Cirith Ungol
Cirith Ungol | |
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Pass | |
"Cirith Ungol" by Rob Alexander | |
General Information | |
Location | Ephel Dúath |
Type | Pass |
People and History | |
Inhabitants | Men, Orcs, Shelob |
Events | Quest of the Ring |
Gallery | Images of Cirith Ungol |
Cirith Ungol was located on the north shoulder of the Morgul Pass. These two passes through the western mountains of Mordor were the only way towards the land from the west.
The pass of Cirith Ungol was also referred to as the "high pass".[1][2][3]
It was probably named so after the giant spider Shelob, who dwelt there.[4]
Cirith Ungol was guarded by the Tower of Cirith Ungol, built by the Men of Gondor after the War of the Last Alliance as an eastern oupost of the defences of Ithilien to keep enemies in Mordor.[5]
During the War of the Ring, in March T.A. 3019, Gollum led Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee up the Stairs of Cirith Ungol into Shelob's lair.[6]
It is not known whether the pass and the tower were called Cirith Ungol when the Men of Gondor held it.
Etymology
Cirith Ungol.mp3 | |
By Ardamir. (Help; more articles) | |
Cirith Ungol (pron. [ˈkiriθ ˈuŋɡol]) is a Sindarin name meaning "Spider's Cleft", composed of cirith and ungol.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Black Gate is Closed"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Forbidden Pool"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Choices of Master Samwise"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Index", "Cirith Ungol [Pass of the Spider]"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Tower of Cirith Ungol"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol"