Minas Tirith (Beleriand)

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The name Minas Tirith refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Minas Tirith (disambiguation).
Stefan Meisl - Minas Tirith

Minas Tirith was the tower on the island of Tol Sirion that guarded the Pass of Sirion.

Minas Tirith was built around F.A. 60[1] by Finrod Felagund to prevent the forces of Morgoth from invading Beleriand from the plains of Ard-galen. After Finrod built Nargothrond he handed over control of the watchtower to his kinsman, Orodreth.[2]

In F.A. 457 Sauron captured Minas Tirith in the aftermath of the Dagor Bragollach and Orodreth fled south. The island was then called Tol-in-Gaurhoth, the "Isle of Werewolves".[3]

Although the Noldor regained control of the Pass of Sirion until the Nirnaeth Arnoediad ("Battle of Unnumbered Tears"), they did not attempt to rebuild the tower.

Etymology

Minas Tirith means "Tower of the Guard" in Sindarin (from minas = "tower, citadel" and tirith = "watch, guard").

References