Timeline Event
Orcs make strongholds in the Misty Mountains
Event Type: Military/Strategic
Age: 3rd Age - The Stewards
Year: 2480
Description:
An event in the aftermath of Sauron's return to Dol Guldur; see that entry for more information:
circa 2480
Orcs begin to make secret strongholds in the Misty Mountains so as to bar all the passes into Eriador.
The Return of the King, LoTR Appendix B, The Tale of Years: The Third Age
Orcs again multiply in secret and occupy many deep places (especially those anciently made by the Dwarves) in the Misty Mountains. They do this so stealthily that none are aware of it, until they have great forces hidden and are ready to bar all the passes from Eriador into Anduin's vales, according to the plan of their master in Dol Guldur.
The Peoples of Middle-Earth, HoME Vol 12, Part 1, Ch 8, The Tale of Years of the Third Age
In the days of Arahad I the Orcs, who had, as later appeared, long been secretly occupying strongholds in the Misty Mountains, so as to bar all the passes into Eriador, suddenly revealed themselves. In 2509 Celebrían wife of Elrond was journeying to Lórien when she was waylaid in the Redhorn Pass....
The Return of the King, LoTR Appendix A, Annals of the Kings and Rulers: Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur
Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 8Oct05, 17Oct05
