Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Talk:Tharbad

2023-11-26T22:03:51Z

Calardan: /* Rewrite */ Reply

==Rewrite==
This very peculiar article is a tidied up version of a very old Wikipedia article (hence the peculiar number of quotes). It needs rewriting from scratch. --{{User:Mith/sig}} 10:25, 31 December 2021 (UTC)

:Hi Mith
:I’ve referred to the article on Tharbad quite a few times in the past but it I always thought it wasn’t very well-written. I had a go at rewriting it recently, making improvements to the readability and correcting grammatical errors and typos. It wasn’t perfect but I meant to go back to it and add more robust citations later. In the meantime, a user named Akhorahil reverted it to the previous version. He then used the reverted version to write his own edit. Although the content of the article has improved (with the exception of a somewhat overly detailed account of the Battle of the Gwathló) he has reinstated the bad writing. He’s also added some more of his own.
:I’m new to editing on TG and I was wondering if this kind of practice is commonplace. If not, I thought you might want to be made aware of it.
:Thanks,
:Cal [[User:Calardan|Calardan]] ([[User talk:Calardan|talk]]) 22:03, 26 November 2023 (UTC)

The Battles of the Fords of Isen

2023-11-25T14:24:01Z

Calardan: Headings inserted

{{Incomplete}}
{{ut-chapters}}
'''"The Battles of the Fords of Isen"''' is a chapter in [[Unfinished Tales|''Unfinished Tales'']], a posthumously published work of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] edited by [[Christopher Tolkien]]. The chapter details a critical period in [[Rohan]] during the [[War of the Ring]] prior to the arrival of [[Gandalf]], [[Aragorn]], [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]] in [[Edoras]].

== Synposis ==
''The Battles of the Fords of Isen'' is an account of the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen|first]] and [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|second]] attacks on the critical crossing of the River [[Isen]] during which [[Théoden|King Théoden's]] son, [[Théodred]] was slain, paving the way to the [[Battle of the Hornburg|assault]] on the [[Hornburg]], the stronghold of Rohan.

=== Appendix ===
The Appendix of the chapter details the military ranks of the [[Rohirrim]]. Also included is a discussion of the importance of the [[Fords of Isen]].
[[Category:Manuscripts by J.R.R. Tolkien|Battles of the Fords of Isen]]
[[Category:Unfinished Tales chapters|Battles of the Fords of Isen]]
[[fi:Taistelut Rautkymin Kahlaamolla (KTK)]]

Tharbad

2023-11-25T01:51:56Z

Calardan: minor amendments

{{cleanup}}
{{location infobox
| name=Tharbad
| image=[[File:Rob Alexander - The Ruins of Tharbad.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Ruins of Tharbad" by [[:Category:Images by Rob Alexander|Rob Alexander]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Eriador]], on the [[Gwathló]] river
| type=Ford/town
| description=
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Men]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Tharbad''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] 'road-crossing') was an ancient river-port and town<ref name=South>{{FR|South}}, p. 274</ref><ref name=UI>{{HM|UI}}, entry ''Tharbad'', p. 15</ref> on the River [[Gwathló]] on the southern border of [[Eriador]].<ref name=":0" /> It was also the name given to the ford that crossed the river at this point.<ref name="pat">{{PE|17}}, entry S ''pat-'', p. 34</ref> At the time of the [[War of the Ring]] it was ruined and deserted. <ref name="UT">{{HM|UT}}</ref>

==Geography==
Tharbad was located on the southern border of [[Eriador]], between the lands of [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]].<ref name="UT" /> The town was built a few miles downstream from the confluence of the River [[Hoarwell]] and the River [[Glanduin|Glanduin,]] which formed the River Gwathló.<ref name=":0">{{FR|Map}}</ref>

The lower part of the Glanduin was a wide fenland called the [[Swanfleet]]. The upper [[Gwathló]] near Tharbad was a slow wide river that spread out into fenland. The land around Tharbad was later drained to allow the construction of causeways, a bridge, a harbour and the town itself.

The North-South Road crossed the River Gwathló at Tharbad.

