Undeeps

From Tolkien Gateway
Undeeps
Ford
David Martin - Undeeps.jpg
"Undeeps" by David Martin
General Information
LocationBetween The Wold and the Brown Lands
TypeFord
DescriptionTwo large shallow bends in the Anduin
History
EventsCounterattack upon the Wainriders
The Battle of the Field of Celebrant

The Undeeps were the two westward bends of the river Anduin located between The Wold and the Brown Lands, called the North Undeep and the South Undeep. The upper part of the North Undeep also bordered the Field of Celebrant and was where the Limlight joined the Great River.[1] Both of the Undeeps had many shallows and wide shoals that afforded an easy crossing for an army.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

In T.A. 1899[3] messengers from Marhwini of the Northmen warned King Calimehtar of Gondor that the Wainriders were plotting to invade Calenardhon by crossing the Undeeps. The messengers also revealed that Northmen previously enslaved by the Wainriders were preparing to revolt if war broke out. Calimehtar soon led an army north from Ithilien, which drew the Wainriders towards him. The king feigned to withdraw to the Dagorlad where he engaged the enemy. As the battle raged cavalry from Gondor crossed the Undeeps, joined with Marhwini, and struck the Wainriders in the flank and rear. One third of the Wainriders died and the rest were harried northward by Marhwini's riders.[4]

During the reign of King Ondoher the Wainriders were still a deadly threat, but forts along the Anduin north of Sarn Gebir were sufficiently manned to prevent any incursion across the Undeeps.[4]

As time wore on the river forts were neglected during the Watchful Peace. When Cirion became the Ruling Steward of Gondor he was aware of the danger in the north and established a few men in the old forts to watch the Undeeps. Spies were sent into the east and soon Cirion learned that the Balchoth were mustering south of Mirkwood. In 2510 Cirion sent riders to seek aid from the Éothéod, the descendants of Marhwini's Northmen, and then led what strength he could north into Calenardhon. The Balchoth drove the army of Gondor north over the Limlight; Cirion's force were then assailed by Orcs who had descended from the Misty Mountains.

Suddenly Eorl the Young, having received the summons, arrived and saved the men of Gondor. They had crossed the Undeeps and the Limlight, and then charged the enemy's rear.[5]

After victory at the Battle of the Field of Celebrant, Cirion granted the land of Calenardhon to Eorl and the Éothéod. The Undeeps then became part of the border of the new realm of Rohan.[6]

In February 3019 the Fellowship of the Ring rode boats down the Anduin and traversed the Undeeps on their journey to the south. On 11 March eastern Rohan was invaded from the north, with the invaders crossing at the Undeeps. Their stay was short-lived; the Ents defeated them the next day.[7]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:

The Undeeps (the Northern and the Southern) of Anduin have an average water depth of 4 feet. Gondor erected two fortresses to protect from invading forces.[8][9]

References