Ithilien: Difference between revisions
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{{location infobox | |||
{{location infobox| name=Ithilien| image=[[File: | | name=Ithilien | ||
{{Quote|So they passed into the northern marches of that land that Men once called Ithilien, a fair | | image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - First Sight of Ithilien.jpg|250px]] | ||
| caption="First Sight of Ithilien" by [[Ted Nasmith]] | |||
'''Ithilien''' | | pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[iˈθiljen]}} | ||
| othernames=''Arnen'' ([[Sindarin|S]]) | |||
| location=Between the river [[Anduin]] in the west and the mountains of [[Ephel Dúath]] in the east | |||
| type=Region/fief | |||
| description=The fair province of [[Gondor]] | |||
| regions=[[North Ithilien|North]] and [[South Ithilien|South]] | |||
| towns=[[Osgiliath]], [[Emyn Arnen]], [[Henneth Annûn]], [[Minas Ithil]] | |||
| inhabitants=Primarily [[Gondorians]], [[Rangers of Ithilien]]<br />(Briefly inhabited by [[Silvan Elves]] in the [[Fourth Age]]) | |||
| created= | |||
| destroyed= | |||
| rebuilt= | |||
| events=[[Fall of Minas Ithil|Falls of Minas Ithil]] | |||
}} | |||
{{Quote|So they passed into the northern marches of that land that Men once called Ithilien, a fair country of climbing woods and swift-falling streams.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit]]"}} | |||
'''Ithilien''' was a region and fiefdom of [[Gondor]]. | |||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
[[ | [[File:Matěj Čadil - Ithilien.jpg|right|thumb|''Ithilien'' by [[Matěj Čadil]]]] | ||
Ithilien was a region of Gondor during most of the time in the history of Gondor. Its borders were probably the [[Nindalf]] in the north, the [[Ephel Dúath]] in the east, the river [[Poros]] in the south, and the river [[Anduin]] in the west.<ref name="VT">{{VT|42a}}, p. 17</ref><ref name=MapRohan>{{RK|Map}}</ref> The region was further divided into [[North Ithilien|North]] and [[South Ithilien]]. The division was probably at the river [[Morgulduin]] or at the east-west-road from [[Osgiliath]] to [[Minas Morgul]].<ref name=MapRohan/> The [[Emyn Arnen]] were located in South Ithilien | Ithilien was a region of Gondor during most of the time in the history of Gondor. Its borders were probably the [[Nindalf]] in the north, the [[Ephel Dúath]] in the east, the river [[Poros]] in the south, and the river [[Anduin]] in the west.<ref name="VT">{{VT|42a}}, p. 17</ref><ref name=MapRohan>{{RK|Map}}</ref> The region was further divided into [[North Ithilien|North]] and [[South Ithilien]]. The division was probably at the river [[Morgulduin]] or at the east-west-road from [[Osgiliath]] to [[Minas Morgul]].<ref name=MapRohan/> The [[Emyn Arnen]] were located in South Ithilien.<ref name="MT">{{RK|V1}}</ref> | ||
Ithilien was a sheltered region. It was shielded from the east by the Ephel Dúath, protected from the north by the [[Emyn Muil]], open to the southern airs and the moist winds from the sea.<ref name="Herbs">{{TT|Herbs}}</ref> | Ithilien was a sheltered region. It was shielded from the east by the Ephel Dúath, protected from the north by the [[Emyn Muil]], open to the southern airs and the moist winds from the sea.<ref name="Herbs">{{TT|Herbs}}</ref> | ||
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Small woods of resinous trees, fir, cedar, cypress, groves and thickets of tamarisk and terebinth, olive trees, bay,<ref name="Herbs"/> great ilexes of huge girth, ash-trees and giant oaks<ref name="Journey">{{TT|Journey}}</ref> grew in Ithilien. There were also junipers, myrtles, thymes, sages of many kinds, marjorams, parsleys, and many herbs of forms and scents beyond the garden-lore of Sam. In addition, there were saxifrages, stonecrops, primeroles, [[Anemones|anemones]], filbert-brakes, [[Asphodel|asphodel]], [[lilies]], roses, [[Iris|irises]], [[water-lilies]], briars, [[Eglantine|eglantines]] and trailing clematises.