Places in Middle-earth
Helm's Gate
Type: Other Natural Formations
Region: Rohan
Location: The narrow entrance from the Deeping-coomb into the Helm's Deep ravine, guarded by the Deeping Wall; the fortress of the Hornburg was built on the Hornrock, which forms the north side of the Gate.
Description: At Helm's Gate, before the mouth of the Deep, there was a heel of rock thrust outward by the northern cliff. There upon its spur stood high walls of ancient stone ... The Hornburg it was called.... A wall, too, the men of old had made from the Hornburg to the southern cliff, barring the entrance to the gorge. Beneath it by a wide culvert the Deeping-stream passed out. ... and flowed then in a gully through the midst of a wide green gore, sloping gently down from Helm's Gate to Helm's Dike. ... There in the Hornburg at Helm's Gate Erkenbrand, master of Westfold on the borders of the Mark, now dwelt.
The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 7, Helm's Deep
[Said Éomer,] 'Not far ahead now lies Helm's Dike, an ancient trench and rampart scored across the coomb, two furlongs below Helm's Gate.
The Two Towers, LoTR Book 3, Ch 7, Helm's Deep
Contributors: Elena Tiriel 7Jan05
