Helm's Deep

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"I shan't call it the end, till we've cleared up the mess." — Sam
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The name Helm's Deep refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Helm's Deep (disambiguation).
Helm's Deep
Valley
J.R.R. Tolkien - Helm's Deep and the Hornburg.jpg
"Helm's Deep and the Hornburg" by J.R.R. Tolkien
General Information
LocationNorthern side of White Mountains
TypeValley
RegionsWestfold of Rohan
People and History
InhabitantsGondorians, later Rohirrim
EventsBattle of Helm's Deep

Helm’s Deep was a gorge in the north-west White Mountains on the far side of the Westfold Vale, below the Thrihyrne. It also referred to the whole defensive system, including the Deeping Wall and the fortress known as the Hornburg.[1]

Geography and description[edit | edit source]

The entire width of the valley was guarded by a trench and rampart called Helm's Dike; behind the Dike lay the Hornburg. A large rampart known as the Deeping Wall blocked the valley: it was a solid stone wall save for a wide culvert at the base that allowed the Deeping-stream to pass through. The Glittering Caves was located behind Helm’s Deep, under the Thrihyrne.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

In the Second Age, the Glittering Caves behind Helm’s Deep were explored by Númenóreans, although it is unclear exactly when and by whom.[2]

Originally, the fortress was built by Gondorians in the days of the glory of the Kings of Gondor. Later, after swathes of Gondorian regions, such as Calenardhon, were depopulated, what was previously known as Aglarond was granted to the Éothéod; it became an encampment of the Rohirrim of the Westfold, and was used in later years to guard the Gap of Rohan.[3]

During the war against the Dunlendings and Wulf's usurpation of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand took refuge in the keep, where they held out under siege during the Long Winter of T.A. 27582759. After Helm’s death, the fortification was renamed Helm’s Deep.[4]

At the time of the War of the Ring, Helm’s Deep became the refuge of some of the Rohirrim under King Théoden. The keep fell under siege and was breached by Saruman's Uruk-hai, and subsequently the Battle of the Hornburg was fought. After the battle, the Huorns laid the slain Uruk-hai in a mound known after as the Death Down. The Dunlendings allied with Saruman were buried more honourably in a separate mound below the Dike.[5][1]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by Peter Jackson

The keep was filmed at Dry Creek, an active quarry in the Wellington region of New Zealand’s North Island.[6]

References