<ref name="Herbs"/> Furtermore, grass, celandine and acres populous with the leaves of woodland hyacinths<ref name="Journey"/> grew in Ithilien. | Small woods of resinous trees, fir, cedar, cypress, groves and thickets of tamarisk and terebinth, olive trees, bay,<ref name="Herbs"/> great ilexes of huge girth, ash-trees and giant oaks<ref name="Journey">{{TT|Journey}}</ref> grew in Ithilien. There were also junipers, myrtles, thymes, sages of many kinds, marjorams, parsleys, and many herbs of forms and scents beyond the garden-lore of Sam. In addition, there were saxifrages, stonecrops, primeroles, [[Anemones|anemones]], filbert-brakes, [[Asphodel|asphodel]], [[lilies]], roses, [[Iris|irises]], [[water-lilies]], briars, [[Eglantine|eglantines]] and trailing clematises.<ref name="Herbs"/> Furtermore, grass, celandine and acres populous with the leaves of woodland hyacinths<ref name="Journey"/> grew in Ithilien. | ||
[[Lebethron]]<ref name="Journey"/> and [[Culumalda]] grew especially in the woods around the [[Field of Cormallen]].<ref name=RC>{{HM| | [[Lebethron]]<ref name="Journey"/> and [[Culumalda]] grew especially in the woods around the [[Field of Cormallen]].<ref name=RC>{{HM|UI}}, pp. 625-6</ref><ref name=SApp>{{S|Appendix}}, entry for ''mal-''</ref> | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Early | ===Early history=== | ||
Historians in [[Gondor]] believed that, in the [[First Age]], the [[Drúedain|Woses]] reached the region and were the first to cross the [[Anduin]] (probably near [[Cair Andros]]).<ref>{{UT| | Historians in [[Gondor]] believed that, in the [[First Age]], the [[Drúedain|Woses]] reached the region and were the first to cross the [[Anduin]] (probably near [[Cair Andros]]).<ref>{{UT|12b}}</ref> | ||
Old records preserved in [[Gondor]] indicate that the name ''Arnen'' was once used for the larger part of the region during the [[Second Age]].<ref name="VT"/> | Old records preserved in [[Gondor]] indicate that the name ''Arnen'' was once used for the larger part of the region during the [[Second Age]].<ref name="VT"/> | ||
When [[Elendil]] and his sons founded the [[Realms in Exile]], Ithilien took its name after his son, [[Isildur]]. Of old, its chief city was [[Minas Ithil]], the Tower of the Moon. It was briefly captured by [[Sauron]] in {{SA|3429}},<ref name=SA>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 3429</ref> but was restored later. The [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] was built by Gondor as an eastern outpost of the defences of Ithilien after the Last Alliance.<ref>{{RK|VI1}}</ref> Ithilien was a fair and prosperous land during the [[Second Age]] and the first part of the [[Third Age]] when Gondor was strong and Mordor deserted. | When [[Elendil]] and his sons founded the [[Realms in Exile]], Ithilien took its name after his son, [[Isildur]]. Of old, its chief city was [[Minas Ithil]], the Tower of the Moon. It was [[First Fall of Minas Ithil|briefly captured]] by [[Sauron]] in {{SA|3429}},<ref name=SA>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 3429</ref> but was restored later. The [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] was built by Gondor as an eastern outpost of the defences of Ithilien after the Last Alliance.<ref>{{RK|VI1}}</ref> Ithilien was a fair and prosperous land during the [[Second Age]] and the first part of the [[Third Age]] when Gondor was strong and Mordor deserted. | ||
===Invasions by Easterlings and Haradrim=== | ===Invasions by Easterlings and Haradrim=== | ||
In {{TA|490}} during the reign of King [[Ostoher]] [[Easterlings]] invaded Gondor, probably through northern Ithilien. In {{TA|500}} | In {{TA|490}} during the reign of King [[Ostoher]], [[Easterlings]] invaded Gondor, probably through northern Ithilien. In {{TA|500}}, his son, [[Tarostar]], defeated them and drove them out of Gondor.<ref name="Ostoher">{{App|Gondor}}, entry for King Ostoher and King Tarostar</ref><ref name=TA>{{App|TA}}</ref> | ||