==History==
===Second Age===
With the construction of the haven of [[Vinyalondë]] at the mouth of the Gwathló, between [[Second Age|S.A.]] [[Second Age 750|750]] and [[Second Age 800|800]],<ref name=":1" /> the [[Guild of Venturers]] began harvesting the local timber for the ship-building industry of [[Númenor]].<ref name=":2" /> After he took the sceptre in {{SA|883}}<ref name=":1">{{UT|4a}}</ref> the King of Númenor, [[Tar-Aldarion]] travelled up the Gwathló to a place named Tharbad and met [[Galadriel]] there.<ref>{{UT|Wife}}, ''The Further Course of the Narrative'', fourth paragraph</ref> Whether there was a settlement here during this time is unclear, but it was known by the Guild that ships with a smaller draught could be sailed or rowed up the Gwathló as far as Tharbad.<ref name=":3">{{UT|6d}}</ref>

By {{SA|1695}}, the Númenóreans had devastated the forests below Tharbad. They had been obliged to build forts both at the Haven and along the river, to protect their ship-building yards and wood-stores from the native population, who were understandably hostile.<ref name="GC">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

In that year, the forces of [[Sauron]] invaded Eriador in what became known as the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]. Though he over-ran much of Eriador, Sauron was eventually [[Battle of the Gwathló|forced back to the fortified River Gwathló]]. Though strengthened by his forces at Tharbad he was assailed by a host of Númenóreans under [[Ciryatur]], who had sailed upriver from Vinyalondë. Sauron's forces were routed utterly and he and his bodyguard fled only narrowly escaped eastwards.

Tharbad is not mentioned in surviving records for more than sixteen hundred years after the war. Following the destruction of most of the forests of Eriador, the whole region was largely ignored by the Elves and the Númenóreans.

After the founding of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in {{SA|3320}}, however, the site of the ford became of great importance to both kingdoms and saw extensive development. The [[Faithful]] undertook works of drainage and dyke-building that would turn Tharbad into a great port.<ref name="UT" /> The ford was deepened to receive sea-going vessels, and the wide fenlands above it were drained, until the Swanfleet was much diminished. Tharbad's new river-port was spanned by a [[Bridge of Tharbad|bridge]], the immense labour of which was shared by the North and South Kingdoms.<ref name=":3" /> Tharbad became a fortified town and haven about the great bridge over the [[Gwathló|Greyflood]].<ref name=":2">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref>

The fortifications around the town were raised there on great earthworks on both sides of the river. The great [[North-South Road]], which was built at the same time to connect the two kingdoms, passed across the bridge via long causeways that carried the road to it on either side across the fens.<ref name="UT" />

It is probable that Tharbad became part of the kingdom of Arnor, as the land of Enedwaith to the south belonged to neither of the two [[Realms in Exile]].<ref name="Glanduin">{{UT|6d}}, discussion of the name ''Glanduin'', first paragraph</ref> The Gwathló was the southern border of Arnor and the [[Isen]] was the western border of Gondor.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|11c}}, note to the text, first paragraph</ref>

===Third Age===
Enedwaith remained of interest to both Arnor and Gondor well into the Third Age,<ref name="NM">{{NM|P3xxii}}, p. 378</ref><ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 650</ref><ref name="VT">{{VT|42a}}</ref> in as much as they were mainly concerned with the building and maintenance of the North-South Road.<ref name=Glanduin/> This was the main route of transport between the two kingdoms, so Tharbad, its bridge and haven were of great importance at this time.<ref name=Glanduin/> Other than at Tharbad, where a large garrison of soldiers, mariners and engineers<ref name="Glanduin" /> was stationed, there were no permanent settlements of people of Númenórean origin in Enedwaith.<ref name=Glanduin/><ref name=NM/><ref name=RC/><ref name=VT/> In addition, the drainage works were maintained and the banks of the Rivers [[Mitheithel]] and Gwathló were strengthened.<ref name=NM/><ref name=RC/><ref name=VT/>

When the Kingdom of Arnor was divided into three realms in {{TA|861}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 861, p. 1085</ref> Minhiriath, the region between the River [[Baranduin]] and the Gwathló, became a part of [[Cardolan]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', first paragraph, p. 1039</ref> As a consequence, Tharbad too probably became a part of Cardolan.<ref name=":0" />

After the [[Great Plague]] spread north-west from Gondor in {{TA|1636}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1636, p. 1086</ref> most of the people of Cardolan persihed, especially in Minhiriath.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for king Argeleb II, p. 1041</ref> Afterwards, the region was almost completely deserted,<ref name="SecondParagraph">{{UT|6d}}, discussion of the name Gwathló, second paragraph</ref>, but some survivors of the plague continued to live in Tharbad.

