the new king by his father, was as those of the citadel guard, except loftier and whiter, with wings of pearl and silver in the likeness of a seabird. Upon it were seven gems of adamant, and a single jewel at its peak, "the light of which went up like a flame".

Holding the crown aloft, Aragorn declared in Sindarin; "Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world." These were the first words uttered by Elendil upon his arrival from the Sea. Aragorn decided to have the ring-bearer carry the crown to Gandalf, who placed it upon his head and pronounced a blessing. Faramir cried, "Behold the King!", and King Elessar entered his city to the ringing of trumpets and the unfurling of the royal banner from the topmost tower.

Several months later a party of Elves arrived and Elrond surrendered to Aragorn the symbol of royalty in Arnor, the Sceptre of Annúminas. Shortly after that Aragorn and Arwen were married.
6 October

Events that occurred on 6 October.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3018:
	+ The travellers climb Weathertop at noon. They find Gandalf's stone.
	+ The camp under Weathertop is raided at night, and Frodo is attacked by the Witch-king who attempts to hit his heart with a Morgul blade that will make him a wraith. Frodo wears the Ring and is wounded on the shoulder.
	+ Gandalf hurries towards Rivendell after the Black Riders attacked him on Weathertop.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ At the crossing of the Ford of Bruinen, Frodo feels the first return of pain from his stab wound.
* T.A. 3020:
	+ Frodo feels the pain return again.
* T.A. 3021:
	+ Sam returns to Bag End on his faithful pony, Bill, after seeing off many of his friends at the Grey Havens.
Blackwolds

The **Blackwolds** were a group of mannish brigands.

Nothing is known about the origins of the Blackwolds. Yet, it is implied that they were a group of Men from Bree-land that broke their ties with the rest of the free peoples. It is not stated what motivated them to do so.

The group was led by William Skunkwood who allied it with the forces of Angmar. After William's death, Éogan took over leadership of the group. He too was slain. After his death the Blackwolds broke apart and severed their ties with Angmar.

## History

The Blackwolds helped the Nine find the Hobbit who is carrying the One Ring. The Nazgûl did not inform them why they were looking for the Hobbit nor did they give a description of the Hobbit, only that the last name was Baggins. They managed to capture Mundo Sackville-Baggins while he was staying at Archet. Just when they were attempting to transport him away for questioning, the Ranger Amdir freed him. Mundo along with his friend Celandine Brandybuck managed to burn their camp as they escaped.

The Blackwolds regrouped and with the help of Calder Cob they planned a direct attack on the town of Archet. Along with Éogan, the Blackwolds managed to set the town on fire. They captured Mundo again, but learned that he wasn't carrying the treasure they were looking for. They quickly retreated, but managed to destroy half of Archet in their assault.
Dwarven Guardian

Each Dwarven citadel is a well-defended and massive complex of tunnels, workshops and great halls. For thousands of years these halls have been defended by stalwart and fearless warriors equipped with axe and shield. In all of Middle-earth there are few warriors who could stand toe-to-toe against a Dwarven Guardian. Every Dwarf is naturally strong and skilled with tools—the tools of war are no exception. Guardians have been called to march against countless throngs of Goblins in dark caves or ancient powerful dragons on high mountain summits. After so many lifetimes of protecting the priceless treasures of their brothers, the Guardians have become a soldier of Middle-earth to be both feared and respected.

Dwarven Guardians are the backbone of any Dwarven army. Equipped with heavy armor, massive shields, and a huge razor sharp axe, they are slow but powerful. They are the only infantry unit that can be upgraded to deal extra damage towards structures, thanks to the Siege Hammers upgrade at the Forge.
26 September

Events that occurred on 26 September.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3018:
	+ The Hobbits leave Fredegar Bolger back in Crickhollow to impersonate Frodo. They enter the Old Forest.
	+ They encounter Old Man Willow and are rescued by Tom Bombadil who hosts them to his house. Frodo dreams about Gandalf.
	+ Two Nazgûl come to Bree from the South road.
	+ Gandalf hurries towards The Shire on Shadowfax.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
14 March

Events that occurred on 14 March.

## In Arda

* T.A. 2510:
	+ Borondir is on his way in search of the Éothéod.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ Samwise finds Frodo in the Tower of Cirith Ungol.
	+ Minas Tirith is besieged.
	+ Aragorn sails towards Minas Tirith
	+ The Rohirrim travel towards Minas Tirith. Led by the Drúedain they reach the Grey Wood.
	+ Battle of Dale
		- Easterlings cross the Carnen and push King Brand back to Dale.
		- Men of Dale and Dwarves of Erebor fight a great battle at the feet of Erebor.
	+ Last Quarter of the Moon
24 March

Events that occurred on 24 March

## In Arda

* T.A. 2510:
	+ Borondir is on his way in search of the Éothéod.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ Frodo and Samwise make their last journey to the feet of Mount Doom.
	+ The Host of the West camps in the dreariness of the Morannon.
* T.A. 3021:
	+ The last day of the Third Age, according to the reckoning of Gondor.
30 October

Events that occurred on 30 October.

## In Arda

* F.A. 495:
	+ Tuor, guided by Voronwë, travels to Gondolin in order to deliver Ulmo's message to Turgon.
* T.A. 3018:
	+ Frodo and Samwise rest in Rivendell and prepare for their quest to destroy The One Ring.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ Gandalf and the four Hobbits leave Bree. Gandalf leaves to visit Tom Bombadil.
	+ Night: The Travellers come to the Brandywine Bridge.
	+ Full moon
Fangorn

**Fangorn Forest** was a forest beneath the southeastern flank of the Misty Mountains.

It was known for being the last habitation of the Ents and Huorns. It was named after the oldest Ent, Fangorn (Treebeard). It is also called **Entwood** by the Rohirrim.