The [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] was also defending Ithilien from attacks from Sauron's remaining servants and stopped them from returning to Mordor, guarding the high pass over the [[Ephel Dúath]]. Gondor occupied the fortress until {{TA|1636}} when the [[Great Plague]] killed large parts of the population. During the plague, most of the people of [[Osgiliath]] fled the city for the western dales or the woods of Ithilien. | The [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] was also defending Ithilien from attacks from Sauron's remaining servants and stopped them from returning to Mordor, guarding the high pass over the [[Ephel Dúath]]. Gondor occupied the fortress until {{TA|1636}} when the [[Great Plague]] killed large parts of the population. During the plague, most of the people of [[Osgiliath]] fled the city for the western dales or the woods of Ithilien. | ||
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===Desertion=== | ===Desertion=== | ||
When Minas Ithil was captured by Mordor in {{TA|2002}} after a three year long siege, it was renamed [[Minas Morgul]], the Tower of Black Sorcery, a place of dread, and many of the people that still remained in Ithlien deserted it.<ref name="Ondoher"/ | When Minas Ithil was captured by Mordor in {{TA|2002}} after a three year [[Second Fall of Minas Ithil|long siege]], it was renamed [[Minas Morgul]], the Tower of Black Sorcery, a place of dread, and many of the people that still remained in Ithlien deserted it.<ref name="Ondoher"/> | ||
During the [[Watchful Peace]] the lords of Morgul had secretly bred the [[Uruk-hai]], and in {{TA|2475}} these creatures assailed and overran Ithilien, and captured [[Osgiliath]]. [[Boromir (Steward of Gondor)|Boromir]] defeated the host of Morgul and regained Ithilien. However, from that time on no people dwelt in the ruined city of Osgiliath.<ref name=stew>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> | |||
[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Terrace at Henneth Annûn.jpg|left|thumb|''The Terrace at Henneth Annûn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]] | |||
[[Amon Dîn]] was used as a fortified outpost in [[Anorien]] keeping watch over the passage into North Ithilien from [[Dagorlad]] and any attempt by enemies to cross the [[Anduin]] near [[Cair Andros]].<ref name="Cirion">{{UT|Cirion}}, (iii) Cirion and Eorl and note 35</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 510</ref> | [[Amon Dîn]] was used as a fortified outpost in [[Anorien]] keeping watch over the passage into North Ithilien from [[Dagorlad]] and any attempt by enemies to cross the [[Anduin]] near [[Cair Andros]].<ref name="Cirion">{{UT|Cirion}}, (iii) Cirion and Eorl and note 35</ref><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 510</ref> | ||
In the days of Steward [[Túrin II]] Ithilien was infested by [[Mordor-orcs]] and more people fled west over the [[Anduin]]; only the hardiest people remained.<ref name=stew/> | In the days of Steward [[Túrin II]], Ithilien was infested by [[Mordor-orcs]] and more people fled west over the [[Anduin]]; only the hardiest people remained.<ref name=stew/> | ||
In {{TA|2885}}, Ithilien was invaded in great strength by [[Haradrim]] that had occupied [[South Gondor]]. With the aid of King [[Folcwine]] of [[Rohan]] Túrin II won a victory at the [[Crossings of Poros]], though the princes [[Fastred (son of Folcwine)|Fastred]] and [[Folcred]] were slain.<ref name="TA"/> | In {{TA|2885}}, Ithilien was invaded in great strength by [[Haradrim]] that had occupied [[South Gondor]]. With the aid of King [[Folcwine]] of [[Rohan]] Túrin II won a victory at the [[Crossings of Poros]], though the princes [[Fastred (son of Folcwine)|Fastred]] and [[Folcred]] were slain.<ref name="TA"/> | ||
