The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Location
A long range running north to south, between Eriador and the Vales of Anduin
Origins
Said to have been raised in ancient days by Melkor as a defence against the Valar
Races
Various, but notably the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm and the Orcs of Goblin-town
Settlements
From north to south: Carn Dûm in Angmar, Goblin-town, the Eyrie, Khazad-dûm, Isengard
Sources
Many rivers had their sources in these mountains, but most notably Glanduin, Hoarwell and Loudwater to the west, the Gladden River and Silverlode to the east, and the river Isen from the mountains' southern reaches
Important peaks
Passes
The High Pass, The Redhorn Pass; lesser unnamed passes included one above the sources of the Gladden River, and another above the sources of the river Hoarwell; the mountains could also be passed by traversing the Gap of Rohan at their southern end
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 25 October 2023
  • This entry is complete

Towers of Mist

The range of the Misty Mountains

Map of the Towers of Mist

A name for the mountain range that ran in a great arc for some six hundred miles from the far northern parts of Middle-earth southward as far as Fangorn Forest. The name 'Towers of Mist' is a rare old form, and a slightly more direct translation of the Elvish name for this range, Hithaeglir (hith means 'mist', while aeglir comes from the word for a mountain range, especially one made up of sheer and pointed peaks).

Historically the Towers of Mist had been even sharper and more impassable than they later became. They were originally raised by the Dark Lord Melkor to hinder the ridings of the Vala Oromë in Middle-earth. In this they failed, as Oromë was able to make his way into the eastern lands and discover the newly awakened Elves. Even in the Third Age, the mountains remained a nearly impassable barrier, with only a handful of dangerous passes crossing the mountains from west to east.


See also...

Hithaeglir

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 25 October 2023
  • This entry is complete

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