Blackroot Vale

The Blackroot Vale, known as Mornan in Sindarin,^[1] was a valley of rich grassland through which the River Blackroot flowed.^[2] The river rose beneath the sheer mountainsides of the White Mountains' southern extent,^[3] and in the shadowed rocks above its spring was the hidden gateway leading out from the Paths of the Dead.^[2]

The people of the vale were known in Gondor for their archery skills, and their lord Duinhir took a small company of his bowmen to the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.^[4] With them went Duinhir's sons, Derufin and Duilin, both of whom were lost in the defense of Minas Tirith.^[5]

On 8 March T.A. 3019, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and the Grey Company exited the Paths of the Dead at the source of the Morthond.^[6] They rode to the Stone of Erech where Aragorn, as the heir of Isildur, called upon the Oathbreakers to follow him and fulfill their pledge.^[2]

[edit] Etymology

Carl F. Hostetter has suggested that the name Mornan consists of mor- ("dark") + nan (valley).^[7]

[edit] References

1. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 42, July 2001, p. 14
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Passing of the Grey Company"
3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Map of Rohan, Gondor, and Mordor"
4. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Minas Tirith"
5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Third Age"
7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 42, July 2001, p. 29 (note 31)