Most of the remaining people of Ithilien fled across the [[Anduin]] to escape further attacks by [[Uruks]] from Mordor ({{TA|2901}})<ref name=TA/>, but Túrin II still kept scouts there, operating out of secret refuges such as [[Henneth Annûn]]. [[Sauron]] returned to [[Mordor]] in {{TA|2951}}, and the last remaining people of Ithilien fled over the [[Anduin]] when [[Mount Doom]] erupted in {{TA|2954}}.<ref name=stew/><ref name=TA/> The [[Rammas Echor]] was constructed as part of the now necessary defenses of [[Gondor]] after Ithilien fell under the shadow of the Enemy, probably during the days of Steward [[Ecthelion II]].<ref name="MT"/><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 546</ref> The descendants of the people who had dwelt in Ithilien, formed the corps of the [[Rangers of Ithilien]].<ref name="Herbs"/> | Most of the remaining people of Ithilien fled across the [[Anduin]] to escape further attacks by [[Uruks]] from Mordor ({{TA|2901}})<ref name=TA/>, but Túrin II still kept scouts there, operating out of secret refuges such as [[Henneth Annûn]]. [[Sauron]] returned to [[Mordor]] in {{TA|2951}}, and the last remaining people of Ithilien fled over the [[Anduin]] when [[Mount Doom]] erupted in {{TA|2954}}.<ref name=stew/><ref name=TA/> The [[Rammas Echor]] was constructed as part of the now necessary defenses of [[Gondor]] after Ithilien fell under the shadow of the Enemy, probably during the days of Steward [[Ecthelion II]].<ref name="MT"/><ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 546</ref> The descendants of the people who had dwelt in Ithilien, formed the corps of the [[Rangers of Ithilien]].<ref name="Herbs"/> | ||
===War of the Ring=== | ===War of the Ring=== | ||
During the [[War of the Ring]], in early March {{TA|3019}}, [[Faramir]] the son of the Steward [[Denethor]], was leading the [[Rangers of Ithilien]] to ambush Haradrim who would pass through Ithilien.<ref name="Herbs"/> After that [[Gollum]] led [[Frodo Baggins]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]] through Ithilien on their way to [[Cirith Ungol]] and into Mordor, and Faramir allowed them to continue when he was satisfied they were not agents of [[Sauron]]. | During the [[War of the Ring]], in early March {{TA|3019}}, [[Faramir]] the son of the Steward [[Denethor]], was leading the [[Rangers of Ithilien]] to ambush Haradrim who would pass through Ithilien.<ref name="Herbs"/> After that [[Gollum]] led [[Frodo Baggins]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]] through Ithilien on their way to [[Cirith Ungol]] and into Mordor, and Faramir allowed them to continue when he was satisfied they were not agents of [[Sauron]]. | ||
[[File: | [[File:John Howe - The Mumakil of Harad.jpg|200px|thumb|''The Mumakil of Harad'' by [[John Howe]]]] | ||
When the [[Host of the West]] marched on the [[Morannon]], their scouts, men from [[Henneth Annûn]] led by [[Mablung (ranger of Ithilien)|Mablung]] discovered an ambush by Orcs and Easterlings that lay hidden in Ithilien at the same place where Faramir and his men had previously ambushed the men of Harad. The ambush was quickly turned when horsemen bypassed the Orcs and Easterlings and attacked them on their flank and from behind.<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> | When the [[Host of the West]] marched on the [[Morannon]], their scouts, men from [[Henneth Annûn]] led by [[Mablung (ranger of Ithilien)|Mablung]] discovered an ambush by Orcs and Easterlings that lay hidden in Ithilien at the same place where Faramir and his men had previously ambushed the men of Harad. The ambush was quickly turned when horsemen bypassed the Orcs and Easterlings and attacked them on their flank and from behind.<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> | ||
===Later | ===Later history=== | ||