## History

Fangorn Forest was actually just the easternmost survivor of the immense forest that spanned all of Eriador and Calenardhon in the First Age and early Second Age, but which was destroyed by the Númenóreans felling trees to build their mighty ships and Sauron's war on the Elves. Fangorn forest was the oldest part of Treebeard's realm, and to here the Ents retreated.

### Third Age

On the late February of TA 3019, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took escaped from the Orcs that captured them and met Treebeard. They persuaded him of the danger that Saruman posed to the Ents and their forest. The Ents took council and agreed to march against Isengard. Huorns were sent to Helm's Deep to assist in the Battle of the Hornburg.

On March 1, T

A 3019, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli entered the forest and encountered the White Rider, whom they believed to be Saruman, but was in fact Gandalf returned from his battle at Khazad-dum. After the War of the Ring, Legolas took Gimli on a trip to the forest to see its wonders.
12 April

Events that occurred on 12 April.

## In Arda

* T.A. 2510:
	+ Eorl the Young and the Éothéod travel towards the Field of Celebrant.
* T.A. 3018:
	+ Samwise Gamgee and Ted Sandyman are in *The Green Dragon* and gossip about the strange news.
	+ At the evening, the weather was cleaning after a rain. Samwise returns to Hobbiton, at the same time Gandalf arrives after a nine-years absence.
	+ Gandalf warns Frodo that his ring is dangerous, mentions to him Sauron, but says no more until the morning.
Dawnless Day

The **Dawnless Day** refers to 10 March, T.A. 3019, when fumes from Mordor veiled the Sun in an attempt by Sauron to discourage or misguide his enemies. The veil of Darkness blacked out most of Gondor and Rohan, though some beams of light could pass through it.

Along with the Darkness, a host from Minas Morgul set forth toward Minas Tirith, as witnessed by Frodo, Sam and Gollum who passed the Cross-roads. Later Orcs from the Morannon took Cair Andros and passed into Anórien.

The Darkness was also observed by the Rohirrim who were mustering their Riders and rode from Harrowdale.

On this day Faramir was rescued by Gandalf and Imrahil outside the Great Gate of Minas Tirith and Aragorn II led the Dead Men and the Grey Company, across the river Ringló.

The Darkness was eventually driven away by a south-west wind on the morning of March 15, when Aragorn and his companions came to the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Chase to Rivendell

The **Chase to Rivendell** was a chase where Radagast the Bird-tamer attempted to lead the Hunter Orcs away while Gandalf led Thorin and Company towards the Great East Road which led them into Rivendell, the House of the Elves.

## History

In the year TA 2941, an Orc Band led by Yazneg made an attempt to kill the Dwarves, but they were all distracted by Radagast and his Rabbits who was drawing them away from the company. While Radagast continued to draw the Hunter Orcs away, the Company hid behind a rock when an Orc approached the rock and picked up on a scent. After Kili shot the Orc's warg, the Orc fell in the Dwarven's hideout and is killed by Dwalin and Bifur. Yazneg heard the Orc's cry, and ordered the Orcs to go after the Dwarves. As the company hide inside a cave, the Hunter Orcs find it will be an easy kill. Fifty Elves led by Lord Elrond then appear and hunt the Orcs. All Orcs are killed, except Yazneg and Fimbul, who retreat back to Weathertop while Thorin and Company managed to reach Rivendell.

In the aftermath of the skirmish, Yazneg is killed by Azog for his failure.
Battle in Erebor

The **Battle in Erebor** took place in TA 2941 between the dragon Smaug and the Dwarven company led by Thorin II Oakenshield, along with Bilbo Baggins, in an attempt to destroy the dragon once and for all and to retake the Kingdom of Erebor.

## Prelude

After Bilbo was chased by Smaug, he took his ring and the Arkenstone quickly before Smaug ran him down. Thorin, after being encouraged by Balin, ran on to save him. He then ran into Bilbo, whom he was relieved to find alive, but he immediately asked where the Arkenstone was. However, Bilbo begged Thorin that Smaug was coming, but Thorin was still persistent on the stone. The hobbit started to leave before Thorin threatened Bilbo at sword-point. All of the sudden, he stopped and looked back to see Smaug advancing towards them, and turned his sword to the dragon. All of the sudden, the other Dwarves come in and protect Thorin and Bilbo before running away from their enemies.

## Chase in Erebor

### Evading Smaug

After losing Smaug, Dori believes that they had finally "given [Smaug] the slip", but Dwalin believes otherwise. Bilbo had then asked where they would go next and despite Balin's comments, Thorin goes to lead them to the West guardroom, only to find that the dwarves from Smaug's invasion were dead, leading Thorin to give them a speech on how they would go to kill the dragon. Thorin had them split up into many groups, taking Balin and Bilbo with him. They encounter Smaug, who goes to attack them before being dstracted by Dwalin and Nori's group, then Gloin, and Bifur's and Bombur's, Dori's and Ori's group.

However, Smaug was not delayed for long and attacked Thorin while he told Bilbo to retreat with Balin. Thorin was later saved by Dwalin and Nori from Smaug.

