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Dates
Constructed in the early days of Gondor, quite possibly before the end of the Second Age, though the name Orthanc probably originated with the Rohirrim after III 2759
Location
In the Circle of Isengard, below the source of the river Isen, at the southern end of the Misty Mountains
Origins
Built by the early Gondorians
Race
Built by Men, but latterly occupied by a Wizard
Division
Built by the Dúnedain; later occupied by the Wizard Saruman and his servants
Pronunciation
Orthanc is pronounced 'o'rthank'
Meaning
Orthanc can be interpreted as either 'Mount Fang' or 'Cunning Mind'
Other names
Mount Fang, Orthanc, The Third Tower of Gondor

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About this entry:

  • Updated 25 April 2022
  • This entry is complete

Tower of Orthanc

Stronghold of Saruman

Map of the Tower of Orthanc

The tower built by the early Gondorians to guard the Gap of Calenardhon, the wide pass between the Misty Mountains and the White. In its later history, it was granted by Steward Beren to the Wizard Saruman, who was at that time working as an ally of Gondor. Saruman's later treachery and alliance with Sauron meant that the Tower of Orthanc played an important part in the War of the Ring. The Tower is more commonly referred to simply as Orthanc.


See also...

Circle of Isengard, Fangorn Forest, Gondorians, King of Rohan, Lord of Isengard, Misty Mountains, Mount Fang, Orthanc-rock, Pinnacle of Orthanc, Robbers of the North, Saruman, Star of Elendil, Stone of Orthanc, Stones of Gondor, Third Tower of Gondor, [See the full list...]

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 25 April 2022
  • This entry is complete

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