After the fall of Sauron Faramir retained the title of Steward. In addition, King Aragorn gave Ithilien to Faramir to be his princedom and ordered him to live in [[Emyn Arnen]] as the [[Prince of Ithilien]]. Minas Morgul was destroyed and not repopulated.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> Faramir married [[Éowyn]] after the funeral of King Théoden in {{TA|3019}}.<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><ref name=chief>{{app|Chief}}</ref> The gardens devised by Legolas for the house of Faramir and Éowyn in Emyn Arnen were renowned.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, Commentary, The Stewards of Gondor, entry for Steward Faramir</ref> | After the fall of Sauron Faramir retained the title of Steward. In addition, King Aragorn gave Ithilien to Faramir to be his princedom and ordered him to live in [[Emyn Arnen]] as the [[Prince of Ithilien]]. Minas Morgul was destroyed and not repopulated.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> Faramir married [[Éowyn]] after the funeral of King Théoden in {{TA|3019}}.<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><ref name=chief>{{app|Chief}}</ref> The gardens devised by Legolas for the house of Faramir and Éowyn in Emyn Arnen were renowned.<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}, Commentary, The Stewards of Gondor, entry for Steward Faramir</ref> | ||
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==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
{{Pronounce|Ithilien.mp3|Ardamir}} | {{Pronounce|Ithilien.mp3|Ardamir}} | ||
''Ithilien'' is a [[Sindarin]] | ''Ithilien'' is a [[Sindarin]] for "Land of the Moon",<ref>{{HM|UI}}, p. 233</ref> from [[Ithil]] ("Moon")<ref>{{S|Appendix}}, entry ''[[sil]]''</ref> + ''[[-nd|end]]'' (affix for territorial names).<ref>{{PE|Eldarin}}, p. 42</ref> The name reflects the 'heraldic' aspect of its ruler's name, [[Isildur]], and its capital [[Minas Ithil]], being the counterpart of [[Anorien]], the "Land of the Sun".<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 776</ref> | ||
==Portrayal in adaptations== | ==Portrayal in adaptations== | ||
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:The ''[[Southern Gondor: The Land]]'' module contains information about settlements and sites, the history, geography, flora and fauna, inhabitants, politics and power and warcraft of Harithilien. It is mentioned that the Emyn Arnen define the boundary dividing Harithilien (South Ithilien) from Forithilien (North Ithilien). | :The ''[[Southern Gondor: The Land]]'' module contains information about settlements and sites, the history, geography, flora and fauna, inhabitants, politics and power and warcraft of Harithilien. It is mentioned that the Emyn Arnen define the boundary dividing Harithilien (South Ithilien) from Forithilien (North Ithilien). | ||
:In the ''[[The Tower of Cirith Ungol and Shelob's Lair]]'' module there are five adventures that take place in the Tower of Cirith Ungol, Shelob's Lair and the surrounding area. It is mentioned that the river Ithilduin (later renamed to Morgulduin) divides Ithilien into Northern and Southern provinces. | |||
:In the ''[[Ghosts of the Southern Anduin]]'' adventure module there are four adventures that take place in and around the town of Bar-en-Tinnen in Ithilien (renamed to Bar-en-Dinnen in ''Southern Gondor: The Land''). | :In the ''[[Ghosts of the Southern Anduin]]'' adventure module there are four adventures that take place in and around the town of Bar-en-Tinnen in Ithilien (renamed to Bar-en-Dinnen in ''Southern Gondor: The Land''). | ||
:In the ''[[Gates of Mordor]]'' adventure module there are two adventures that take place in North Ithilien and one adventure that takes place in [[Durthang]] in the northern Ephel Dúath. | :In the ''[[Gates of Mordor (book)|Gates of Mordor]]'' adventure module there are two adventures that take place in North Ithilien and one adventure that takes place in [[Durthang]] in the northern Ephel Dúath. | ||
