The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Orthanc was constructed in the early days of Gondor, in II 3320 or shortly thereafter
Location
At the peak of the Tower of Orthanc within the Ring of Isengard
Origins
Created by the early Gondorians
Race
Made by Men, but Orthanc was latterly occupied by a Wizard
Division
Culture
Important peaks
The Tower of Orthanc rose out of the Orthanc-rock
Pronunciation
Orthanc is pronounced 'o'rthank'
Meaning
Orthanc means both 'Mount Fang' and 'Cunning Mind'

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About this entry:

  • Updated 19 September 2023
  • This entry is complete

Pinnacle of Orthanc

The high tower of Isengard

Map of the Pinnacle of Orthanc

The peak of the Tower of Orthanc was marked by four razor-edged points, and between them was a space where a man could stand. Reached only by a stairway of thousands of narrow steps, Saruman would climb to the Pinnacle of the Orthanc to watch the stars. On the polished stone floor of the Pinnacle were a series of strange figures, which were perhaps connected with Saruman's star-watching.

It was on this Pinnacle that Saruman imprisoned Gandalf in the early days of the War of the Ring. Five hundred feet above the Ring of Isengard, there seemed little hope of rescue, but Radagast sent the Eagle Gwaihir, and so Gandalf was able to escape the Pinnacle of Orthanc.


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 19 September 2023
  • This entry is complete

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