Weathertop

Also known as Amon Sul in Sindarin, Weathertop was the highest and the southernmost summit of the Weather Hills in the Eriador region of Middle Earth. It was located at a distance from others, and it had a flattened conical top. There was a watchtower at the top that faced the Great East Road, towards the east of Bree between Rivendell and the Shire. As described in ‘The Atlas of Middle Earth’, Weathertop was at the height of around a thousand feet above the grounds and offered a dominating view in all the directions. There was away from the north of the hill to other Weather hills. The Weathertop was in the range of 1500-2000 feet above the sea level.​

Weathertop held much significance in history from earlier times, and the Dunedain of Arnor had constructed a watchtower on the top during the rule of Elendil. By doing this, he had installed the strongest of the three Palantiri of Arnor in the tower. It raised the value of Weathertop to a great extent as it was useful for quick communication and intelligence gathering. When King Earendur passed, the kingdom was divided into three amongst his sons, who took hold of the hill or the stones in three parts. The three kingdoms were Cardolan, Rhudaur, and Arthedain, and Weathertop lay at the meeting point of the borders. It became the center of a long-lasting dispute between the reigns with frequent skirmishes and small wars. Through this time, the hill shifted from one hand to another. In the later 14th century, it was under the control of Cardolan and Arthedain which were allied against Angmar and Rhudaur.​

During the rule of Argeleb, Rhudaur and Cardolan had not been successful. He tried to bring both the kingdoms under his control. However, Rhudaur was ruled by hillmen, and the claim was opposed. Argeleb eventually fortified the border with the increase in tension. Argeleb died in a battle with the Witch-king half a century later. The fortress and watchtower were burnt and destroyed by the armies of the Witch-King in 1409 of the Third Age.

At that time, Argeleb had gathered such a powerful army that it could not be resisted. His son was slain, and the Palantir was not retrieved. It stayed secure and was brought back later.​

In the 2001 film ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ by Peter Jackson, Weathertop is portrayed in an action scene where the hobbits approach it from the north, avoiding the main road. They had found Gandalf’s message at the top and seen the Ringwraiths coming towards them. [1] They were attacked at night in the dell below the peak and stabbed Frodo with a blade before returning. [2] In the 2012 ‘The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey’, Weathertop is shown for a short time as the meeting place of Azog, Yazneg and Fimbul and the hunters. The hill chosen as the portrayal of Weathertop is located on a farm in the Waikato region of New Zealand.​