Places in Middle-earth
North Stair, The
Type: Roads, Lanes, Ways
Region: Gondor
Location: A steep portage-way built on the southern face of the Emyn Muil, west of the Falls of Rauros.
Description: [Said Aragorn,] 'I would not abandon our boats until we must. The River is at least a path that cannot be missed.'
'But the Enemy holds the eastern bank,' objected Boromir. 'And even if you pass the Gates of Argonath and come unmolested to the Tindrock, what will you do then? Leap down the Falls and land in the marshes? '
'No!' answered Aragorn. 'Say rather that we will bear our boats by the ancient way to Rauros-foot, and there take to the water again. Do you not know, Boromir, or do you choose to forget the North Stair, and the high seat upon Amon Hen, that were made in the days of the great kings?'
The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 9, The Great River
... they questioned Aragorn concerning the realm of Gondor and its ancient history, and the remnants of its great works that could still be seen in this strange border-land of the Emyn Muil: the stone kings and the seats of Lhaw and Hen, and the great Stair beside the falls of Rauros.
The Fellowship of the Ring, LoTR Book 2, Ch 10, The Breaking of the Fellowship
Contributors: Elena Tiriel 22Dec04, 6May05