After the decline of Arnor, Enedwaith became a part of Gondor. As a consequence, it is possible that the town of Tharbad came under the rule of Gondor. However, the region fell quickly into decay and reverted to wild fenlands.<ref name=Glanduin/>

The North-South Road continued to be an important trade route for another three hundred and fifty years until the Fall of [[Arthedain]] in {{TA|1974|n}}. From the end of the days of the Kings of Gondor in {{TA|2050|n}}, the people of Enedwaith, including the [[Dunlendings]], and the remaining inhabitants of Tharbad ceased to be subjects of Gondor. Around Tharbad, the North-South Road fell into disrepair. The Bridge of Tharbad became ruinous and was replaced by a dangerous ford.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>

After the [[Fell Winter]] of [[Third Age|T.A.]] [[Third Age 2911|2911]] – [[Third Age 2912|2912]]<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2911, p. 1089</ref> Enedwaith and Minhiriath were devastated by great floods. Tharbad was ruined and became deserted.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2912, p. 1089</ref>

By {{TA|3018}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 4 July and 24 October</ref> the North-South Road near Tharbad had been reduced to the crumbling remains of causeways on both sides of the river. In September of that year, the [[Ringwraiths]] crossed the Greyflood on their way to the [[Shire]].<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 22 September, the reach the Sarn Ford on that day, p. 1091</ref>

On 27 September {{TA|3018}} [[Gandalf]] crossed the Greyflood at Tharbad<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 27 September, p. 1091</ref> with his horse [[Shadowfax]].<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 552 citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', Marquette manuscript 4/2/33</ref>

It was also at Tharbad where [[Boromir]] lost his horse as he crossed the river at the ford.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Farewell to Lórien]]",p. 487</ref>

After the War of the Ring at the end of the [[Third Age]], the North-kingdom of Arnor was re-established by [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, p. 1042</ref> It is probable that the town of Tharbad and its bridge were rebuilt. On his return to [[Bree]] after the coronation of the new king, Gandalf announced that the [[Greenway]] would be opened again, that there would be people and fields where once there was wilderness and that there would be realms between the Isen and the Greyflood.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}, p. 993</ref>

==Etymology==
''Tharbad'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "road-crossing".<ref name=UI/> It is composed of the elements ''thar'' ("across", "over") and ''pad'' ("walk", "step").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entries S ''thar-'' and S ''pad-'', p. 34</ref> Its original meaning is said to have been "the Stepping Stones". Tharbad was originally a ford over which one could walk.<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S ''thar-'', p. 34</ref> The name Tharbad was already used for the ford before the town was established.<ref name=pat/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Tharbad.jpg|thumb|right|Tharbad in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'']]
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:First built by the Númenóreans as a ford and settlement, Tharbad has been rebuilt over the many centuries of its existence. Its position upon the River [[Gwathló]] marks the boundary between the [[Cardolan]] and [[Swanfleet]] regions, thus making it a landmark in both regions. It is also the dividing point between the [[Greenway]] and the [[Old South Road]]. The ruins are currently occupied by [[Orcs]]. An expedition of hopeful settlers from [[Bree-land]] camp nearby on the Cardolan side.

{{references}}

[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Fords]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Swamps]]

[[de:Tharbad]]
[[fi:Tharbad]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/eriador/tharbad]]

Tharbad

2023-11-25T01:33:49Z

Calardan: /* Geography */

{{cleanup}}
{{location infobox
| name=Tharbad
| image=[[File:Rob Alexander - The Ruins of Tharbad.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Ruins of Tharbad" by [[:Category:Images by Rob Alexander|Rob Alexander]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Eriador]], on the [[Gwathló]] river
| type=Ford/town
| description=
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Men]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Tharbad''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] 'road-crossing') was an ancient river-port and town<ref name=South>{{FR|South}}, p. 274</ref><ref name=UI>{{HM|UI}}, entry ''Tharbad'', p. 15</ref> on the River [[Gwathló]] on the southern border of [[Eriador]].<ref name=":0" /> It was also the name given to the ford that crossed the river at this point.<ref name="pat">{{PE|17}}, entry S ''pat-'', p. 34</ref> At the time of the [[War of the Ring]] it was ruined and deserted. <ref name="UT">{{HM|UT}}</ref>