:The ''[[Minas Ithil (book)|Minas Ithil]]'' city module contains detailed information about Minas Ithil (later renamed to Minas Morgul) in T.A. 1640 and three adventures that take place in Minas Ithil. | |||
:''[[The Kin-strife]] campaign module contains detailed information about Minas Ithil (later renamed to Minas Morgul) during the time of the [[Kin-strife]] and three adventures that take place in Minas Ithil. | |||
{{references}} | {{references}} | ||
{{FellowshipRoute}} | {{FellowshipRoute}} | ||
[[Category:Gondor]] | [[Category:Gondor]] | ||
[[Category:Noldorin locations]] | |||
[[Category:Regions]] | [[Category:Regions]] | ||
[[Category:Sindarin locations]] | [[Category:Sindarin locations]] | ||
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/gondor/ithilien]] | [[fr:encyclo/geographie/regions/gondor/ithilien]] | ||
Revision as of 16:27, 28 May 2021
| Ithilien | |
|---|---|
| Region/fief | |
 | |
| "First Sight of Ithilien" by Ted Nasmith | |
| General Information | |
| Pronunciation | S, [iˈθiljen] |
| Other names | Arnen (S) |
| Location | Between the river Anduin in the west and the mountains of Ephel Dúath in the east |
| Type | Region/fief |
| Description | The fair province of Gondor |
| Regions | North and South |
| People and History | |
| Inhabitants | Primarily Gondorians, Rangers of Ithilien (Briefly inhabited by Silvan Elves in the Fourth Age) |
| Events | Falls of Minas Ithil |
| Gallery | Images of Ithilien |
- "So they passed into the northern marches of that land that Men once called Ithilien, a fair country of climbing woods and swift-falling streams."
- ― The Return of the King, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"
Ithilien was a region and fiefdom of Gondor.
Geography
Ithilien was a region of Gondor during most of the time in the history of Gondor. Its borders were probably the Nindalf in the north, the Ephel Dúath in the east, the river Poros in the south, and the river Anduin in the west.[1][2] The region was further divided into North and South Ithilien. The division was probably at the river Morgulduin or at the east-west-road from Osgiliath to Minas Morgul.[2] The Emyn Arnen were located in South Ithilien.[3]
Ithilien was a sheltered region. It was shielded from the east by the Ephel Dúath, protected from the north by the Emyn Muil, open to the southern airs and the moist winds from the sea.[4]
Small woods of resinous trees, fir, cedar, cypress, groves and thickets of tamarisk and terebinth, olive trees, bay,[4] great ilexes of huge girth, ash-trees and giant oaks[5] grew in Ithilien. There were also junipers, myrtles, thymes, sages of many kinds, marjorams, parsleys, and many herbs of forms and scents beyond the garden-lore of Sam. In addition, there were saxifrages, stonecrops, primeroles, anemones, filbert-brakes, asphodel, lilies, roses, irises, water-lilies, briars, eglantines and trailing clematises.[4] Furtermore, grass, celandine and acres populous with the leaves of woodland hyacinths[5] grew in Ithilien.
Lebethron[5] and Culumalda grew especially in the woods around the Field of Cormallen.[6][7]
History
Early history
Historians in Gondor believed that, in the First Age, the Woses reached the region and were the first to cross the Anduin (probably near Cair Andros).[8]
Old records preserved in Gondor indicate that the name Arnen was once used for the larger part of the region during the Second Age.[1] When Elendil and his sons founded the Realms in Exile, Ithilien took its name after his son, Isildur. Of old, its chief city was Minas Ithil, the Tower of the Moon. It was briefly captured by Sauron in S.A. 3429,[9] but was restored later. The Tower of Cirith Ungol was built by Gondor as an eastern outpost of the defences of Ithilien after the Last Alliance.[10] Ithilien was a fair and prosperous land during the Second Age and the first part of the Third Age when Gondor was strong and Mordor deserted.
