The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The oldest barrows on the Downlands were said to date back as far as the First Age
Location
Eastward of the Shire, between the Old Forest and Bree
Origins
Used as burial grounds since the earliest days of Men; evil spirits were sent to dwell there by the Witch-king in the middle years of the Third Age
Race
Built by Men, later inhabited by Barrow-wights
Source
The river Withywindle had its source in the western Downlands
Other names

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About this entry:

  • Updated 18 February 2025
  • Updates planned: 1

Downlands

The hills of the Barrow-downs

Map of the Downlands

In general, the word 'downlands' refers to any region of low, rolling hills, but as a proper name the Downlands was used as a less common term for the Barrow-downs. This hilly region lay eastward of the Old Forest and southward of the Great Road that ran across Eriador. These Downlands had been used as a burial place since Men arrived in this part of Middle-earth during the late First Age, and the ancient barrows or burial mounds that dotted the hills give them the more common name of the Barrow-downs.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 18 February 2025
  • Updates planned: 1

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