Places in Middle-earth
Caradhras
Type: Mountains, Hills, Promontories
Region: Rhovanion/Misty Mtns
Meaning: Red horn
Other Names Caradhras the Cruel, Barazinbar, the Redhorn
Location: A peak of the Misty Mountains lying between Eregion and Lórien. Underneath Caradhras were the mines of Moria where mithril was found. Caradhras was one of three peaks, the others being Celebdil (Silvertine) and Fanuidhol (Cloudyhead). The pass under the far side of Caradhras is called the Redhorn Gate.
Description: On the third morning Caradhras rose before them, a mighty peak, tipped with snow like silver, but with sheer naked sides, dull red as if stained with blood.
...soon their way became steep and difficult. The twisting and climbing road had in many places almost disappeared, and was blocked with many fallen stones. ... The narrow path now wound under a sheer wall of cliffs to the left, above which the grim flanks of Caradhras towered up invisible in the gloom; on the right was a gulf of darkness where the land fell suddenly into a deep ravine.
As the light grew stronger it showed a silent shrouded world. Below their refuge were white humps and domes and shapeless deeps beneath which the path that they had trodden was altogether lost; but the heights above were hidden in great clouds still heavy with the threat of snow.
FotR, Book 2, Ch 3, The Ring Goes South
Contributors: Lyllyn 6.3.03