Glittering Caves - Printable version

The Glittering Caves also referred to as Aglarond, were breathtaking caverns located behind Helm's Deep in the Rohan region.

Description

The Glittering Caves were an ore-laden cave system, extended many miles through the White Mountains' northwestern arm. These spectacularly jeweled caverns were situated under the three steep-sided peaks of the Thrihyrne. There were many tunnels, passages, and chambers, along with a narrow stream of water running through the Narrows of Aglarond. The caves had high ceilings and domed vaults. The floors were filled with sand, and the walls were gleaming with crystals and gems. The caves' narrow gorged entrance made them a fantastic hiding location that could defend the inmates against an attack. Aglarond was described as a marvel of the Northern World by Gimli. Legolas was dumbstruck when he visited these caves.

History

Before The War of The Ring

Númenóreans built two fortresses to shield the Fords of Isen. One was the Glittering Caves, and the other Angrenost later called Isengard. Both the forts were well protected. [1] After establishing the Rohan territory, the Glittering caves were used for storage and a hideout for Rohirrim, especially Hornburg, located at the gorge's mouth. In due course, the Rohan population, then called Calenardhon, began to dwindle. The fortresses were not regarded as essential and were not well supplied. The caves were ruled by a clan of guards who got into wedlock with the Dunlendings. Just before the ring's war, Calenardhon was handed over to Eotheod by Cirion, the Steward of Gondor. This led to the transfer of Glittering Caves to the Rohirrim. The caves were used as a storehouse and also as a stronghold during war and strife. They were well guarded by the Fords under the joint partnership of Gondor and Rohan. The artisans of Gondor overhauled the fortress during their stay there. The fortress's shared garrisoning continued until it became a part of Rohan and was maintained only by the Rohirrim. When Rohan was under the rule of Helm Hammerhand, it was invaded by the Dunlendings. They struck from the fort Isengard situated across the river Isen. The Dundendings were successful in capturing a few territories of Rohan and sacked Edoras. The caverns served as an excellent hideout for The King of Rohan, Helm, and his subjects. They stayed there for the entire Long Winter of TA 2758 and TA 2759. The part of the cave which harbored these refugees was called the Hornburg. This was because Helm had a habit of blowing the great horn when marching towards the annoying Dunlendings to launch an attack.

War of The Ring & Afterward

During the Battle of the Hornburg, fought on the 3rd and 4th of March, T.A. 3019, the Rohirrim sought refuge at the Hornburg when they were chased by the Host of Saruman. The Orcs launched an attack on the caves using explosives and tried their best to breach but were unsuccessful. After the War of the Ring, one of the mighty heroes of the war Gimli, the Dwarf, settled there with his colony of men from the Durin clan. The caves were laden with food and livestock. Eomer and Legolas were there as well. Gimli was referred to as the First Lord of the Glittering Caves. [2] Along with thedwarves, he fashioned the stone walls, built chambers, and fitted lamps that made the caves radiant. After carefully setting up this part of the caves, he forged a new pathway to Minas Tirith. It was a passage constructed in Mithril and Steel. Gimli and Legolas became good friends and chalked out a plan.

Gimli wanted to stride the deep woods of Fangorn after the wars ended, while Legolas decided to watch the splendid caves. Both Gimli and Legolas were astonished by the beauty of the enchanted caves. During this time, the territories housing the caves were under the control of Thorin Stonehelm's leadership. His kinsman, heir, and all members of the Durin clan had full custody of the caves. The Hornburg, part of the Glittering Caves located behind the Deeping Wall, was revived by the Dwarves. At the end of the War of the Ring and the beginning of the Fourth Age, Hornburg was a territory shared by the Dwarves and the Rohirrim. The Glittering Caves became a significant landmark of the Dwarven colony.

Behind The scenes

As per Tolkien's description of the Glittering Caves, one could associate it with the Cheddar Gorge located in Somerset, a southern county of England. [3]