The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Minas Tirith (originally called Minas Anor) was built c. II 3320 and stood into the Fourth Age
Location
In the southeastern section of the first inner wall of Minas Tirith, after the Great Gate
Origins
Minas Tirith was built by Elendil and his sons, and was especially associated with Elendil's second son Anárion
Race
Division
Culture
Family
Settlements
Pronunciation
Minas Tirith is pronounced 'mi'nas ti'rith' (all the 'i' sounds here are short, so Minas is pronounced like 'minnas')
Meaning
Notes
The Second Gate of Minas Tirith is not to be confused with the Gate of Stone, also known as the Second Gate of Gondolin

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About this entry:

  • Updated 7 March 2024
  • This entry is complete

Second Gate

The gate to the second circle of Minas Tirith

Map of the Second Gate of Minas Tirith

The Second Gate, leading into the second circle of Minas Tirith, was offset from the Great Gate, and lay in the southeastern quarter of the city.

The Second Gate, leading into the second circle of Minas Tirith, was offset from the Great Gate, and lay in the southeastern quarter of the city.

Beyond the main entrance to Minas Tirith, the Great Gate in the eastern outer wall, the city rose up from its first circle into six further tiers, each with its own circular wall and gate. The wall that separated the second circle from the first had a single gate, naturally known as the Second Gate. This gate opened to the southeast, so travellers entering the city would need to turn to their left and follow the inner wall around a quarter of its circuit to come to the Second Gate.

During the Battle of the Pelennor, the Second Gate briefly became Minas Tirith's last line of defence. With the buildings of the first circle burning uncontrollably, and the Great Gate of the city broken, most of the despairing people and defenders retreated up to the second circle. In the event, the Second Gate was not tested; the timely arrival of the Rohirrim forced the enemy to withdraw and confront the new force in the battle, and Sauron's armies were defeated before they could attempt an assault on the Second Gate.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 7 March 2024
  • This entry is complete

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