## Participants

* Smaug
* Balin
* Bifur
* Bilbo Baggins
* Bombur
* Dori
* Dwalin
* Glóin
* Nori
* Ori
* Thorin Oakenshield
Arathorn

**Arathorn II** was the fifteenth Chieftain of the Dúnedain and father of the future Heir of Isildur, Aragorn II Elessar.

## Biography

Like his forefathers, he was raised by Elrond in Rivendell while his father Arador dwelt in the wild. Arathorn asked for the hand of Gilraen at a very young age. Though her father Dírhael initially opposed the marriage, his wife prevailed upon him to agree to the match, as she foresaw that an early death awaited Arathorn.

Arathorn became the Chieftain of the Dúnedain in TA 2930, when his father was captured by Hill-trolls. He ruled for only three years until TA 2933, when he was slain by an arrow that pierced his eye while hunting Orcs with Elladan and Elrohir. He was followed by his infant son Aragorn, later known as Elessar Telcontar of the Reunited Kingdom.
29 September

Events that occurred on 29 September.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3018:
	+ Frodo and his companions reach Bree at night. They stay at the Prancing Pony.
	+ Strider hides behind the hedge on the Road west of Bree and eavesdrops on "Mr. Underhill". In the inn Frodo arouses attention by his sudden disappearance whereupon Strider warns him to be more careful and reveals himself as being Gandalf's friend.
	+ Barliman Butterbur finally gives Frodo Gandalf's letter.
	+ Gandalf visits the Gaffer.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
* T.A. 3021:
	+ Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins, Galadriel and Elrond leave Middle-earth and pass over the Sea.
15 January

Events that occurred on 15 January.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3019:
	+ The Fellowship of the Ring find the Chamber of Mazarbul and Balin's Tomb. Gimli takes the Book of Mazarbul.
	+ Attack of the Orcs and the Balrog. Gandalf destroys the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and falls with Durin's Bane.
	+ The rest of the Fellowship exits Moria and enters Dimrill Dale.
	+ Gimli, Frodo and Sam gaze in Mirrormere.
	+ Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin meet the Fellowship. They sleep on flets.
	+ Orcs pass through Lothlórien.
22 August

## In Arda

* T.A. 3018:
	+ Gandalf is held captive by Saruman on the pinnacle of Orthanc.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ The escort arrives at Isengard; at sunset Elessar, Gimli and Legolas say their good-byes to Gandalf and the four Hobbits .
	+ The Fellowship of the Ring is formally disbanded.
16 October

Events that occurred on 16 October.

## In Arda

* F.A. 495:
	+ Tuor, guided by Voronwë, travels to Gondolin in order to deliver Ulmo's message to Turgon.
* T.A. 3018:
	+ With Frodo severely wounded, Strider and the four hobbits travel slowly towards Rivendell.
	+ Glorfindel finds their trail and follows them over the Last Bridge.
	+ Gandalf hurries towards Rivendell after the Black Riders attacked him on Weathertop.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
29 February

Events that occurred on 29 February.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3019:
	+ Aragorn reaches the Downs.
	+ Merry and Pippin escape from the Orcs and meet Treebeard.
	+ Treebeard leads the hobbits to Wellinghall and they drink the Ent-draught.
	+ The Rohirrim attack at sunrise and destroy the Orcs; death of Grishnákh and Uglúk.
	+ Frodo and Samwise descend from the Emyn Muil and meet Gollum.
	+ Faramir sees the funeral boat of his brother Boromir.
20 September

Events that occurred on 20 September.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3018:
	+ Gandalf gains entrance to Edoras and warns them about Saruman. Théoden tells him 'Take any horse, only be gone ere tomorrow is old!'.
	+ Two covered carts leave Bag End for Frodo's new house in Crickhollow. They convey the furniture and goods that Frodo has not sold by way of the Brandywine Bridge.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
23 March

Events that occurred on 23 March.

## In Arda

* T.A. 2510:
	+ Borondir is on his way in search of the Éothéod.
* T.A. 3018:
	+ Gandalf arrives in Mirkwood and begins the questioning of Gollum.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ The Host of the West marches towards the Black Gate. They pass out of Ithilien. Aragorn dismisses the faint-hearted.
	+ Frodo and Sam leave behind their arms and gear.
Carn Dum

**Carn Dûm** was the chief fortress of the realm of Angmar and the seat of its king. It was located at the western end of the Mountains of Angmar, the north-western extension of the Misty Mountains.

## History

In T.A. 1409 a great host from Angmar invaded and ravaged Cardolan and killed its last prince. Carn Dûm remained capital of Angmar since around T.A. 1300 to T.A. 1973, being briefly replaced by Fornost the last two years.

In 1974, the combined armies of Gondor, Lindon and Arnor crossed the river Lune and defeated the forces of Angmar in a great battle on the plain between Nenuial and the North Downs. The Witch-king and his surviving forces fled northwards toward Angmar, but they were overtaken by the cavalry of Gondor with prince Eärnur at their head and cut off by a force led by Glorfindel that came from the south out of Rivendell before before they were able to reach shelter in Carn Dûm. The Witch-king was able to flee, but the remaining forces of Angmar were utterly defeated and no man or orc of the realm of Angmar remained west of the Mountains. As a consequence, it is possible that Carn Dûm was destroyed. It is also possible that Carn Dûm was repopulated after 2480, when Orcs began making secret strongholds in the Misty Mountains, but the fate of Carn Dûm is not mentioned in the Annals of the Kings and Rulers or in the Tale of Years.

