The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The Ringwraiths captured Minas Morgul at the mouth of the valley in III 2002, and remained there until they were destroyed on 25 March III 3019
Location
Running eastward from Minas Morgul through the Mountains of Shadow
Origins
A mountain valley influenced by the baneful power of Morgul
Race
Order
Settlements
Minas Morgul stood at the valley's mouth
Source
The stream of Morgulduin had its source in the valley
Outflow
Morgulduin flowed down to meet Anduin below Osgiliath
Passes
In addition to the Valley itself, Cirith Ungol crossed the Mountains high above
Meaning
Named for the Ringwraiths of Minas Morgul
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 29 September 2024
  • This entry is complete

Valley of the Wraiths

The vale behind Minas Morgul

Map of the Valley of the Wraiths

A deep valley in Ephel Dúath, the mountains that guarded Mordor's western flank, that provided the main route through those mountains. It was known in Elvish as Imlad Morgul, taking its name from the tower of Minas Morgul that stood at its western mouth. Originally Minas Ithil, the city of Isildur in Ithilien, this tower had been captured by the Ringwraiths in III 2002, and was held by them until the end of the Third Age.

After the capture of Minas Morgul by the Ringwraiths, the vale became known as the Valley of the Wraiths, a dark and dangerous pass used only by the servants of Sauron. Out of it flowed a polluted stream, Morgulduin, that ran down past Minas Morgul to empty into Anduin below the ruins of Osgiliath. High above the Valley on its northern side, a steep and perilous second pass led high over the mountains, a pass known as Cirith Ungol.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 29 September 2024
  • This entry is complete

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

Original content © copyright Mark Fisher 2020-2021, 2024. All rights reserved. For conditions of reuse, see the Site FAQ.

Website services kindly sponsored by Discus from Axiom Software Ltd.
Discus includes a huge range of team assessment features, including leadership and team roles.
The Encyclopedia of Arda
The Encyclopedia of Arda
Menu
Homepage Search Latest Entries and Updates Random Entry