==Geography==
Tharbad was located on the southern border of [[Eriador]], between the lands of [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]].<ref name="UT" /> The town was built a few miles downstream from the confluence of the River [[Hoarwell]] and the River [[Glanduin|Glanduin,]] which formed the River Gwathló.<ref name=":0">{{FR|Map}}</ref>

The lower part of the Glanduin was a wide fenland called the [[Swanfleet]]. The upper [[Gwathló]] near Tharbad was a slow wide river that spread out into fenland. The land around Tharbad was later drained to allow the construction of causeways, a bridge, a harbour and the town itself.

The North-South Road crossed the River Gwathló at Tharbad.

==History==
===Second Age===
With the construction of the haven of [[Vinyalondë]] at the mouth Gwathló, between [[Second Age|S.A.]] [[Second Age 750|750]] and [[Second Age 800|800]],<ref name=":1" /> the [[Guild of Venturers]] began harvesting the local timber for the ship-building industry of [[Númenor]].<ref name=":2" /> After he took the sceptre
in {{SA|883}}<ref name=":1">{{UT|4a}}</ref> the King of Númenor, [[Tar-Aldarion]] travelled up the River Gwathló to Tharbad and met [[Galadriel]] there.<ref>{{UT|Wife}}, ''The Further Course of the Narrative'', fourth paragraph</ref> Whether there was a settlement here during this time is unclear, but it was known by the Guild that ships with a smaller draught could be sailed or rowed up the Gwathló as far as Tharbad.<ref name=":3">{{UT|6d}}</ref>

By {{SA|1695}}, the Númenóreans had devastated the forests below Tharbad. They and had been obliged to build forts both at the Haven and along the river, to protect their ship-building yards and wood-stores from the local population, who were understandably hostile.<ref name="GC">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

In that year, the forces of [[Sauron]] invaded Eriador in what became known as the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]. Though he over-ran much of Eriador, Sauron was eventually [[Battle of the Gwathló|forced back to the fortified River Gwathló]]. Though strengthened by his forces at Tharbad he was assailed by a host of Númenóreans under [[Ciryatur]], who had sailed upriver from Vinyalondë. Sauron was routed utterly and he and his bodyguard fled only narrowly escaped eastwards.

Tharbad is not mentioned in surviving records for more than sixteen hundred years after the war. Following the destruction of most of the forests of Eregion, the whole region was largely ignored by the Elves and the Númenóreans and the "and the continued hostility of the surviving natives."{{fact}}

The site of the ford became very important after the founding of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in {{SA|3320}}, however, and saw extensive development. The [[Faithful]] undertook works of drainage and dyke-building that would turn Tharbad into a great port.<ref name="UT" /> The ford was deepened to receive sea-going vessels, and the wide fenlands above it were extensively drained, until the Swanfleet was much diminished. Tharbad's new river-port was spanned by a [[Bridge of Tharbad|bridge]], the immense labour of which was shared by the North and South Kingdoms,<ref name=":3" /> and included "a fortified town and haven about the great bridge over the [[Gwathló|Greyflood]]."<ref name=":2">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref>

The fortifications around the town were raised there on great earthworks on both sides of the river, and the great [[North-South Road]], which was built at the same time to connect the two kingdoms, passed across the bridge via long causeways that carried the road to it on either side across the fens.<ref name="UT" />

It is probable that Tharbad became part of the kingdom of Arnor, as the land of Enedwaith to the south belonged to neither of the two [[Realms in Exile]].<ref name="Glanduin">{{UT|6d}}, discussion of the name ''Glanduin'', first paragraph</ref> The Gwathló was the southern border of Arnor and the [[Isen]] was the western border of Gondor.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|11c}}, note to the text, first paragraph</ref>

===Third Age===
Enedwaith remained of interest to both Arnor and Gondor well into the Third Age,<ref name="NM">{{NM|P3xxii}}, p. 378</ref><ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 650</ref><ref name="VT">{{VT|42a}}</ref> in as much as they were mainly concerned with the building and maintenance of the North-South Road.<ref name=Glanduin/> This was the main route of transport between the two kingdoms, so Tharbad, its bridge and haven were of great importance at this time.<ref name=Glanduin/> Other than at Tharbad, there were no permanent settlements of people of Númenórean origin in Enedwaith,<ref name=Glanduin/><ref name=NM/><ref name=RC/><ref name=VT/> where a large garrison of soldiers, mariners and engineers<ref name=Glanduin/> was stationed. In addition, the drainage works were maintained and the banks of the Rivers [[Mitheithel]] and Gwathló were strengthened.<ref name=NM/><ref name=RC/><ref name=VT/>

When the Kingdom of Arnor was divided in {{TA|861}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 861, p. 1085</ref> Minhiriath, the region between the River [[Baranduin]] and the Gwathló became a part of [[Cardolan]], one of the three successor states of Arnor.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', first paragraph, p. 1039</ref> As a consequence, Tharbad probably became a part of Cardolan.<ref name=":0" />

After the [[Great Plague]] spread north-west from Gondor in {{TA|1636}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1636, p. 1086</ref> most of the people of Cardolan died, especially in Minhiriath.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for king Argeleb II, p. 1041</ref> Afterwards, Minhiriath was almost completely deserted,<ref name="SecondParagraph">{{UT|6d}}, discussion of the name Gwathló, second paragraph</ref>, but some survivors of the plague continued to live in Tharbad.

After the decline of Arnor, Enedwaith became a part of Gondor. As a consequence, it is possible that the town of Tharbad came under the rule of Gondor. However, the region fell quickly into decay and reverted to wild fenlands.<ref name=Glanduin/>

The survivors of the Great Plague remained in Tharbad, and the North-South Road continued to be an important trade route for another three hundred and fifty years until the Fall of [[Arthedain]] in {{TA|1974|n}}. From the end of the days of the Kings of Gondor in {{TA|2050|n}}, the people of Enedwaith, including the [[Dunlendings]], and the remaining inhabitants of Tharbad ceased to be subjects of Gondor. In Enedwaith, the North-South Road fell into disrepair. The Bridge of Tharbad became ruinous and was replaced by a dangerous ford.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>

After the [[Fell Winter]] of [[Third Age|T.A.]] [[Third Age 2911|2911]] – [[Third Age 2912|2912]]<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2911, p. 1089</ref> Enedwaith and Minhiriath were devastated by great floods. Tharbad was ruined and became deserted.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2912, p. 1089</ref>

By {{TA|3018}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 4 July and 24 October</ref> the North-South Road near Tharbad had been reduced to the crumbling remains of causeways on both sides of the river. In September of that year, the [[Ringwraiths]] crossed the Greyflood on their way to the [[Shire]].<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 22 September, the reach the Sarn Ford on that day, p. 1091</ref>

On 27 September {{TA|3018}} [[Gandalf]] crossed the Greyflood at Tharbad<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 27 September, p. 1091</ref> with his horse [[Shadowfax]].<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 552 citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', Marquette manuscript 4/2/33</ref>

It was also at Tharbad where [[Boromir]] lost his horse when he crossed the river at the now dangerous ford.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Farewell to Lórien]]",p. 487</ref>

After the War of the Ring at the end of the [[Third Age]], the North-kingdom of Arnor was re-established by [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, p. 1042</ref> It is probable that the town of Tharbad and its bridge were rebuilt. On his return to [[Bree]] after the coronation of King [[Elessar]], Gandalf announced that the [[Greenway]] would be opened again, that there would be people and fields where once there was wilderness and that there would be realms between the Isen and the Greyflood.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}, p. 993</ref>

==Etymology==
''Tharbad'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "road-crossing".<ref name=UI/> It is composed of the elements ''thar'' ("across", "over") and ''pad'' ("walk", "step").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entries S ''thar-'' and S ''pad-'', p. 34</ref> Its original meaning is said to have been "the Stepping Stones". Tharbad was originally a ford over which one could walk.<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S ''thar-'', p. 34</ref> The name Tharbad was already used for the ford before the town was established.<ref name=pat/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Tharbad.jpg|thumb|right|Tharbad in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'']]
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:First built by the Númenóreans as a ford and settlement, Tharbad has been rebuilt over the many centuries of its existence. Its position upon the River [[Gwathló]] marks the boundary between the [[Cardolan]] and [[Swanfleet]] regions, thus making it a landmark in both regions. It is also the dividing point between the [[Greenway]] and the [[Old South Road]]. The ruins are currently occupied by [[Orcs]]. An expedition of hopeful settlers from [[Bree-land]] camp nearby on the Cardolan side.

