The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Built in II 3320 or shortly thereafter; held by the Dunlendings from III 2710 to III 2759; held by Saruman from III 2759 to III 3019; effectively destroyed by the Ents on 3 March III 3019
Location
The valley of Nan Curunír, in the southern feet of the Misty Mountains
Origins
Built by Elendil and his sons
Race
Division
Built by the Dúnedain; later occupied by the Wizard Saruman and the Orcs who served him
Culture
The servants of Saruman were known as Isengarders
Settlements
The Tower of Orthanc rose from the centre of the Ring of Isengard
Pronunciation
eye'sengard ('eye' represents the sound of the English word 'eye')
Meaning
'Iron2 enclosure'
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 25 July 2004
  • Updates planned: 27

Isengard

The fortress of Saruman

Map of Isengard

A Gondorian fortification at the southern end of the Misty Mountains, at the source of the river Isen. It was granted to the Wizard Saruman by Steward Beren of Gondor, and destroyed by the Ents during the War of the Ring, though its central tower of Orthanc remained standing.


Notes

1

At least, it was built by Men and maintained by them for most of its history. Saruman, though, was not a Man - he was a Wizard, and hence of the 'race' of the Ainur.

2

Isengard wasn't literally made of iron, of course - the word isen, 'iron', refers to the exceedingly hard rock from which it was actually made.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 25 July 2004
  • Updates planned: 27

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