On September 28 of 3018 While Merry was trapped with Frodo in a Barrow, he had a dream that he and others were attacked and defeated by the men of Carn Dûm at night and that his heart had been pierced with a spear. Some say that this barrow was the grave of the last prince of Cardolan. It is possible that he dreamt of what happened to the last prince of Cardolan and his men.

It is ruled by Agandaûr, a descendant of the Black Númenóreans and a servant of Sauron.
25 March

Events that occurred on 25 March.

## In Arda

* T.A. 2510:
	+ Borondir reaches the Éothéod and delivers them the message of Cirion, Steward of Gondor.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ The Host of the West is surrounded by enemies on the Slag-hills.
	+ Frodo and Samwise reach the Sammath Naur. Gollum seizes the Ring and falls in the Cracks of Doom.
	+ Downfall of Barad-dûr and passing of Sauron.
	+ Beginning of the New Year in Gondor.
* T.A. 3020:
	+ Samwise returns to the Shire from forestry work; Frodo has been ill, but he has already recovered and says nothing about himself to Samwise.
* T.A. 3021:
	+ Beginning of the Fourth Age in the reckoning of Gondor.
	+ Elanor the Fair, daughter of Samwise, is born.
Battle of the Fords of Isen

The **Battle of the Fords of Isen** was the first battle between Saruman's armies and the Rohirrim.

## History

Théodred, son of King Théoden of Rohan, was alerted by his scouts to the mustering taking place in Isengard. He manned both sides of the ford and went forward leaving three companies of riders to guard the eastern side. Early in the morning, he crossed over to the western side with a force mainly consisting of archers and cavalry. He planned to take the forces of Uruk-hai by surprise.

However, Saruman had tricked the scouts; his army was already marching out to attack the ford. Twenty miles to the north of the ford, Théodred encountered the vanguard of the Uruk-hai and quickly cut through their lines.

He then charged at the main force, which were prepared for the attack and were stationed behind trenches planted with pikes. Reinforcements came out of Isengard and outflanked the cavalry, nearly surrounding them. Hastily Théodred ordered a retreat, but the Uruk-hai could not be shaken off that easily. Grimbold, who was in command of the Rohirrim rearguard, had to cut down their pursuers many times.

Saruman's eastern force was much smaller but more dangerous. It contained Dunlendings, Warg riders and Uruk-hai. The Rohirrim guard on the eastern side of the ford had been driven into retreat, and their attackers recrossed the ford to attack Théodred on both sides. Théodred and his men had dismounted on a small islet to cover Grimbold's retreat. At the same time Grimbold's force was being attacked from the western side, and as Grimbold looked east, he saw Théodred's force being driven from the islet to a hill. Grimbold and a few men raced toward Théodred's position. Théodred was cutting his way through the Uruk-hai lines. But by the time Grimbold reached him, Théodred had fallen, cut down by a giant Orc. Grimbold slew the Orc and then found himself defending Théodred's body from enemies. He himself would have been cut down had it not been for Elfhelm.

Elfhelm had been leading four companies towards Helm's Deep, when it was reported to him that two Warg riders had been spotted. He rode at full speed to the ford and, seeing the situation, ordered his men to charge. Before long his men held the western side of the ford. They then charged on the islet. From this surprise attack most of the Uruk-hai retreated toward Isengard. When they reached the islet they found Grimbold defending Théodred's body against two huge Orcs. Elfhelm rushed to his aid and felled one enemy while Grimbold slew the other. When they lifted Théodred's body, they found he was still alive. He lived long enough to say, "Let me lie here -to keep the ford until Éomer comes." The enemy attack ended by nightfall. The Rohirrim had held the ford but suffered heavy losses.
Bilbo's Mithril Shirt

**Bilbo's Mithril shirt** was a shirt of chain mail, alternately described as a vest and a coat, made from mithril. It changed owners several times during the Third Age, from Smaug's hoard to Bilbo Baggins then to Frodo. It was taken by the Orcs of Cirith Ungol from Frodo, but was later shown by the Mouth of Sauron to Gandalf, Aragorn, and the other leaders outside the Morannon. Gandalf seized it from him and later returned it to Frodo.

## History

The origins of the shirt are largely unknown, though it was said to have been made for a young Elf prince long ago. It eventually came to be part of the Dwarven treasure hoard of the Lonely Mountain. It was found by the dragon Smaug and added to his treasure heap. Here, it was given by Thorin II Oakenshield to the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who wore it during the Battle of Five Armies. After returning to the Shire, Bilbo loaned the shirt to the Mathom-house. Before departing the Shire for Rivendell, Bilbo reclaimed the shirt and wore it on that journey.

Many years later it was given by Bilbo to his nephew Frodo Baggins as Frodo set out on his quest to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. Frodo wore the chain shirt under his tunic, unknown to the rest of the Fellowship. It was discovered when, during a skirmish in the mines of Moria, an Orc chieftain stabbed Frodo with a spear. The shirt prevented what would have been a lethal wound, leaving Frodo badly bruised but otherwise uninjured.