Invasions by Easterlings and Haradrim
In T.A. 490 during the reign of King Ostoher, Easterlings invaded Gondor, probably through northern Ithilien. In T.A. 500, his son, Tarostar, defeated them and drove them out of Gondor.[11][12]
The Tower of Cirith Ungol was also defending Ithilien from attacks from Sauron's remaining servants and stopped them from returning to Mordor, guarding the high pass over the Ephel Dúath. Gondor occupied the fortress until T.A. 1636 when the Great Plague killed large parts of the population. During the plague, most of the people of Osgiliath fled the city for the western dales or the woods of Ithilien.
After the disastrous Battle of the Plains in T.A. 1856 the Gondorian territories north of Ithilien and east of the river Anduin were abandoned by Gondor.[13][14]
In T.A. 1899, Marhwini warned King Calimehtar that the Wainriders were plotting to raid Calenardhon over the Undeeps. Calimehtar, therefore, provoked the Wainriders out of Ithilien, and his horsemen, joined by a large éored led by Marhwini, drove the Wainriders back.[15][16]
In T.A. 1944, Wainriders from Rhûn made an alliance with the Haradrim, and a dual attack on Ithilien was launched. While the Wainriders assaulted Ithilien from the north, the armies of the Haradrim crossed the Poros and invaded South Ithilien. The Gondorian Captain Eärnil leading Gondor's inferior Southern Army, defeated the Haradrim, and then turned north, took the Wainriders by surprise and pushed many of them into the swamplands of the Dead Marshes.[17]
Desertion
When Minas Ithil was captured by Mordor in T.A. 2002 after a three year long siege, it was renamed Minas Morgul, the Tower of Black Sorcery, a place of dread, and many of the people that still remained in Ithlien deserted it.[17]
During the Watchful Peace the lords of Morgul had secretly bred the Uruk-hai, and in T.A. 2475 these creatures assailed and overran Ithilien, and captured Osgiliath. Boromir defeated the host of Morgul and regained Ithilien. However, from that time on no people dwelt in the ruined city of Osgiliath.[18]
Amon Dîn was used as a fortified outpost in Anorien keeping watch over the passage into North Ithilien from Dagorlad and any attempt by enemies to cross the Anduin near Cair Andros.[15][19]
In the days of Steward Túrin II, Ithilien was infested by Mordor-orcs and more people fled west over the Anduin; only the hardiest people remained.[18]
In T.A. 2885, Ithilien was invaded in great strength by Haradrim that had occupied South Gondor. With the aid of King Folcwine of Rohan Túrin II won a victory at the Crossings of Poros, though the princes Fastred and Folcred were slain.[12]
Most of the remaining people of Ithilien fled across the Anduin to escape further attacks by Uruks from Mordor (T.A. 2901)[12], but Túrin II still kept scouts there, operating out of secret refuges such as Henneth Annûn. Sauron returned to Mordor in T.A. 2951, and the last remaining people of Ithilien fled over the Anduin when Mount Doom erupted in T.A. 2954.[18][12] The Rammas Echor was constructed as part of the now necessary defenses of Gondor after Ithilien fell under the shadow of the Enemy, probably during the days of Steward Ecthelion II.[3][20] The descendants of the people who had dwelt in Ithilien, formed the corps of the Rangers of Ithilien.[4]
War of the Ring
During the War of the Ring, in early March T.A. 3019, Faramir the son of the Steward Denethor, was leading the Rangers of Ithilien to ambush Haradrim who would pass through Ithilien.[4] After that Gollum led Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee through Ithilien on their way to Cirith Ungol and into Mordor, and Faramir allowed them to continue when he was satisfied they were not agents of Sauron.
