Tûr Betark

Tûr Betark was an ancient mountain in Middle-earth, located in the Yellow Mountain's eastern range, in Endor's distant southern lands. Secure paths to this mountain and South Endor were extremely rare, and there is just one primary way popularly used by those who come to this region.

The Horsehead's Peak or Ghabaras in Tûr Betark is a headland that was a central high point in the mountain range and boasting the most abundant minerals in its deposits. Tûr Betark has sufficient minerals in its rugged cliffs such as quartz, mica, and feldspar, common in the Yellow Mountain range. When the sun rises, these deposits shine with radiance on the mountain's peaks. The mountain's south and north arms were rich with metamorphic and sedimentary ores. Meanwhile, the sedimentary and volcanic mineral beds were abundant in slate, gneiss, and marble. Panoramic hues also develop from its bare deposits. The desert lies north of Tur Betark, and in this direction, the terrain fades from golden to crimson, as the earth and sand blend. This spectrum of golden feldspar to crimson iron oxide is due to geologic substance variance in its terrain.

Tûr Betark has the region of Sirayn's coldest temperatures. This environment is caused by hot, humid vapor from Haragaer ascending rapidly and precipitates as rain on the mountain's high summits and lower terrain. Then, the water generously supplies the river and brooks of the northern landscape. It frequently rains in the mountain's south region, with 75 - 100 inches of rainfall per year, although it is minimal down south. Snow also falls once a month in its highest points, thus forming its snow-capped summits. Tûr Betark's climate is a pleasant difference from the hostile conditions in the desert. The temperatures seldom rise higher than 70 degrees during the summer season, but it's always around subzero in winter. The evening cold is more intense than the daytime as in most highlands and mountain regions. There were also years when the cold will even turn water bodies into ice in summertime.

Tûr Betark's environment exhibits an alpine climate, and its plants and animals cannot retain water as in other areas. The mountain's valleys produce an extensive diversity of vegetation, mainly abundant in towering pines. While in the low hills, juniper and scrub oaks thrive in the landscape. Because of the denser pours in the southern terrain, the vegetation was far thicker than the north. Still, the types of plants and trees are very much alike. There were also low growing grasses blanketing the ground among the aspens and giant pines in the north.

Several naturally dwelling plants serve as remedies and grow in Tûr Betark

• Acaana - This plant only grows in the high summits of Tûr Betark. It bears a poisonous flower and grinding the petals produce a lethal pulp.
• Mirenna - These berries grow in the mountain's cold valley. It ripens in the summertime and becomes an effective remedy for a head injury.
• Mook - The Danak gather these berries of this juniper related tree. These are effective antidotes against poisons that impede breathing.
• Megillos - The Danak use the leaves of this small shrub to enhance the scope of their sight.

Tûr Betark is a haven with sufficient rain and greeneries for all kinds of animals and creatures. Also, it is home to both plant and meat-eating animals, residing in the same mountainous lands. Goats, hedgehogs, rodents, badgers, sheep, and other similar animals increase in the region in vast numbers. Meanwhile, hawks, mountain lions, and foxes dwell in the area hunting the smaller creatures as prey and effectively controlling their population.

Some unique animals reside in Tûr Betark

• Marnetta - Marnettas are lively creatures similar to otters that thrive in Tûr Betark's forests and low hills. The Sirani and Danak perceive them as good omens. Therefore, they seldom hunt them. They also vary in size, and some can even grow as big as canines. They are notably naughty but are simple, harmless, and pleasant creatures.
• Tasidii - The Tasidii were gigantic birds that can be mounted for flight and have a wingspan of twenty-five feet. Yet they can only be tamed and ridden with magical powers by bonding its commitment to the rider. They dwell in the isolated parts of Tûr Betark and only reside in this region. They also belong to the same family as Mirkwood's Great Falcons.
• Lautan - This short-haired, giant rodent creature with small ears cause trouble to those passing through Tûr Betark. The Lautan consumes traveler's packs and rotten food. They can be found all over Tûr Betark and are exceedingly challenging to chase away or impair their movement. According to the Danak, not even a strike in the head with a stone would hurt these creatures. They are senseless animals and often make a fool of themselves.