The shirt was confiscated from Frodo in the Tower of Cirith Ungol. The two groups of orcs that captured Frodo fought over the valuable shirt, and most were killed during the conflict. One of the two Orc leaders, Shagrat, survived the fight and seized the shirt, escaping the tower with it. The shirt eventually ended up in the possession of the Mouth of Sauron at Barad-dûr, who presented it to Gandalf at the Black Gate as false evidence that Frodo had failed in his quest. In his wrath Gandalf retrieved the shirt. The wizard later returned it to Frodo after the destruction of the Ring.[*citation needed*]

Following Frodo's departure to the Undying Lands, it is unknown whether he took it with him or left it to Samwise Gamgee as he did with the Red Book, in which case it likely would have remained in the possession of the Fairbairns or Gardners, possibly once more on loan to the Mathom-house.
Astrid

**Astrid** was a woman of the Southlands in the Second Age.

## Biography

Astrid was forced to flee from her home in the Southlands of Middle-earth when a force of Orcs attacked, and came to be on a ship that was destroyed by a sea-serpent. She and five others, including Halbrand, Eamon, and Abigail, survived by forming a raft from its wreckage. After discovering the Elf Galadriel, whom they first took to be a human, Astrid first noticed the sea-serpent returning. It destroyed the raft, and with the exception of Galadriel and Halbrand, killed all on board.
Edge of the Wild

The **Edge of the Wild** was the counceptual boundary between most of Eriador, which was or had been a settled area, and the dangerous uplands leading to the Misty Mountains and the Wilderland beyond. Conceptually it was a north-south line that ran just to the west of the Ford of Bruinen. When one was over (or east) of the Edge of the Wild even the best of plans could easily go astray, as Gandalf was well aware.
Elves of Rivendell

The **Elves of Rivendell** were Elves that resided in the valley of Imladris or Rivendell*.* They were led by Lord Elrond and all left Middle-earth on boats for Valinor by the end of the Third Age.

## History

During the Third Age in Tolkien's works, Rivendell was a refuge and sanctuary; many Elves gathered there, and it was the chief dwelling of the High Elves in Eriador, except the Elves of Lindon, but also wise and powerful people of all the races. The heirs of Isildur were also harboured there due to their kinship with Elrond, as descendants of his brother Elros. Rivendell maintained this relationship with the North Kingdom throughout the Third Age, and Elrond and his people remained steadfast allies to the heirs of Isildur. Situated on the western slopes of the Misty Mountains, Imladris was near Arnor's eastern province of Rhudaur, which became independent during the disintegration of the North Kingdom in TA 861.

Danger came to Eriador around TA 1300 when the witch-kingdom of Angmar was established in the north-east beyond the Ettenmoors. It was late in the reign of Arveleg I that Rivendell was besieged by Angmar, but it proved impregnable for the remainder of the Third Age. After an incursion by Angmar into Eriador in T.A. 1409, the Elves of Rivendell joined those of Lindon and the Galadhrim whom Elrond brought over the Mountains, in subduing the power of the Witch-king for many years.

After the end of the North-kingdom in TA 1975 Aranarth, the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain, had his son fostered in Rivendell, as were all subsequent sons of the chieftains. The heirlooms and treasures of the house of Isildur, including the shards of Narsil, were also kept there after Arvedui's death. Among these were also some of the few remaining documents containing the history of Númenor. Subsequently, Rivendell was also home of Aragorn, raised as Elrond's foster-son, and of his mother Gilraen. After her death, a monument was erected for her in Rivendell.

Years later, Frodo Baggins and his companions journeyed to Rivendell, where they met Bilbo. Several other Elves, Dwarves and Men were summoned at Rivendell; at the Council of Elrond they learned that all of their errands were related to the fate of the One Ring, and they had to decide what to do about it. In the end, the Hobbits influenced the decision.

Following the destruction of the One Ring at the end of the Third Age, Elrond's ring lost its power, and Elrond, with many of his household, left Rivendell to sail for Valinor from the Grey Havens; this marked the start of the Fourth Age.
18 March

Events that occurred on 18 March

## In Arda

* T.A. 2510:
	+ Borondir is on his way in search of the Éothéod.
* T.A. 3019:
	+ The Army of the West marches from Minas Tirith. After Osgiliath, they end the day march but a vanguard continues to the Cross-roads. Aragorn reclaims the land and restores the defiled statue of the King.
	+ Orcs march on the road from Durthang to Udûn.
	+ Frodo and Sam come in sight of the Isenmouthe. They are overtaken by the orc-band.
Argonath

The **Argonath**, also known as the **Gates of Argonath** or **Pillars of Kings**, was a great monument of Gondor.

## Description

The Argonath consisted of two enormous rock pillars, carved in the likenesses of Isildur and Anárion facing to the north. Placed upon huge pedestals, each of the two figures held an axe in its right hand and its left hand rose in a gesture of defiance to the enemies of Gondor. The two statues stood upon either side of the River Anduin at the northern approach to Nen Hithoel.

## History

From its earliest days the kingdom of Gondor set part of its northern boundary at the north end of Nen Hithoel.

Centuries later, the son and regent of Narmacil I, Minalcar, led a great force that defeated the Easterlings between Rhovanion and the Sea of Rhûn in T.A. 1248. When he returned he fortified the banks of the Anduin and built the pillars of the Argonath.

As the Third Age wore on the power and size of Gondor diminished, leaving the Argonath in deserted lands, not marking her boundaries any more. On 25 February, T.A. 3019 the Fellowship of the Ring cruised between the pillars on their journey south. Time had blurred their eyes and crannied their brows but the two figures still exuded power and majesty.
Corsairs of Umbar

The **Corsairs of Umbar** were a race of Men, specifically corrupted Númenóreans, living in Middle-earth, known for their piracy of ships along the coasts of Gondor.

Umbar was an old Númenórean haven settled by the King's Men, a proud faction loyal to the King and opposed to the divine authority of the Valar.

