Cirith Ungol
From Tolkien Gateway
Cirith Ungol | |
---|---|
Pass | |
"Cirith Ungol" by Rob Alexander | |
General Information | |
Location | Ephel Dúath |
Type | Pass |
People and History | |
Inhabitants | Men, Orcs, Shelob |
Events | Quest of the Ring |
Gallery | Images of Cirith Ungol |
Cirith Ungol was located on the north shoulder of the Morgul Pass. These two passes through the western mountains of Mordor were the only way towards the land from the west.
It was named so after the giant spider Shelob, who dwelt there.
Cirith Ungol was guarded by the Tower of Cirith Ungol, built by the Men of Gondor after the War of the Last Alliance.
During the War of the Ring, in March T.A. 3019, Gollum led Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol to this pass to Shelob's lair.
It is not known whether the pass and the tower were called Cirith Ungol when the Men of Gondor held it.
Etymology
Cirith Ungol (pron. [ˈkiriθ ˈuŋɡol]) is a Sindarin name meaning "Spider's Cleft", composed of cirith and ungol.
References
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King