Ost-in-Edhil
Ost-in-Edhil was one of the most beautiful and complex cities to grace Middle-earth. Although technically a fortress, the designs of the Noldor quickly outgrew the original intentions. Situated just downriver from the confluence of the Sirannon and Glanduin rivers, Ost-in-Edhil was built upon a bluff of granite. It looked westward over a long swell in the Glanduin, a small lake called by the Noldor Estelin (“pool of rest”). This lake was originally formed by a natural dam of rock further west, later enhanced by Noldorin engineers. Guarding the northwest edge of the city bluff was the small, swift river Iantalnith (“tumbling laughter") which drained the runoff from the rolling hills north of Ost-in-Edhil.
As one approached the city from the west, along the Tharbad Road, the nearby bank of the Glanduin became increasingly steep and rocky. At times the river was swift and even foamy, at others it widened and moved sluggishly. The road climbed along with the bank, gracefully sloping upward, and after the river widened to become the Estelin, the gleaming city of marble might be seen nearly a league away. The copper roofs of the three towers and the bronze dome of the Council Hall were often visible in the afternoon sun. Nearing the city — now on a road a precipitous one hundred feet above the river — the traveller first cames upon two massive marble planters, twenty feet square and ten high. Flourishing in each was a large holly tree, symbol of Eregion. The “prow” of Ost-in-Edhil loomed to the east, four hundred feet tall. Beyond the holly trees lay a large track, gamecourts and an amphitheatre: the Noldor frequently tested their physical prowess in competitions and games, and enjoyed dramatic presentations of every variety. Over a graceful stone bridge one approached the northern section of town, much lower than the main section of the city. Past a number of hedged, triangular gardens. the traveller at last arrived at the Northgate, where mail-clad wardens would politely check a merchant's business, and make any necessary arrangements for the stabling of horses, carts, etc. A dizzying ride in one of the amazing ortani (or a long stair-climb for the squeamish) later one arrived in the beautiful fortress-city of the Eldar.
Ost-in-Edhil was partitioned into several districts, divided both by levels and by inner marble walls. These districts, generically called Telerim, sing. Talarem, (“flat sections of the grid") were connected by stone stairways and in some cases, by sophisticated lifts ("ortani"), with gateways to the higher levels guarded by wardens and large steel gates.
Government
Eregion is an Elven-Kingdom of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain or ("People of the Jewel-smiths"). Led by Oromendero the High King of the Noldor.
Districts
Aldumar:This was a dining room facing a large garden and outdoor seating area. Across the way was a small inn.
Amphitheatre:the Noldor frequently tested their physical prowess in competitions and games, and enjoyed dramatic presentations of every variety.
Ardhlarem: Just below the Tirannun was the Ardhlarem (“high city"), set three hundred feet above the water with fifteen foot high walls. Here were found the residences of the most prominent Noldor, as well as the more elite shops and inns.
Bakery: Ragnor the Baker did little more than intermittently supervise his crew of Silvan bakers, but his breads and cakes remained the most prized in the city.
Brewery:Dantharos (“Man of Foam") was a Noldo of the House of Fingolfin, and so a possessor of the prized golden hair. He also had pale blue eyes, and a penchant for strong ale. He was master of his own brewery (operated by several Silvan Elves) and was generally acclaimed the best brewer in Eregion.
The Common Baths:Considerably larger than the Fountain Baths, these served a similar purpose for the majority of Sindar and Silvan Elves.
Council Hall and Library: This great structure held not only the domed Council Chamber, but the greatest library of the Noldor in Middle-earth, brought with them out of Beleriand. Although the Mirdaithrond had most of the texts on the physical arts and science, here were the histories, literature and songs of the people.
The East Garden: The Parth Rhûnen weretwo gardens, containing a variety of trees, including a large beech. In each was a small fountain surrounded by benches.
East-Gate and Stables:Similar in concept to the rectangular North-Gate, the eastern portal had two lifts as well as twin spiral stairs connecting the twelve floors of this high tower. At ground level were reinforced steel gates and numerous stables delved into the rock.
The forum and main marketplace: this wide open area was the daily scene of much trade and social intercourse. A great number of food-merchants had set up shop here. selling their comestibles to the city dwellers.
Fountain Baths:A favorite gathering place of the Noldor, this building featured the usual amenities: sauna, warm baths, and a swimming pool. More than a recreation area, the baths of Ost-in~Edhil (as was true of any city of this size) were a major social center.
Galadharm: Further east of the mid-city was the other residential section of the city, the Galadharm (“Wooded city"), again three hundred feet above the water. Here lived for the most part the Sindar and Silvan Elves who had choosen to reside within Ost-in-Edhil. This section had a different character than the Ardhlarem, bearing a larger number of trees and a generally more rustic atmosphere.
Glassblowers:Although associated with the Gwaith-i-Mirdain, Celeglîn and his two sons prefered to live and work in the city proper, and were generally accepted as the finest glassblowers and cutters in Eregion. Occasionally a smith from the Halls would visit Celeglin to confer or seek advice on a technique related to glassworking.
Hall of the Gwaith-i-Cirdain:These large buildings housed materials for ship construction and were large enough to accommodate smaller ships in drydock.
High Citadel:Íntruding into the northern portion of the Galadharm was the High Citadel, which served as the home of the Guard of the city, and a last place of retreat in time of danger.
Houses of Healing:His house open to anyone in need of aid. Thalos the Healer was a widely trusted and respected Noldo. Although Elves were immune to disease and sickness, they could at times fall victim to injury. Two Sindar aided Thalos and tend the occasional patient who had to stay for an extended period.
Oromendero's Palace: The villa was palatial, and includes a large library, an armory, and three vaults. There was also a secret passage under the river connecting this house to the Mirdaithrond. The house was constructed primarily of grey-blue azurite, trimmed at the railings and frames with purple porphyry. The roof was of very resilient tiles painted and glazed to match the trim. At night, blue-tinted lanterns were lit along the perimeter walls, giving the villa an unusual luminous blue appearance
Tingled Vine:A Tavern Serving a variety of wines as well as mead and beer, the Tingled Vine was an informal room with adjacent gazebo, all situated in a well-tended garden.
Seer:Orophin the Seer was a sulky, mysterious Noldo with curly black hair and ebony eyes. He habitually wore a full length hooded black robe over his large frame.
Palace of Aegnor and Angrod: Built of pale brown travertine marble, with its almost wood-grain like bands, the trim of this small but regal house was dark cherry,stained to almost black. The house was constructed upon the side of the granite bluff, so that the terraces and all rooms looked westward.lnterior furnishings tended to be simple but elegant, stressing organic comforts.
Points of interest
The Mîrdaithrond was undoubtedly one of the most unusual and
interesting of all the Noldorin structures in Eregion. Designed by Celebrimbor, it was a strange marvel of architecture, combining a love for nature with a lust to conquer the mysteries of science as the Elves knew it. The Halls of the Gwaith-i-Mirdain proper were mostly above ground, the actual forges were deep beneath the House, access gained through the “Portal to the Forge". Three triangular buildings, each sixty feet in height, anchored the complex and served as starting points for the unleashed “ripples” to follow: gazebos, stepped balconies and verandas, fountains and enclosed courts. To the north, standing guard over the entrance stair- way was a ninety-foot belltower.
Founding Date
First Founding S.A. 230, Re-founding T.A. 1410
Founders
Type
Capital
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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