{{references}}

[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Fords]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Swamps]]

[[de:Tharbad]]
[[fi:Tharbad]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/eriador/tharbad]]

Tharbad

2023-11-25T01:29:28Z

Calardan: Rewrite; sources checked

{{cleanup}}
{{location infobox
| name=Tharbad
| image=[[File:Rob Alexander - The Ruins of Tharbad.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Ruins of Tharbad" by [[:Category:Images by Rob Alexander|Rob Alexander]]
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=[[Eriador]], on the [[Gwathló]] river
| type=Ford/town
| description=
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Men]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Tharbad''' ([[Sindarin|S.]] 'road-crossing') was an ancient river-port and town<ref name=South>{{FR|South}}, p. 274</ref><ref name=UI>{{HM|UI}}, entry ''Tharbad'', p. 15</ref> on the River [[Gwathló]] on the southern border of [[Eriador]].<ref name=":0" /> It was also the name given to the ford that crossed the river at this point.<ref name="pat">{{PE|17}}, entry S ''pat-'', p. 34</ref> At the time of the [[War of the Ring]] it was ruined and deserted. <ref name="UT">{{HM|UT}}</ref>

==Geography==
Tharbad was located on the southern border of [[Eriador]], between the lands of [[Minhiriath]] and [[Enedwaith]].<ref name="UT" /> The town was built a few miles downstream from the confluence of the River [[Hoarwell]] and the River [[Glanduin|Glanduin,]] which formed the river Gwathló.<ref name=":0">{{FR|Map}}</ref>

The lower part of the Glanduin was a wide fenland called the [[Swanfleet]]. The upper [[Gwathló]] near Tharbad was a slow wide river that spread into a fenland. The land around Tharbad was later drained to allow the construction of causeways, a bridge, a harbour and the town itself.

The North-South Road crossed the river Gwathló at Tharbad.

==History==
===Second Age===
With the construction of the haven of [[Vinyalondë]] at the mouth Gwathló, between [[Second Age|S.A.]] [[Second Age 750|750]] and [[Second Age 800|800]],<ref name=":1" /> the [[Guild of Venturers]] began harvesting the local timber for the ship-building industry of [[Númenor]].<ref name=":2" /> After he took the sceptre
in {{SA|883}}<ref name=":1">{{UT|4a}}</ref> the King of Númenor, [[Tar-Aldarion]] travelled up the River Gwathló to Tharbad and met [[Galadriel]] there.<ref>{{UT|Wife}}, ''The Further Course of the Narrative'', fourth paragraph</ref> Whether there was a settlement here during this time is unclear, but it was known by the Guild that ships with a smaller draught could be sailed or rowed up the Gwathló as far as Tharbad.<ref name=":3">{{UT|6d}}</ref>

By {{SA|1695}}, the Númenóreans had devastated the forests below Tharbad. They and had been obliged to build forts both at the Haven and along the river, to protect their ship-building yards and wood-stores from the local population, who were understandably hostile.<ref name="GC">{{UT|Concerning}}</ref>

In that year, the forces of [[Sauron]] invaded Eriador in what became known as the [[War of the Elves and Sauron]]. Though he over-ran much of Eriador, Sauron was eventually [[Battle of the Gwathló|forced back to the fortified River Gwathló]]. Though strengthened by his forces at Tharbad he was assailed by a host of Númenóreans under [[Ciryatur]], who had sailed upriver from Vinyalondë. Sauron was routed utterly and he and his bodyguard fled only narrowly escaped eastwards.