The Corsairs were led by four brothers who falsely call themselves the Heirs of Castamir. These were Azruthor, Dolgimil, Azgarzôr, and the eldest Balakhôr the Scourge. The player negotiated with a Corsair named Jajax, who ended up siding with the player against the Heirs and their followers.

### Weapons

The Corsairs use daggers as their primary weapon. They are stronger than typical Orcs and like to stab their enemies. They also use firebombs which, while not much more powerful than their daggers and able to cause a friendly fire, can set their enemies ablaze or do some significant damage nonetheless. In the film *The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring* they have ballistas mounted on their ships.

## History

### Early Third Age

After the downfall of Númenor, the Umbar settlers further descended into evil, and were called the Black Númenóreans. They took to pillaging and piracy along the coasts of Gondor, but in TA 933 Umbar was conquered by Gondor. However for over a hundred years Umbar was besieged by the Black Númenóreans and Haradrim until TA 1050, when the Black Númenóreans and Haradrim were heavily defeated by King Hyarmendacil I of Gondor.

During the Kin-strife, the defeated rebels of Gondor fled to Umbar, and came to be called Corsairs, most of them being Dúnedain, led by the descendants of Castamir the Usurper. For the next 362 years the Corsairs ravaged the coasts of Gondor, killing King Minardil in TA 1634 and sacking Pelargir. In TA 1810 Gondor retook Umbar, ending the line of Castamir. However Gondor's possession was not to last long and soon Umbar was lost to Haradrim and new Corsairs, mostly of Haradrim descent emerged. From then until the ending of the Third Age the Corsairs were again a menace to Gondor's coasts, launching an attack with five great fleets in TA 2758 that was only repelled with difficulty.

### War of the Ring

During the War of the Ring at the time of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, a Corsair fleet was on route to Harlond, after taking Pelargir, with the intention of aiding the forces of Mordor in the battle.

Aragorn, with the help of the Grey Company, Legolas, Gimli, and the Army of the Dead, drove the Corsairs off, capturing their ships and rowing them to Minas Tirith to relieve the siege of the city.

#### Fourth Age

Following this, at some point in the Fourth Age the city of Umbar was recaptured by King Elessar, ending the Corsair threat for good.
Aidan Turner

**Aidan Turner** (born 19 June 1983) is an Irish actor. He is best known for his roles as Kíli in the three-part fantasy film The Hobbit and John Mitchell in the television series, *Being Human.*

## Roles

### Movies

* *The Sound of People as Father*
* *Matterhorn as Theodoro*
* *Porcelain as Kevin*
* *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as Kili*
* *Mortal Instruments: City of Bones as Luke Garroway*
* *The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug*
* *THe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies*
* *The Secret Scripture as Jack McNulty*
* *Look Away as Russell*
* *Loving Vincent as Boatman (voice)*

### Television

* *The Tudors* as Bedoli
* *The Clinic* as Ruairí McGowan
* *Desperate Romantics* as Dante Gabriel Rossetti
* *Being Human* as John Mitchell
* *Resonance* as TT
* *Hattie* as John Schofield
* *And Then There Were None* as Philip Lombard
* *Poldark* as Ross Poldark
Birthday Toast

The **Birthday Toast** was an event held each year at a small gathering in honour of both Bilbo Baggins' and Frodo Baggins' birthdays, held each year on the 22nd of September at Bag End (both hobbits shared the same birthday).

This custom began after Bilbo left Bag End after the celebration of his 111th birthday.
Battle of Dagorlad

The **Battle of Dagorlad** was a major battle of the War of the Last Alliance in the late Second Age.

## History

The battle took place in the year SA 3434. It was fought between the army of the Last Alliance under Gil-galad and Elendil against an army of Orcs and other creatures loyal to Sauron, on the plains of Dagorlad just outside Mordor between Emyn Muil and Cirith Gorgor. The Last Alliance joined with Anárion's army from Gondor, which was holding Osgiliath and Minas Ithil, and they marched to Dagorlad. Oropher and Amdír, annoyed by Gil-galad's command, prematurely charged at the enemy and were driven back, and Amdír along with many Galadhrim Warriors died in the Dead Marshes. Eventually, the Alliance was able to drive back the the enemy forces and win the battle, proceeding then to attack the Black Gate and advance into Udûn.
Darkness

**Darkness**, or "**the Dark and the Shadow**", is the ever-present evil in Arda beginning with the rebellion of Melkor in his conceit before Eä. It is generally used to refer to the evil of Morgoth and of Sauron over the Ages.

## History of Darkness

The rebellion of Melkor tampered with and poisoned the original perfect symmetry of Arda, and corrupted all the works of the Ainur, but his chief works of Darkness fell upon the souls of the Children of Ilúvatar. After his decline and fall, his successor Sauron continued his works of evil until he too was defeated.

### Darkness and Men

Of all the races in Arda, Men were the easiest to corrupt and drive into temptation and thus were most afflicted by the Darkness. Not long after they awoke, Morgoth, probably appearing as a black rider on a black steed convinced them to worship him as their god instead of Eru, but some escaped and repented, becoming the Edain, the ancestors of the Dúnedain, but most still remained in darkness. Those that did remain and never went to the west remained loyal to Morgoth became known as Easterlings and were ever allied with the dark powers throughout the long ages either for hope of conquest or plunder. Bree-landers remained uncorrupted by Morgoth throughout Númenórean removal to Westernesse, and when Númenóreans returned to Middle-earth they found Bree-landers much as they were.

