On the interactive atlas
Coordinates shown here are approximate, marking this place on the shared atlas map for orientation rather than cartography. It sits on the Third Age layer.
View on the interactive atlas →Geography
A tower of unmeasured height on a spur of the Ered Lithui above the plain of Gorgoroth.
History
Raised in the Second Age and held while the Ring endured; it fell when the Ring was destroyed.
Significance
The physical centre of Sauron’s rule and the symbol of the surveillance the Ring enables.
Events here
Figures of this place
Sources
The Lord of the Rings · 1954–55
Three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.
The Silmarillion · 1977
Posthumously edited. Contains the Ainulindalë, Valaquenta, Quenta Silmarillion, Akallabêth and Of the Rings of Power.
Related places
LocationMordor
Sauron’s realm behind the Mountains of Shadow, ringed by the Ephel Dúath and Ered Lithui.
Mount Doom
The volcanic mountain in Mordor where the One Ring was forged and, at the end, destroyed.
Minas Ithil
The Gondorian sister-city of Minas Tirith, captured by Sauron and made the Witch-king’s seat.