Tharbad is not mentioned in surviving records for more than sixteen hundred years after the war. Following the destruction of most of the forests of Eregion, the whole region was largely ignored by the Elves and the Númenóreans and the "and the continued hostility of the surviving natives."{{fact}}

The site of the ford became very important after the founding of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]] in {{SA|3320}}, however, and saw extensive development. The [[Faithful]] undertook works of drainage and dyke-building that would turn Tharbad into a great port.<ref name="UT" /> The ford was deepened to receive sea-going vessels, and the wide fenlands above it were extensively drained, until the Swanfleet was much diminished. Tharbad's new river-port was spanned by a [[Bridge of Tharbad|bridge]], the immense labour of which was shared by the North and South Kingdoms,<ref name=":3" /> and included "a fortified town and haven about the great bridge over the [[Gwathló|Greyflood]]."<ref name=":2">{{PM|Dwarves}}</ref>

The fortifications around the town were raised there on great earthworks on both sides of the river, and the great [[North-South Road]], which was built at the same time to connect the two kingdoms, passed across the bridge via long causeways that carried the road to it on either side across the fens.<ref name="UT" />

It is probable that Tharbad became part of the kingdom of Arnor, as the land of Enedwaith to the south belonged to neither of the two [[Realms in Exile]].<ref name="Glanduin">{{UT|6d}}, discussion of the name ''Glanduin'', first paragraph</ref> The Gwathló was the southern border of Arnor and the [[Isen]] was the western border of Gondor.<ref name="Isen">{{UT|11c}}, note to the text, first paragraph</ref>

===Third Age===
Enedwaith remained of interest to both Arnor and Gondor well into the Third Age,<ref name="NM">{{NM|P3xxii}}, p. 378</ref><ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 650</ref><ref name="VT">{{VT|42a}}</ref> in as much as they were mainly concerned with the building and maintenance of the North-South Road.<ref name=Glanduin/> This was the main route of transport between the two kingdoms, so Tharbad, its bridge and haven were of great importance at this time.<ref name=Glanduin/> Other than at Tharbad, there were no permanent settlements of people of Númenórean origin in Enedwaith,<ref name=Glanduin/><ref name=NM/><ref name=RC/><ref name=VT/> where a large garrison of soldiers, mariners and engineers<ref name=Glanduin/> was stationed. In addition, the drainage works were maintained and the banks of the Rivers [[Mitheithel]] and Gwathló were strengthened.<ref name=NM/><ref name=RC/><ref name=VT/>

When the Kingdom of Arnor was divided in {{TA|861}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 861, p. 1085</ref> Minhiriath, the region between the River [[Baranduin]] and the Gwathló became a part of [[Cardolan]], one of the three successor states of Arnor.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', first paragraph, p. 1039</ref> As a consequence, Tharbad probably became a part of Cardolan.<ref name=":0" />

After the [[Great Plague]] spread north-west from Gondor in {{TA|1636}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1636, p. 1086</ref> most of the people of Cardolan died, especially in Minhiriath.<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, ''The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain'', entry for king Argeleb II, p. 1041</ref> Afterwards, Minhiriath was almost completely deserted,<ref name="SecondParagraph">{{UT|6d}}, discussion of the name Gwathló, second paragraph</ref>, but some survivors of the plague continued to live in Tharbad.

After the decline of Arnor, Enedwaith became a part of Gondor. As a consequence, it is possible that the town of Tharbad came under the rule of Gondor. However, the region fell quickly into decay and reverted to wild fenlands.<ref name=Glanduin/>

The survivors of the Great Plague remained in Tharbad, and the North-South Road continued to be an important trade route for another three hundred and fifty years until the Fall of [[Arthedain]] in {{TA|1974|n}}. From the end of the days of the Kings of Gondor in {{TA|2050|n}}, the people of Enedwaith, including the [[Dunlendings]], and the remaining inhabitants of Tharbad ceased to be subjects of Gondor. In Enedwaith, the North-South Road fell into disrepair. The Bridge of Tharbad became ruinous and was replaced by a dangerous ford.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>

After the [[Fell Winter]] of [[Third Age|T.A.]] [[Third Age 2911|2911]] – [[Third Age 2912|2912]]<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2911, p. 1089</ref> Enedwaith and Minhiriath were devastated by great floods. Tharbad was ruined and became deserted.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 2912, p. 1089</ref>

By {{TA|3018}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 4 July and 24 October</ref> the North-South Road near Tharbad had been reduced to the crumbling remains of causeways on both sides of the river. In September of that year, the [[Ringwraiths]] crossed the Greyflood on their way to the [[Shire]].<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 22 September, the reach the Sarn Ford on that day, p. 1091</ref>

On 27 September {{TA|3018}} [[Gandalf]] crossed the Greyflood at Tharbad<ref>{{App|Great}}, entry for the year 3018, 27 September, p. 1091</ref> with his horse [[Shadowfax]].<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 552 citing from ''The Hunt for the Ring'', Marquette manuscript 4/2/33</ref>