In the Second Age when the men of Númenor fell under the shadow, their faith wavered and their hearts turned to evil. Sauron came (as "Annatar") and was soon the master of the King's council, and men fell even further into the Shadow, convincing many of the faithless to worship Morgoth. Men came to be afraid of death, and this fear lingered. The embassy from Valinor speculated that this was the first sign of the shadow in Númenor. After Númenor's downfall, which transpired as a punishment for their king Ar-Pharazôn's acts against the Valar, Darkness continued to compel Men to follow it, and in various regions they served themselves and Sauron, even after his defeat in the War of the Ring.

### Legacy of darkness

Marring its original design, the advent of Darkness has brought the world its greatest woe, but would bring many together who opposed it.
Erelas

**Erelas** was one of the warning beacons of the White Mountains, which stood on the northern border of Gondor. It overlooked the lowlands of Anórien and was the fourth beacon from east to west. The beacon was small and thus not always lit, save at times of great urgency.

Prior to the Siege of Gondor in the late Third Age, Erelas was the fourth beacon to be lit to signal Rohan for aid.
Cirith Ungol

**Cirith Ungol** was a pass or cleft through the Ephel Dúath located near Minas Morgul. At its heart was an Orc stronghold, near the caves of Shelob's lair.

## History

### Under Gondor

Cirith Ungol passed through the western mountains of Mordor and paralleled the Morgul-road into Gondor to some degree. It was guarded by the Tower of Cirith Ungol, which was built by the Men of Gondor after the War of the Last Alliance was fought. It is not known whether the pass and the tower were called Cirith Ungol when the Men of Gondor held it, though it is likely since Shelob "...was there before Sauron, and before the first stone of Barad-dûr" was laid, and *Cirith Ungol* meant 'Spider's Cleft' in Sindarin.

The pass was reached by several sets of steep stairs leading from close by Minas Morgul up the north cliff-face of Morgul Vale and through a tunnel high in the mountains, with other steep stretches that lacked stairs. Eventually, the path ran straight into Shelob's lair, though many side-tunnels had been carved by Orcs and Men to get past her webs.

### Under Sauron

Gondor occupied the tower guarding the pass until TA 1636 when the Great Plague killed much of Gondor's population. After the Plague, Gondor again occupied Cirith Ungol but they were eventually distracted by the Wainriders, and evil was allowed to return to Mordor. The tower was likely occupied by evil forces before Minas Ithil was besieged in TA 2000.

In the Quest of the Ring, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee were led to this pass by Gollum to the lair of the ancient spider Shelob. At this time, there were also three-headed statues that "watched" the gateway into the keep of Cirith Ungol which could not be passed by mortals. Only through use of the Phial of Galadriel could the ring-bearer and his servant break these entities' will and enter.
Dwarven Axe Thrower

The axe is the favored weapon of the Dwarves. It is heavy, sturdy, sharp and can be used as a both a tool and a weapon. In lieu of the long-range bows of human hunters, or the complex crossbow of the Uruk-hai, the **Dwarves** deploy **Axe-Throwers**—the perfect weapon while battling in close quarters such as tunnels or underground passages. Their instinctive ability to handle the heft of the hand-axe affords them excellent force and accuracy when used as short-range weapons. Dwarven tools are built to last, and after the battle, Dwarves are careful to recover every weapon they can find. There is nothing more irritating to a Dwarven combatant than seeing an abandoned hand-axe in the hands of a filthy scavenging Orc.

They are one of only three ranged infantry that can deal slash damage at range, the others being the Axe Throwers of Isengard and the Hill-men Axe throwers of Angmar. Despite their short range, they deal damage on par with more advanced archers and can make short work of any units, especially when upgraded with Forged Blades.
East Lorien

**East Lórien** was the name of the realm east of Lothlórien founded by Celeborn after the War of the Ring.

## Description

East Lórien was comprised of southern Mirkwood including Dol Guldur with the land of the Beornings and the Woodmen on its northern border, and the lands of the Reunited Kingdom to its south.

## History

After the cleansing and purification of Dol Guldur by Galadriel, Celeborn claimed a large area east of Lórien and ruled there until he grew weary of Lothlórien's diminished glory after the passing of his wife and Nenya. After the departure of Celeborn, many people from Lórien moved into it leaving Lórien with few of its former inhabitants. After a few years Celeborn retired to Rivendell, leaving the wooded land of East Lórien populated by only a few wandering Silvan Elves.
Bywater

**Bywater** was a village in the Shire, lying within the Westfarthing near Hobbiton, and along Bywater Road. Bywater was located on The Water, a small stream that ran through part of the Shire, and where the village takes its name from. It was home to the famous Green Dragon Inn.

## History

Bywater was the site of the Battle of Bywater on November 3, 3019. It was in this battle that the War of the Ring ended, as it saw the defeat and death of the rebel Istari Saruman at the hands of Gríma Wormtongue (who was, in turn, shot by three unnamed Hobbit archers).
Army of Mirkwood

The **Army of Mirkwood** was the military force of the Woodland Realm.

## History

During the Sack of Erebor, Thranduil had his army ready to move in at help the Dwarves at moments notice but ultimately decided not to, turning back to Mirkwood. An armoured Thranduil arrived in Dale upon a magnificent large elk, and gave supplies to the townsfolk who had lost everything to the dragon's fire. Despite Bard's thanks, he told him that his true purpose for coming was to reclaim a jewel necklace in Thorin's possession - the White Gems of Lasgalen, which was revealed much later to be a remembrance of his late wife, who had died in the hands of the Witch-king. Bard was aghast at the prospect of fighting for jewels, but Thranduil doubted that a Dwarf could be reasoned with. Nevertheless, he agreed to give Bard a chance to convince Thorin to give in. Bard failed, and Thranduil ordered his army to march.

