The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Apparently made at some point during the Second Age;1 fell out of use after 8 March2 III 3019
Location
Beneath the White Mountains, from the Dwimorberg in the north to the Morthond Vale in the south
Origins
Occupied by the Dead after they were cursed by Isildur at the end of the Second Age
Race
Culture

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About this entry:

  • Updated 14 June 2003
  • Updates planned: 3

Paths of the Dead

The haunted caverns beneath Ered Nimrais

A subterranean realm beneath the White Mountains above the valley of the River Morthond. The dwelling place through the Third Age of the Dead, Men cursed by Isildur for breaking their oath of fealty to him, and made to remain in Middle-earth until his rightful heir was to call for their aid.


Notes

1

The Paths of the Dead did not originate as a dwelling-place for the Dead Men. Rather, they were made by the Men of the Mountains, while they were still alive, as part of an underground temple, at least according to a note to the essay The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor (in The Nature of Middle-earth). The Paths seem to have been made late in the Second Age, because their Dark Door was said to have been 'made by those who are Dead' (The Return of the King V 3, The Muster of Rohan). In combination, these references would seem to imply that the Paths of the Dead must have made by the last living generation of the Men of the Mountains, who were later transformed into the Dead Men through the operation of Isildur's powerful curse.

2

8 March III 3019 is the date that Aragorn led the Dead out of their Paths towards the final fulfilment of their oath, after which the Paths of the Dead would be deserted. The Dead themselves continued to exist for several days, until they were released by Aragorn at Pelargir on 13 March.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 14 June 2003
  • Updates planned: 3

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