The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Built by the Gondorians early in the Third Age; destroyed on 25 March III 3019
Location
Above the western side of the Morannon, guarding the northwestern entry into Mordor
Race
Built by Men, but later controlled by the forces of Sauron
Pronunciation
na'rchost (ch as in the name 'Bach')
Meaning
'Bitter-biting fort'1
Title

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About this entry:

  • Updated 14 April 2016
  • This entry is complete

Narchost

One of the two Towers of the Teeth

Map of Narchost

The western of the two towers known as the Teeth of Mordor, that stood on hills either side of the Black Gate of the Morannon, guarding the northwestern entrance into Mordor. Narchost and its companion Carchost were originally built by the Gondorians, as a guard on Mordor after Sauron's first defeat. As Gondor's strength waned, Narchost was abandoned and left to decay, until Sauron returned to his ancient land. His forces took over both of the old guard-towers and repaired them, so that at the time of the War of the Ring, they formed part of Sauron's own defences.


Notes

1

This interpretation comes from Tolkien's extended index to The Lord of the Rings. The reference to 'bitter-biting' doubtless connects to Narchost's identity as one of the Towers of the Teeth (as did the name of its twin Carchost, 'fang fort'). There may also be a connection to Narch Udûn, an older name for the valley later called simply Udûn that lay behind the Morannon.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 14 April 2016
  • This entry is complete

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