Even after Bilbo gave them the Arkenstone in an attempt to stop the fighting from materializing, a war nearly broke out, but Azog's arrival and Dain's departure to deal with the army of Orcs called it off. Initially, Thranduil was intensely reluctant to participate in the fight, but after Gandalf forced him to realize that it was madness to not fight the Orcs, he relented - sending his swordsmen into the fray, instructing his archers to rain down death, and he himself wielded his broadsword skillfully against the forces of evil. However, Azog realised that the armies could not fight on two fronts, and sent the rest of his army to Dale to cut them off. This forced Thranduil to retreat to the city with Bard, Gandalf, Bilbo, and a large portion of his army, leaving the Dwarves to fend for themselves. Upon his entry into the city, he was dismounted and surrounded, but easily killed his assailants and continually participated in the battle, but ended up being aghast at how much Elven blood was spilled in defense of a Dwarven land, and rather than warning Thorin or helping Dain, he attempted to take advantage of the respite to pull out.

The Elves of Mirkwood fought battles during the War of the Ring in Mirkwood against the forces of Sauron.
18 September

Events that occurred on 18 September.

## In Arda

* T.A. 3018:
	+ Gwaihir rescues Gandalf from the pinnacle of Orthanc in the early hours.
	+ The Black Riders cross the Fords of Isen.
	+ The Black Riders visit Saruman who lies that Gandalf has "confessed", and gives them directions to the Shire.
	+ Boromir travels towards Rivendell to ask for counsel.
Eru Illuvatar

**Eru Ilúvatar** or **The One** is the single omniscient and omnipotent creator. He has been existing eternally in the Timeless Halls and possesses the Flame Imperishable in his spirit which kindles existence from nothingness.

## The Creator

Eru created the Ainur before anything else, whom he kindled with the Flame Imperishable. Each Ainu came from a part of his mind. To further their comprehension, he presented his thought in the form of music, and listened as the Ainur picked up his themes and elaborated on them, slowly learning to sing in harmony with each other. Eventually he showed them his greatest theme, and made them sing it in harmony and develop it with newly granted powers. This was the Music of the Ainur.

Out of this great music, Eru showed them the Vision which showed vast halls of spaces and stories unfolded in the deeps of Time, and some Ainur were drawn to it. Eru said "*eä*" ("let it be") and thus Eä, the universe, was created.

## The God

The Ainur entered Eä and shaped the world according to the Music. Eru delegated most direct action within Eä to the Ainur, including the shaping of the Earth (Arda) itself.

The Ainur were not omniscient and there were some things beyond their comprehension; those were the creation of the Elves and Men, who are directly the Children of Ilúvatar (*Eruhíni*) created without the delegation of the Ainur. Other things known by Eru alone are their destiny, and the End itself.

The activities of Eru in regard to the life of Arda or Eä are not clear. Manwë was the vicegerent of Eru on Arda and it is known that he sought for his consent several times, like before the creation of the Ents or before the Battle of the Powers. Instances of Eru's direct intervention were:

* Sanctified the creation of the Dwarves by Aulë, giving them life and sapience, and were his "adopted" Children.
* At the behest of Yavanna, he allowed the Ents into being.
* The creation of his Children, the Awakening of the Elves and Men.
* The Changing of the World something that the Valar themselves could not have done.
* Several coincidences and signs of higher providence throughout history, such as Bilbo Baggins finding the One Ring.
* The resurrection of Gandalf after he was killed by Durin's Bane, something that could only be done by an Authority higher than the Valar.:203
* The fall of Gollum into the fires of Mount Doom, thus indirectly causing the destruction of The One Ring and dissipation of Sauron.

Eru would someday enter Eä to save his Children. It is said that after the end of days, Eru will unite the Ainur and the Children of Ilúvatar to create a music even greater than the one of creation.
Elven Road

The **Elf-path**, also known as the **Elven Road**, is a path built by Elves during the Third Age of the Woodland Realm.

## History

The path was built by the Elves in the Third Age of the Wood-land realm probably when Sauron occupied Dol Guldur and the forest became filled with evil things. Being the safest route through northern Mirkwood, Gandalf chose this way for Bilbo and Dwarves to take to the other side during their quest to Lonely Mountain.

Beginning at the eastern end of the High Pass, it ran across the Vales of Anduin, through the Forest Gate into Mirkwood, and led straight through the forest to its end on the banks of the Celduin.

The Enchanted stream ran through the path nearly three quarters of the way through.

### The Company of Thorin Oakenshield

Before he left, the wizard Gandalf warned Bilbo Baggins and Thorin and Company to take the path, as it was the safest route through Mirkwood to the Lonely Mountain. However, Nori accidentally leads the company off the path, causing them to look for the path again.

Thorin was captured by these Elves, while the remaining company, with the exception of Bilbo, were snared by Giant Spiders. Bilbo rescued them with the help of his magic ring, but they were soon captured by the angry Elves and imprisoned by their king. With the aid of the ring, Bilbo eluded the Dwarves' captors. Weeks later, he found a way to free them: by stealing the keys from the guard when he and the Butler Galion, drank their supply of wine. Soon after they were freed, the Company fled in barrels and floated on the river that ran along with the Elf-path.

However, a small battle ensued as the Company made their escape.

### Fourth Age

It may have survived into the Fourth Age.