South Gondor

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Map of Harondor and neighbouring regions

South Gondor, known in Sindarin as Harondor, was a disputed region south of Ithilien, between the rivers Poros and Harnen.[1] The Harad Road ran across South Gondor. Its climate was described as fluctuating between mild winters and very hot and dry summers.[2] Ongoing wars led to the region's downfall and by the end of the Third Age, Harondor was said to be a deserted land.

History

Historically, this region was a part of Gondor. It was absorbed by Gondor during the height of its power, perhaps the expansions of Tarannon Falastur.[3]

Harondor was part of Gondor until the Kin-strife and frequent assaults and invasions by the Corsairs of Umbar and the Haradrim meant that, by the later years of the Third Age, Gondor lost control over this region[4]

Fengel's two older brothers, Folcred and Fastred, were killed in Harondor while fighting for Gondor in T.A. 2885, meaning that even by the late Third Age, it had not given up its claims to the region. However, by the time of the War of the Ring all the land south of the river Poros was under the influence of the Haradrim.[5]

During the War of the Ring, Harondor was often described as a "debatable and desert land" on maps.

Etymology

The Sindarin word Harondor seems to contain har- (as in Harad, meaning "south"[6]) and Gondor, with initial G- lenited to zero in compounds.

Portrayal in adaptations

1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:

Several settlements and sites in Harondor are mentioned, including Gobel Mírlond, which is said to be its capital, as well as Has Yayb, Tir Ethraid, Barad Harn and Amon Eithel.[source?]

1995-8: Middle-earth Collectible Card Game:

A site in Harondor, Haudh-in-Gwanûr, is mentioned, where players face an attack by Undead. The city of Gobel Mírlond also makes an appearance.

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age" [map]
  2. Karen Wynn Fonstad (1991), The Atlas of Middle-earth, pp. 183, 185
  3. Karen Wynn Fonstad (1991), The Atlas of Middle-earth, "The Third Age - Kingdoms of the Dunedain", p. 55
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix E, "Pronunciation of Words and Names", "Consonants"