When the Host of the West marched on the Morannon, their scouts, men from Henneth Annûn led by Mablung discovered an ambush by Orcs and Easterlings that lay hidden in Ithilien at the same place where Faramir and his men had previously ambushed the men of Harad. The ambush was quickly turned when horsemen bypassed the Orcs and Easterlings and attacked them on their flank and from behind.[21]
Later history
After the fall of Sauron Faramir retained the title of Steward. In addition, King Aragorn gave Ithilien to Faramir to be his princedom and ordered him to live in Emyn Arnen as the Prince of Ithilien. Minas Morgul was destroyed and not repopulated.[22] Faramir married Éowyn after the funeral of King Théoden in T.A. 3019.[23][24] The gardens devised by Legolas for the house of Faramir and Éowyn in Emyn Arnen were renowned.[25]
After the fall of Sauron Legolas brought south some of the Elves of Mirkwood and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the fairest country in all the Westlands.[26] After King Aragorn died, Legolas built a grey ship and sailed from Ithilien to the West, reportedly taking Gimli with him.[26][27]
Etymology
Ithilien is a Sindarin for "Land of the Moon",[28] from Ithil ("Moon")[29] + end (affix for territorial names).[30] The name reflects the 'heraldic' aspect of its ruler's name, Isildur, and its capital Minas Ithil, being the counterpart of Anorien, the "Land of the Sun".[31]
Portrayal in adaptations
1987-96: Middle-earth Role Playing:
- The Sea-Lords of Gondor - Pelargir and Lebennin campaign module contains a detailed map that includes Ithilien.
- The Southern Gondor: The Land module contains information about settlements and sites, the history, geography, flora and fauna, inhabitants, politics and power and warcraft of Harithilien. It is mentioned that the Emyn Arnen define the boundary dividing Harithilien (South Ithilien) from Forithilien (North Ithilien).
- In the The Tower of Cirith Ungol and Shelob's Lair module there are five adventures that take place in the Tower of Cirith Ungol, Shelob's Lair and the surrounding area. It is mentioned that the river Ithilduin (later renamed to Morgulduin) divides Ithilien into Northern and Southern provinces.
- In the Ghosts of the Southern Anduin adventure module there are four adventures that take place in and around the town of Bar-en-Tinnen in Ithilien (renamed to Bar-en-Dinnen in Southern Gondor: The Land).
- In the Gates of Mordor adventure module there are two adventures that take place in North Ithilien and one adventure that takes place in Durthang in the northern Ephel Dúath.
- The Minas Ithil city module contains detailed information about Minas Ithil (later renamed to Minas Morgul) in T.A. 1640 and three adventures that take place in Minas Ithil.
- The Kin-strife campaign module contains detailed information about Minas Ithil (later renamed to Minas Morgul) during the time of the Kin-strife and three adventures that take place in Minas Ithil.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 42, July 2001, p. 17
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Map of Rohan, Gondor, and Mordor"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Minas Tirith"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Journey to the Cross-Roads"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Unfinished index for The Lord of the Rings", in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, pp. 625-6
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entry for mal-
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Drúedain", "Further notes on the Drúedain"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Second Age", entry for the year 3429
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Tower of Cirith Ungol"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for King Ostoher and King Tarostar
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", (i) The Northmen and the Wainriders
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for King Narmacil II
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan", (iii) Cirion and Eorl and note 35
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for King Calimehtar
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", entry for King Ondoher and King Eärnil
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", "The Stewards"
- ↑ Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 510
- ↑ Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 546
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Black Gate Opens"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Many Partings"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Chief Days from the Fall of Barad-dûr to the End of the Third Age"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil", Commentary, The Stewards of Gondor, entry for Steward Faramir
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "Durin's Folk"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "Later Events Concerning the Members of the Fellowship of the Ring"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Unfinished index for The Lord of the Rings", in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 233
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entry sil
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings: Eldarin Roots and Stems", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 42
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 776