It was also at Tharbad where [[Boromir]] lost his horse when he crossed the river at the now dangerous ford.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[Farewell to Lórien]]",p. 487</ref>

After the War of the Ring at the end of the [[Third Age]], the North-kingdom of Arnor was re-established by [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}, p. 1042</ref> It is probable that the town of Tharbad and its bridge were rebuilt. On his return to [[Bree]] after the coronation of King [[Elessar]], Gandalf announced that the [[Greenway]] would be opened again, that there would be people and fields where once there was wilderness and that there would be realms between the Isen and the Greyflood.<ref>{{RK|Homeward}}, p. 993</ref>

==Etymology==
''Tharbad'' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "road-crossing".<ref name=UI/> It is composed of the elements ''thar'' ("across", "over") and ''pad'' ("walk", "step").<ref>{{PE|17}}, entries S ''thar-'' and S ''pad-'', p. 34</ref> Its original meaning is said to have been "the Stepping Stones". Tharbad was originally a ford over which one could walk.<ref>{{PE|17}}, entry S ''thar-'', p. 34</ref> The name Tharbad was already used for the ford before the town was established.<ref name=pat/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
[[File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Tharbad.jpg|thumb|right|Tharbad in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'']]
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:First built by the Númenóreans as a ford and settlement, Tharbad has been rebuilt over the many centuries of its existence. Its position upon the River [[Gwathló]] marks the boundary between the [[Cardolan]] and [[Swanfleet]] regions, thus making it a landmark in both regions. It is also the dividing point between the [[Greenway]] and the [[Old South Road]]. The ruins are currently occupied by [[Orcs]]. An expedition of hopeful settlers from [[Bree-land]] camp nearby on the Cardolan side.

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[[Category:Cities, towns and villages]]
[[Category:Eriador]]
[[Category:Fords]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]
[[Category:Swamps]]

[[de:Tharbad]]
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[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/eriador/tharbad]]

Nurn

2023-11-24T14:48:06Z

Calardan: grammatical changes

{{location infobox
| name=Nurn
| image=[[File:Mark Fisher - Nurn.gif|250px]]
| caption="Nurn" by Mark Fisher
| pronun=
| othernames=
| location=Southern [[Mordor]]
| type=Region
| description=Fertile land, Lake [[Nurnen]] in the east
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=[[Orcs]], [[Men]]
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=
}}
'''Nurn''' was the name given to the southern region of [[Mordor]]. At the time of the [[War of the Ring]], Nurn was much more fertile than [[Plateau of Gorgoroth|Gorgoroth]] in the northwest. In order to feed the armies of [[Sauron]], slaves worked the great fields by the dark, sad waters of Lake [[Sea of Núrnen|Núrnen]],<ref>{{RK|VI2}}</ref> which lay in the east of the region.<ref>{{FR|Map}}</ref>

After the [[War of the Ring]], King [[Aragorn|Elessar]] liberated the slaves of [[Mordor]] and gave them the land around Lake Núrnen to be their own.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> Unlike Gorgoroth, Nurn most likely escaped the desolation caused by the eruption of [[Orodruin|Mount Doom]].<ref>{{RK|VI3}}</ref><ref>{{RK|VI4}}</ref>

==Etymology==
''Nurn'', appearing in the compound ''[[Sea of Núrnen#Etymology|Núrnen]]'' ("sad-water"), apparently means "sad" in [[Sindarin]].<ref>{{HM|RC}}, p. 457</ref><ref>{{UT|Index}}, ''Núrnen''</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''1982-97: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:''[[Gorgoroth (book)|Gorgoroth]]'' contains two maps of Mordor that include the north-western part of Nurn. It also contains descriptions of Barad-wath and Ostigurth, the fortresses that guard the border between Gorgoroth and Nurn.

'''2014: ''[[Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]'':'''
:Nurn is a location in the game that the player can visit. The land was originally the domain of the Tribesmen of Nurn. The descendants of Corsairs, they settled around the Sea of Nurn following Gondor’s retreat from Mordor, hundreds of years before the events of the story.

{{references}}
[[Category:Mordor]]
[[Category:Nurn| ]]
[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Sindarin locations]]

[[de:Nurn]]
[[fi:Nurn]]