The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The Tower of Orthanc was built within the Ring in II 3320 or shortly thereafter; held by the Dunlendings from III 2710 to III 2759; held by Saruman from III 2759 to III 3019
Location
The valley of Nan Curunír, in the southern feet of the Misty Mountains
Origins
Established as a fortress of Gondor by Elendil and his sons
Race
Primarily Men, though latterly occupied by the Wizard Saruman
Division
Settlements
Surrounded Isengard, with Orthanc at its centre
Pronunciation
Isengard is pronounced eye'sengard (where 'eye' represents the sound of the English word 'eye')
Meaning
Isengard means 'iron enclosure'
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 15 January 2018
  • Updates planned: 1

Ring of Isengard

The defences of Orthanc

Map of the Ring of Isengard

The rocky walls that surrounded and protected the Tower of Orthanc. They grew out of the wall of a valley at the southern end of the Misty Mountains, and were worked by the early Gondorians so that they formed a complete defensive circle around the tower.


Notes

1

Isengard was a Mannish name adopted by the Rohirrim after they settled in neighbouring Rohan. In earlier times, the enclosure was known by the Elvish name Angrenost, of equivalent meaning. In those times, then, the Ring of Isengard would presumably have been known as the Ring of Angrenost. That particular usage is not specifically recorded, but we do have a mention of the 'circle of Angrenost' in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age in The Silmarillion.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 15 January 2018
  • Updates planned: 1

For acknowledgements and references, see the Disclaimer & Bibliography page.

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2001, 2018. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Axiom Discovery aptitude and skill testing.
Axiom Discovery gives you comprehensive online aptitude testing covering core skills across a wide range of disciplines.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry