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A city in a valley on the west of the Ephel Dúath, beneath the pass of Cirith Ungol.
History
Built by Isildur; taken by the Nazgûl in T.A. 2002 and renamed Minas Morgul. Its palantír was taken, and the tower became the seat of the Morgul-lord.
Significance
Frodo and Sam pass beneath it and climb to the pass of Cirith Ungol; the Witch-king rides from it to war.
Events here
Figures of this place
CharacterThe Witch-king of Angmar
The chief of the Nazgûl, a Ringwraith and Sauron’s most feared captain, slain by Éowyn and Merry.
CharacterFrodo Baggins
The hobbit of the Shire who carried the One Ring across Middle-earth to Mount Doom and destroyed it.
CharacterSamwise Gamgee
Frodo’s loyal gardener and companion, who carried him — and, briefly, the Ring — to the end of the quest.
CharacterGollum
A Stoor-hobbit ruined by the One Ring, who guides Frodo and Sam toward Mordor and finally destroys the Ring by accident.
Sources
The Lord of the Rings · 1954–55
Three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King.
Related places
LocationMordor
Sauron’s realm behind the Mountains of Shadow, ringed by the Ephel Dúath and Ered Lithui.
LocationMinas Tirith
The seven-tiered white city of Gondor, built into Mount Mindolluin, and the great fortress of the West.
LocationOsgiliath
The ruined former capital of Gondor on the Anduin, contested throughout the War of the Ring.