Tyrn Gorthad

Tyrn Gorthad is the Sindarin name for the Barrow downs, as well as the name of the Cardolani baron who has had the rule of them through the Second and Third Ages. The baron's chief town and capital was Fealond, on the northern end of the Gap of Andrath. Fealond evolved as a spiritual haven for those Dúnedain who wished to build tombs in the downs or simply to study or meditate there. After the division of Arnor, the Cardolani fortified the northern reaches of the downs along the Great East Road and erected a wall and hedge to ward off incursions from Arthedain. Minas Mal loth, the Tyrn Gorthad's chief fortress, was east of the Men Formen on a high ridge of the South Downs. It became the heart of the Cardolani border defense.
In T.A. 1409, the Witch-king attacked Amon Sûl and drove King Argeleb westward through the downs towards Fealond. The King built a fortified camp on the downs just above the town, expecting that the Angmarim would not readily approach such an ancient holy site. He was wrong. The Troll Warlord Rogrog led a night attack that destroyed Ostoher's army and leveled Fealond. The Hir Tyrn Gorthad died in the battle; his son abandoned Minas Malloth and fled north through Bree. An Arthadan force recaptured the fortress a year later, but Fealond was never rebuilt. The downs to the east, traditionally ruled by the Hir Tyrn Gorthad, were depopulated and continually drew Orc and Warg raiders from Angmar and Rhudaur. Andrath, a town ruled by the Princes of Dol Tinarë, became the sole focus of spiritual life in the region, and the Hirdor of Tyrn Gorthad was impoverished.

Type

Citadel

Location under

Tyrn Gorthad

Included Locations

• Barrow Downs
• Tyrn Gorthad

Owner/Ruler

Pelendur Norin

Owning Organization

House Noirins