Mordor
General Info
| City | Barad-dûr |
|---|---|
| Area/Region | Gorgoroth |
| Country | Middle-earth |
| Location Name | Mordor |
| Alternate Name | The Black Land, The Land of Shadow |
Overview
At the center of Mordor is the restless and flaming Mount Doom, where the One Ring was first forged and then destroyed. The mountain and its surroundings are accentuated by oppressive, never-ending heat and a smoky darkness that rarely rises, embodying the spirit of this dark and eerie place.
Mordor is also home to the terrifying strongholds of Barad-dûr and Cirith Ungol. Barad-dûr, also known as the Dark Tower, is Sauron's main stronghold and the ultimate symbol of his power. His ominous silhouette dominates the skyline of Mordor. The fortress of Cirith Ungol, guarded by the monstrous spider Shelob, controls the transition to this eerie realm.
But Mordor is more than the seat of Sauron's power: it is home to vast armies of orcs and terrifying creatures who serve the Dark Lord. Despite its gloom and dread, it remains one of the most fascinating and iconic places in the fascinating universe of The Lord of the Rings. From a purely aesthetic perspective, the dark charms and vast landscapes of Mordor are a stark and compelling contrast to the relative calm and rural beauty of the rest of Middle-earth.
History
The origins of Mordor go back to the end of the First Age when Sauron made Mordor his home. In the Second Age, Mordor's power reached its peak when the One Ring was forged in the flames of Mount Doom. The Fairy Kingdom had invaded Mordor, and the land of men was in constant danger. In the War of the Last Alliance at the end of the Second Age, there was a brief break in the rule of Mordor as Sauron was defeated and lost the One Ring.
At the start of the Third Age, Mordor was a comparatively calmer time, with Sauron lying on the ground and gathering his army. By the end of the Third Age, however, he had regained all of his power and the focus of Middle-earth was once again on Mordor. The War of the Ring, the central conflict of The Lord of the Rings, marked the final fall of Mordor when the One Ring was destroyed.
Mordor is not only a physical place, but also a symbol of the potential destruction and downfall caused by an insatiable desire for power. It is a testament to Tolkien's genius that Mordor, a place of malevolence, plays such a central part in the tapestry of Middle-earth. This unique combination of geography and history makes Mordor a fascinating aspect of the Lord of the Rings universe.
Background
Contrary to popular belief, not all of Mordor is covered in wasteland and ash. The northeastern part, called Nurn, is fertile and rich in natural water bodies thanks to ash from Mount Doom enriching the soil. But it stands in stark contrast to the prevailing image of Mordor: a barren wasteland full of volcanic ash and smoke, dominated by the ominous Mount Doom, where the One Ring was forged and ultimately destroyed. The rocky, volcanic plateau of Gorgoroth reinforces this image of a permanent land controlled by Sauron, replete with his grotesque fortresses of Barad-dûr and the Tower of Minas Morgul.
Mordor is a strong symbol, a representation of evil and corruption, the embodiment of Sauron's malevolent power. This land is shrouded in constant darkness and fear, a stark testament to Sauron's raw, destructive power. Tolkien's enchanting landscape, Mordor, remains an integral part of the Mystique and charm of the Middle-earth saga. Despite being a realm of horror and fear, it is also a symbol of the eternal struggle between good and evil, and thus plays a central role in the epic story of The Lord of the Rings.