Gorgoroth, a short form for the Plateau of Gorgoroth, was a wasteland north of Mordor. It was home to several mines, forges, garrisons, and the famous active volcano Mount Doom. [1]
Geography
Gorgoroth was an arid plateau with severe weather conditions not inhabitable by life and covered with volcanic ash from Mount Doom. It was in the northwestern realm of Sauron with the fortress Barad-dûr to its north, the Ephel Dúath to its west, and the dry plain of Lithlad to its east. Mount Doom rose forty miles east of the Ephel Duath. [2] The Isenmouthe and Cirith Ungol were two passes that led to the plateau. The two mountain ranges on the southeast were a forge where water from the lake Nurn flowed through. The most important landmarks of this plateau were Mount Doom and Barad-dûr that stood at the south-western trailing point of Ered Lithui. The plains of Gorgoroth were home to many strange beasts. The wastelands had several fissures, and there was smoke curling high above the ground. Gorgoroth was the assembly point for Sauron's army waiting for their master's command. The dusty plains were patrolled by few garrisons of the Orcs. The Orcs and Trolls had fires set up to monitor if an intruder entered via the Black Gate or Cirith Ungol. The mines and forges of Gorgoroth were the repositories for weapons and armor for Mordor's armies.
History
In S.A. 1000, after deciding on Mordor to be his hideout, Sauron started constructing Barad-dûr on the plateau of Gorgoroth. [3] In 3434, the Last Alliance of Elves and Men set foot in Gorgoroth. They tried to capture Sauron's fortress. Anárion was slain during the siege. Around seven years later, the fort came under the Last Alliance of Elves and Men's control. Sauron was conquered, and the Ring seized. In T.A. 2951, after his return to Mordor, Sauron renovated the Barad-dûr destroyed during the War of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. Between March 16 and March 24, 3019, Frodo and Sam escape the Orcs of Cirith Ungol and continue their journey to Mount Doom, traveling along the road to the Barad-dûr.
References
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Locations in Middle-earth
Plains
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