The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Founded between II 3320 and II 3429; fell into decay from III 1640; completely ruined in III 2475
Location
On the river Anduin, about fifteen miles northeast of Minas Tirith
Origins
Founded by Elendil and his sons
Race
Division
Culture
Family
Ruled by the House of Elendil
Pronunciation
osgi'liath ('ath' to rhyme with 'path')
Meaning
Literally 'fortess of the (host of) stars',1 but also translated 'Citadel of the Stars'
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 11 August 2004
  • Updates planned: 13

Osgiliath

The ancient capital of Gondor

Map of Osgiliath and its surroundings

The 'fortress of the stars' that was the central and chief city of Gondor during its early years. It was largely deserted after the plague of the mid-Third Age, and lay in ruins at the time of the War of the Ring.


Notes

1

'Fortress of the stars' is a particular reference to the 'Dome of Stars' that stood in the heart of the city, beneath whose figured dome the chief palantír of the South-kingdom was kept.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 11 August 2004
  • Updates planned: 13

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